Rock Climbing Hotspots
From sandstone and granite formations to volcanic amalgamations zones, America’s public and private lands offer a diverse selection of rock climbing locations that cater to both traditional climbers and boulder hawks alike. No matter your style of climbing or preference – from traditional routes to bouldering – there is something here for every level climber to enjoy.
New York is becoming a haven for climbers of all kinds – from the world-famous Gunks (or, more precisely, Shawangunks) to a hidden gem like Thacher State Park – offering incredible climbing adventures that won’t soon be forgotten! Discover these awesome outdoor locations for a climbing adventure you won’t forget.
1. Eldorado Canyon
Eldorado Canyon, situated seven miles outside Boulder, is the front range’s premier climbing spot and features an abundance of routes that challenge even experienced climbers to their limits. Its conglomerate sandstone walls jut up to 700 feet, and are covered with every kind of hold imaginable: from crimps, slopers and jams, pockets underclings and side pulls – providing climbs suitable for novice climbers as well as expert-only test pieces.
Eldorado Canyon State Park’s main draw for climbers is climbing; however, Eldorado Canyon also features numerous scenic trails and breathtaking views for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The moderately challenging Rattlesnake Gulch Trail winds its way along the canyon wall toward Crags Hotel’s 19th-century remains and affords views of Colorado’s Continental Divide. If leisure is more your speed then Fowler Trail provides a more leisurely route which leads directly to Shirt Tail Peak for stunning panoramic views of towering cliffs towering above Ponderosa Pine forests and South Boulder Creek!
Eldorado Springs State Park is well known for its artesian water, which comes from a deep underground aquifer. Visitors can sample some of the purest, mineral-rich water available in America at Eldorado Springs for only 50 cents per gallon! Plus you can take a refreshing swim at America’s oldest swimming pool; built in 1905 this pool combines hot and cold waters from both canyon and mountain streams for an invigorating dip!
Eldorado Canyon is an ideal family destination, perfect for exploring nature while watching world-class climbing. Your kids will have fun trekking across rocks along a streamside trail, exploring caves and gazing up at climbers on cliff walls – and taking a snack break or running off some excess energy in quaint picnic areas before returning out onto trails again!
2. Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon provides climbers with something for everyone: huge boulders, short sport routes and multipitch behemoths. Situated near Las Vegas, this area is sure to please, offering world class rock climbing with warm temperatures year-round and an extensive variety of climbs to choose from.
Red Rock Canyon’s most recent development is its flourishing bouldering scene, as Tom Moulins’ excellent guidebook “Southern Nevada Bouldering” covers it extensively. Bouldering can range from easy to difficult rock climbing here; therefore providing an opportunity to develop both skills and endurance simultaneously.
Although Red Rocks is popular, there is still ample opportunity for solitude and peaceful moments on its rocks – particularly during spring and fall, when crowds tend to thin out and temperatures can reach lovely warm levels.
At this area of sandstone climbing (although there are also limestone cliffs higher up that are being developed), most of the climbing occurs on soft and crumbly sandstone; as soon as it rains it becomes soft and crumbly – a good rule of thumb would be not climbing within 24 hours after light rainfall or 48 hours following heavier rainfall; climbing in these conditions may become dangerously unstable if one falls off an overhanging route section, leading to serious injury or fatality.
Trad climbing in this region is unmatched; there’s an incredible variety of amazing cracks available such as Epinephrine which ascends a terrifying dihedral, Black Orpheus which ascends a massive overhung face with perfect crimps, and Sour Mash which features an exciting traversing roof to crack crux.
Red Rocks is an extremely popular location for our adventure travel trips, rock climbing camps and guided climbs, which means parking can become extremely congested at its popular crags. To ensure an enjoyable trip we advise arriving early carpooling and always referring back to the Red Rocks Climb-On Map to maximize climbing time*.
3. Zion National Park
Zion National Park in Utah boasts spectacular sandstone cliffs and narrow gorges that attract crowds of visitors from near and far, drawing attention for their sheer beauty and photogenic scenery. Though considered a midsized national park, it draws large numbers due to its stunning natural features that draw crowds. Furthermore, Zion offers various hiking routes from moderate level up to expert level hikers; one particularly famous hike is Angels Landing that culminates in a steep, exposed section supported by chains that offers jaw-dropping views!
The trail is immensely popular, so the park limits capacity in order to ensure people remain safe and avoid overcrowding. Their website advises arriving early if possible in order to reduce crowding; this is impossible during peak season though. October and early November offer optimal conditions, featuring fall foliage with low crowds and temperate climate.
Hiking in Zion is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The canyons offer beautiful sandstone formations and lush forests; moreover, Zion is one of the country’s family-friendly parks, offering easy hiking trails that are suitable for strollers as well as children and strollers – particularly Pa’rus Trail and Lower Emerald Pools Trail for younger hikers and strollers – but more challenging treks await backpackers as well.
Are you searching for an unforgettable hiking adventure? Zion offers plenty of memorable opportunities, with the Narrows Trail taking hikers through a narrow river in a deep gorge. This experience can only be truly appreciated if one has a high tolerance for water and heights – definitely not recommended if fear or heights is an issue!
Zion National Park offers ideal hiking conditions from March through October. Traveling with children? Take part in the Junior Ranger program from Memorial Day through Labor Day; other park programs for families include guided nature walks, astronomy evenings and storytelling sessions.
4. Railay Beach
This treacherous trail features steel cables and wooden planks spanning cliffsides – one of the most treacherous hikes in America since 2005 and responsible for thirteen deaths.
Class 5
A steep route featuring solid handholds and footholds but some exposure. A rope may be necessary, and falls can be long and serious; moderate climbing skills are required.
Class 6 Climbs (technical, vertical routes with overhangs and small holds). Climbers needing these routes should have advanced skills beyond what most weekend climbers can accomplish. Climbers are advised to ask local climbers about difficulty of routes before traveling in this class; rating systems vary based on environmental factors – an easy climb at home may become much more challenging when experiencing it elsewhere.