Best Rock Climbing Spots

Hey Tourist! One of the most significant forms of outdoor pursuits in today's current community mentality would be classic rock climbing and bouldering. The sport of scaling rock structures has a thick and rich history and has increased exponentially in the past few years, with a new focus on finding the top destinations around the world and where the best climbers can try their skills next. With that being said, the following is a compilation of the most celebrated goals on earth for challenging one's self that any severe climber will be eager to try.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is widely regarded as the beginning of the rock climbing sport. Two of the most sought-after climbing faces in the world are here, El Capitan and Half Dome. World class rock climbers had made Yosemite their home since the beginning of the sport back in the 1950’s when many still considered the ability to climb such giant rock faces impossible. Today, however, even the biggest structures, El Capitan at two-thousand-three-hundred-seven meters tall, has been conquered in less than a day. Currently, record ascent for the crowned jewels is a top-out of El Cap, Half Dome, and Mt Watkins South Face, all within one day by the infamous Alex Honnold. Unfortunately, park rules have restricted visitors to only a week in camp, not much time to truly learn the terrain and accomplish much.

Now that you know about the wonderful history of Yosemite and the giant routes that it offers, the next slide will bring forth another great California site for climbing.

Pinnacles National Park, California

Pinnacle is a popular destination for climbers that are looking for a challenge. Heights reach about one-thousand-four-hundred feet in the air, but it is not the height that makes these lines difficult. For most, the unstable rock formations make for a tough climb. With little quality cracks for clean routes, climbers often have to tap in for safety during an ascent. As a result, with the weak integrity of the rock, bouldering is minimal except for those with a death-wish. All being said, the routes here are tough, but safe if precautions are taken. Also, once completed, rockers will feel an accomplishment like none other, which is why visitors often fall in love with this site.

America is comprised of many of the top destinations for ascending in the world. However, the next stop is located in Spain and compares to the top sites in the USA.

Mallorca, Spain

Climbing at Mallorca, the next destination, is like nowhere else on earth. Located in Spain, this impeccable site hosts quite a collection of rock faces that range from veteran to novice levels. Climbers may even try their luck out over the emerald water as Mallorca is the largest of four Balearic islands. There are also various free-standing structures to tackle in the area. Many of the routes here are still fairly unexplored which means that new visitors are encouraged to try new lines to expand the climbing communities knowledge of the terrain. Limestone is the common mineral for climbing, making for a solid opportunity to get some foreign experience while enjoying the beautiful view. Not to mention that food and drink in Mallorca, Spain is delightful.

Now that you are aware of the great climbing opportunities in Spain, the next destination will bring us back to the USA, however, this time in Utah.

Arches National Park

Rock in Arches National Park makes for one of the more challenging routes on the list, which is much of the reason why experts make up a vast majority of the active climbers here. Due to the sandy debris-like climbing conditions, the advanced technique should be used to get to the top, accompanied with safety precautions, even for the most experienced. Regulations here ensure that all attempting to scale the structures are trained. The beauty of the park, however, cannot be underestimated, and chalk is required to match the color of the rocks, ensuring a consistent, hard-to-notice marking. Regardless, adventurers here will have an experience they will not soon forget.

Following the awesome climbing structures in Utah's Arches National, the next stop is both a paramount scaling opportunity and a place of native significance.

Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is next on the docket and is definitely among the more unique structures for climbers to attempt. Rising to over one-thousand-five-hundred meters, Devil’s Tower is a laccolithic butte formation that is made of igneous rock. Cracks here make for amazing climbing conditions, with crevices that for hexagonal forms. Scalers must register before rising to the top at this Wyoming treasure and have a variety of different lines available to them. Some of the long-standing routes vary around the 5.7-5.13 difficulties but have been said to be underrated, meaning that those wishing to try their skills should be cautious of the difficulty first.

Devil's tower is most definitely a top sought after opportunity for professionals, but the following site, located in China, is a tough competitor, especially with the brilliant landscape.

Yangshuo, China

Yangshuo offers another fantastic terrain for climbing, located in the stunning lands of China. For those that have traveled to Yangshuo for scaling structures, the main spot to head for would be Moonhill or Yu Liang Shan. Here, there is a challenging rock form that acts as a sort of bridge which encourages climbing within the gap. Such a stunning view is what makes for a great experience here with awe-strikingly beautiful flora and fauna to see. Many people travel early in the day to Moonhill in order to see a magnificent sunset. Also, it is rumored that there is a bottle of alcohol left up in the scaling space for those who reach tall heights.

Upcoming gon the list is another excellent North American destination, however, this time it is located in Western Canada and is known for a specific type of climbing.

Squamish, British Columbia

Next up on the docket is a climbing destination that brings you back to North America, specifically Squamish, British Columbia. Wedged between Vancouver and Whistler. Styles that are often found in Squamish are classic finger crack climbing and top out bouldering meant to challenge those free climbing skills. However, there is also a fair amount of basic rock climbing to be done on location, with a community that is eager to pair visitors, both foreign and local, up with partners to ensure a positive experience. Also, much like other popular climbing destinations, Squamish uses the Yosemite conversion chart to measure difficulties.

Last but not least, the next stop on the list will offer a unique region of rock structures for those seeking a variety of options in their pursuit.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney Australia is up next and may be considered one of the odd-ball destinations on this list for rock climbing. Truth be told, the value of Sydney for climbers is not so much the one-off great rock structures that have shaken the world and offer a paramount experience, it is the many smaller, but still challenging formations for bouldering and classic styles. Within the realm of Sydney, there are about ten to twelve major sites for scaling and top-outs making a playground of sorts for those looking to break out the chalk. Ascending here is often paired with an ideal climate and with the proximity of sites, and Sydney’s vibrant community within arms reach, this region makes for a top-of-the-world destination for scaling.