Rock climbing is a popular outdoor activity that offers a challenging physical workout as well as beautiful views of nature. The United States is home to some of the best places to go rock climbing, with a variety of climbing destinations that range from iconic national parks to lesser-known local crags. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to go rock climbing in the USA.
Joshua Tree National Park, California – Joshua Tree is another iconic climbing destination in California, and it’s known for its unique climbing routes and beautiful desert scenery. The park is home to thousands of climbing routes that vary in difficulty, and it’s a great place for both experienced climbers and beginners. Joshua Tree also has a large concentration of bouldering, making it an attraction for bouldering enthusiasts.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky – The Red River Gorge is a popular climbing destination located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. The gorge is home to more than 1,600 climbing routes, making it one of the largest climbing areas in the Eastern United States. The routes here are mostly sport climbs and the quality of the sandstone is outstanding.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon – Smith Rock State Park is located in central Oregon and it’s known for its stunning geologic formations and world-class climbing. The park is home to more than 1,500 climbing routes, which range in difficulty from beginner to expert. The park is a great place to go climbing all year round, as the mild temperatures make it a perfect destination for climbing in the winter months.
Rifle Mountain Park, Colorado – Rifle Mountain Park is located in western Colorado and it’s known for its steep, overhanging walls and challenging climbing routes. The park is home to more than 700 climbing routes, and it’s a popular destination for experienced climbers. The park is also known for its limestone climbing, which is not very common in the US and a feature that makes Rifle Mountain Park a unique climbing destination.
Yosemite National Park, California – Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the USA, and it’s not hard to see why. The park is home to some of the most recognizable and challenging climbs in the world, such as El Capitan and Half Dome. The granite walls here are steep and imposing, and they offer a variety of climbing routes that range from easy to extremely difficult.
Seneca Rocks, West Virginia – Seneca Rocks is a popular climbing destination located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The rocks are granite cliffs that are over 900 feet tall and offer a variety of climbing routes that range from easy to extremely difficult. Seneca Rocks is also known for its exceptional scenery, which makes it a great place to go climbing and sightseeing.
New River Gorge, West Virginia – New River Gorge is another popular climbing destination located in West Virginia. The park is home to more than 1,400 climbing routes, making it one of the largest climbing areas in the Eastern United States. The routes here are mostly sport climbs, and the quality of the sandstone is outstanding. The New River Gorge also offers exceptional views and is a great place for a scenic hike.
These are just a few of the many great places to go rock climbing in the USA. Each destination offers a unique climbing experience and stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out, these destinations have something to offer. Plan your next climbing trip and discover the beauty of rock climbing in the USA.
Featured Image: Photo by Fionn Claydon on Unsplash
