Each climber has their own idea about what a great place to rock climb truly is. A lot of it depends on the scenery, the location and the difficulty of the climb. In the U.S. there are quite a few great places to climb for climbers of varying skill levels and interests.
El Capitan in Yosemite
Yosemite is home to several places to rock climb including the popular, El Capitan. It is located on the north side of the valley and it has become a favorite among experienced climbers. For those that aren’t as skilled, there are different routes that are less challenging.
Grand Teton In Wyoming
Located in Grand Teton National park, the rock climbing opportunities found here caters to those of different climbing abilities. The park is easily accessible from Jackson, Wyoming and there are other places nearby for those that want to try out even more climbs.
Red River Gorge In Kentucky
This climb is known as “The Red”. It’s made out of sandstone and is best for climbers who are more experienced. The Red can push climbers to their limits, although there are a couple of spots where beginning climbers can test out their skills. It’s recommended that visitors stay and camp as the area is absolutely beautiful and filled with stunning scenery.
Gibraltar Rock In Santa Barbara, California
This is a great place to climb for beginners. Gibraltar Rock is easily accessible and it’s not uncommon to see climbing classes taking place here. If you are looking for a more difficult climb, head over to the west face area called “The Nose” or “T-Crack, 10a”.
Boulder Canyon In Colorado
Boulder Canyon is made out of granite and makes for an excellent place to climb. The northern side is great to climb in the winter months and the south is preferable in the summer months. One of the most desirable things about Boulder Canyon is that most of the climbs can be reached in around 5-10 minutes.
Otter Cliff In Acadia National Park, Maine
Otter Cliff, located in Acadia National Park, offers amazing views of the sea and is very popular among tourists and locals. There are climbs available for both beginners and experts and it’s easily accessible with a variety of routes to choose from. It can be accessed by a five-minute walk from the park loop road.
