Rock climbing has never been more in demand than it is now, due to high-profile movies, social media coverage of challenging pitches and problems, and vanlife culture. Few outdoor activities compare with climbing natural rock for fun!
Simply by planning ahead, you can find something suitable to your ability level almost anywhere in the world.
1. Devil’s Lake
The Baraboo Hills of Wisconsin feature an exceptional geological composition and are one of the Midwest’s premier rock climbing spots. Climbers here will discover plenty of granite and quartzite cliff faces perfect for scaling.
Beat Junkie is an iconic arete climb, offering everything from big reaches to solid holds to varied movement and an exhilarating finish. Furthermore, its beauty will likely leave you alone on this “old school” 5.13.
New River Gorge once served as an area for traditional climbing, but now features some of the top sport routes in America. Comprised of nearly all quartzite stone, climbs feature everything from vibrant hues and psychedelic hues to jugs, pockets, crimps, and monolithic faces – join an AMGA-certified guide on an incredible rock climbing program in this beautiful spot!
2. Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks draws visitors year-round with its towering multicolored sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes and streams, deep green forests and deep beach dunes. There are backcountry campsites, hiking trails and even a maritime museum located within its shoreline area.
Miners Castle, a spectacular sheer sandstone archway near Chapel Basin on Lake Superior, is one of the park’s most celebrated natural landmarks; other caves and unique formations can also be found throughout including Grand Portal Point’s suspended archway.
Pictured Rocks Park is best visited during autumn when its colors are at their most vibrant. Unfortunately, this makes for an extremely busy season of tourists coming to view its breathtaking landscape; to avoid crowds it is recommended to visit on weekdays or early to mid October.
3. Robinson
Rock climbers don’t have to travel far for rugged cliffs and challenging crags to enjoy climbing. Equipped with the necessary training and gear, a day spent at these parks allows climbers to witness familiar landscapes from an entirely new perspective – and experience nature’s splendor from new heights.
Robinson Rock offers an astounding variety of sport climbing routes. Its expansive latitude suggests more are still waiting to be discovered here, yet its current selection of face climbing and overhangs offers enough variety for even those with strict self-imposed “pitchs-per-hour” requirements.
The Buttermilks offer easy-to-moderate routes, making them an ideal location for beginners or those seeking a quiet, relaxing atmosphere away from crowds. In addition, there are numerous trails here for hiking or mountain biking adventures.
4. Asheville
Rock climbing has seen enormous surge in its popularity lately. Thanks to popular films such as Free Solo and social media coverage of challenging pitches and problems, its appeal to all audiences has never been greater.
Indoor gyms and vanlife lifestyles may have contributed to climbing’s current ubiquity; however, nothing beats challenging your limbs on natural cliffs and walls – these top spots should definitely provide enough excitement.
Chimney Rock is an ancient granite outcrop just an hour south of Asheville that resembles an enormous chimney. Adventurous visitors can hike to its summit for expansive views across miles or scramble up its steep face–but be warned; neither experience should be attempted by beginners! Featuring jugs, pockets, sidepulls and massive edges this classic arete was aptly named by pioneering ascensionist James Gose when first climbing it.
5. Table Rock
Table Rock is a renowned tourist destination and features several attractions for visitors to explore, from its Talking Rocks Cavern to Silver Dollar City amusement park and even more tranquil experiences like visiting dewey short visitor center to explore Table Rock Lake on a boat cruise, kayak ride or bike tour.
Lower and Upper Table Rock’s oak-dominated summits boast an abundance of wildflowers and vernal pools. On a clear, haze-free day, hikers can see Mount McLoughlin, Bull of the Woods, Roxy Ann Peak and Pilot Rock from their summit trail on Upper Table Rock plateau.
6. Fort Payne
Fort Payne in Northeast Alabama provides an ideal weekend destination for adventure seekers. Boasting hiking trails, waterfalls, and state parks nearby, Fort Payne provides plenty of ways to stay active and discover something new!
Fort Payne Depot Museum provides an engaging display of historical artifacts. Nearby lies W. B. Davis Hosiery Mill, once known as the “Sock Capital of the World”. Additionally, steel fabrication plants and home fabrication firms play an essential role in keeping Fort Payne financially sound.
Little River Canyon Center features a Grand Hall, HD movie theater, gift shop, natural history library exhibits classrooms back deck and an outdoor amphitheater. If you are an Alabama fan be sure to stop by the Alabama Fan Club and Museum.
7. Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows granite formations present an abundance of challenging and rewarding routes to traverse. Cracks or faces, Tuolumne Meadows has it all: glacier-carved domes and steep walls as well as cracks.
Wall Street, a roadside crag located in one of America’s premier rock climbing regions, provides beginner climbers with easy sport climbs for honing their skills before venturing onto more difficult ascents. Furthermore, this location also boasts several multi-pitch climbs such as Lembert Dome.
Explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains with AMGA-certified guides and experience its magnificent landscapes from spring through autumn. Hike to pristine alpine lakes during summer hikes and camp under star-spangled skies while fall brings breathtaking mountain views with changing leaves, as well as returning back to crags for an exciting rock climbing program!
