Miles and Eli Perry, Brothers, Send Grand Illusion V16

Miles Perry has added another major line to his résumé with the ascent of Grand Illusion V16 in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Coming off his first ascent of a 5.14d last year, Perry returned to bouldering with one of the area’s most iconic and demanding problems.

The climb had lingered in Perry’s thoughts for years, always feeling just beyond reach. That shifted last spring when his brother, Eli Perry, managed to complete the line. Seeing Eli’s process, and hearing his confidence that Miles could also send, sparked a new level of motivation. With that encouragement, Miles committed to trying from the ground this season.

Roughly 20 days of effort later, he found himself topping out Grand Illusion. The send, he says, was one of the most enjoyable climbs of his life, a combination of personal progression, sibling inspiration, and finally unlocking a dream that had long sat at the edge of possibility.