Cory Richards, born in 1981, didn’t initially set out to become a renowned adventurer and photographer. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, he was drawn to the outdoors, exploring the woods and mountains around his home. His passion for the wilderness led him to study environmental science at Penn State University, where he first picked up a camera to document his outdoor expeditions.

After graduating, Richards worked as a guide, leading climbing and hiking trips. It was during one of these trips, in 2007, that he captured his first viral image. While guiding a group up Mount Katahdin in Maine, he snapped a photo of a fellow climber silhouetted against the setting sun. This image, titled “Sunset on Katahdin,” gained widespread attention, launching Richards’ career as a professional photographer and adventurer.

Cory Richards’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Cory Richards’ net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure is based on the latest available information and takes into account his various ventures and assets.

Cory Richards’s Career

Cory Richards is an American mountaineer, photographer, and film director. He is best known for his first ascent of Mount Meru in 2011 and his successful ascent of K2 in 2014. Richards has also directed several documentaries, including “The Push” and “Himalaya: The Abode of Snow”.

Other Ventures

In addition to his mountaineering and filmmaking, Richards is also a co-founder of the adventure film festival, The Mountain Film Festival. He has also written a book titled “One Man’s Wilderness: An Epic Journey of Survival and Endurance”.

Assets

Richards’ assets include a collection of high-end photography equipment, a production company, and various real estate properties. He also owns a percentage of several adventure-related businesses. His primary residence is a mountain home in Colorado.

Annual Income

Richards’ annual income is estimated to be around $300,000. This includes earnings from his mountaineering expeditions, photography and filmmaking projects, book sales, and his share of the businesses he is involved in.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Cory Richards

Cory Richards Net Worth

Cory Richards is an American climber, photographer, and adventurer. He is known for his expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations. As of the latest estimates, Cory Richards’ net worth is approximately $2 million.

What is Cory Richards’ primary source of income?

Cory Richards’ primary sources of income include his work as a professional climber, photographer, and adventurer. He earns money through sponsorships, speaking engagements, and the sale of his photographs and books.

What are some of Cory Richards’ most notable expeditions?

Cory Richards has undertaken numerous notable expeditions throughout his career. Some of his most famous include climbing Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, leading the first ascent of the remote peak of Gasherbrum II in Pakistan, and completing a solo traverse of the Alaska Range.

What awards has Cory Richards won?

Cory Richards has been recognized for his achievements in climbing and photography with several awards. He has won the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award, the Banff Mountain Film Festival Grand Prize, and the Lowell Thomas Award for Travel Journalism.

What is Cory Richards’ relationship with Alex Honnold?

Cory Richards and Alex Honnold are both well-known climbers and friends. They have collaborated on several projects together, including the documentary “Alone on the Wall” and the book “In the Zone: How Alex Honnold Transformed Rock Climbing.”

What is Cory Richards’ educational background?

Cory Richards graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Environmental Studies. He also attended the Brooks Institute of Photography, where he studied photojournalism.

What is Cory Richards’ relationship with his family?

Cory Richards has spoken openly about his difficult upbringing and his strained relationship with his father. He has also mentioned that his mother and sister have been supportive of his career and adventures.

What is Cory Richards’ stance on climate change?

Cory Richards is an advocate for climate change awareness and action. He has used his platform to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on the environment and has participated in initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the outdoor industry.

What is Cory Richards’ involvement with the brand The North Face?

Cory Richards is a sponsored athlete for The North Face. He has worked with the brand on various projects and campaigns, including the development of new climbing equipment and the creation of content for their website and social media channels.

What is Cory Richards’ next big project?

As of the latest information, Cory Richards’ next big project is a multi-year expedition called “The Road from Home.” The project aims to explore the human impact on remote landscapes around the world and will involve climbing, photography, and storytelling.