Top Rock Climbing Destinations in the USA for Maestros and Beginners

You will want to climb these

If you are interested in rock climbing, you may be going on an adventure with a team of fellow climbers, while there will be some backpackers too, planning to spend some time away from civilization. You may even have a preference for the kind of mountains you may want to climb and to see the views around once you get to the top. Here we list for you some destinations that are most popular with people interested in this sport.

Yosemite National Park, California

When you think of national parks, you think of wilderness for miles on, with diverse flora and fauna. There are some parks that lead to the beaches while others have mountainous terrain. Yosemite National Park falls into the second category. It has rocks for climbing and you can choose one according to the height you will be comfortable with. Experienced climbers can try their hands at Half Dome or El Capitan. For the newcomers, there is the Tuolumne meadows, with rocks that are not too high. If you are new or need some guidance there are tour operators who will be ready with the gear for you, taking you all the way. However, you should try rock climbing only if you are confident that you will not make any mistakes. Fresno Yosemite International Airport will allow your flights to bring you here.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

A large part of this national park is a desert, it is in fact, based on where the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert meet. So, you will need to come prepared with a good supply of water. Your bag will not just be packed with the tools to climb the rocks, but you will have you meals with you too. Rock climbing can take hours depending on the height of the rock itself. You have the option of trusting the maps or you can hire a guide to take you around. There are some rocks that most adventurers will enjoy climbing, though here you may find marks of bolts used by the climbers who have come here before you. Palm Springs International Airport will allow even international tourists to come here.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

Millions of visitors come to this area every year and some of them will be keen on rock climbing. This area is within driving distance of Las Vegas and will be on the itinerary of most interested in exploring the regions around this city, built mostly for tourism. For climbing there are mostly red rock formations and a few tall sandstone rocks. There are a few guidebooks about this area for the climbers, which will allow you to pick the right rocks for climbing, with details about what to do and what not to do. You will be coming with a vehicle, so there are parking areas for you and you can even set up camps. Rock climbing is allowed only in the daytime so for a stay of another few hours you will need to get a permit. You will be able to get here through flights landing at the Las Vegas International Airport.

Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

This park is known for large canyons with rivers flowing between them. As the name suggests there are hundreds of rocks fit for climbing. In fact, it is believed to be the place where rock climbing began as a sport. Though, most of these are allowed for climbing in certain months only, for conservation purposes and the safety of the climbers. Most campers are encouraged to set camps alongside the trails, some of them along the rivers, so they can be tracked easily in case of any emergencies. There are more than a few rocks suggested for climbing, some of which will be challenging while others will be right for those who have taken up rock climbing recently. The Redmond Airport is closest to this park and Portland is the major airport, from where you can drive to this destination.

Red River Gorge, Kentucky

This Geological area has large red canyons next to the Red River, giving you perfect green views all around you. It’s been nicknamed the Red by rock climbers, indicating how popular it is with them. Most of this area is in the public domain, and some parts are held privately, which are maintained for those interested in climbing the rocks there. Once you start to climb you may find marks on the rocks by the climbers who have been here before you, giving you a “you can do it too” attitude. Mostly there are small rocks to climb with a few larger ones for those too serious about rock climbing. Lexington Airport is closest to this Gorge.

Acadia National Park, Maine

This park next to the Atlantic Ocean has some mountains where rock climbers can ply their trade. It is one of the activities that you can get involved in here including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking among others. Here you will find rocks alongside the coast and next to the lakes, giving you glorious views as you climb up your chosen mountain. It’s not just for backpackers, some rocks will be comfortable for your entire family too. Experts will be able to do everything on their own and for novices there is help at hand in the form of tour guides. Most rocks will not take more than a few hours to climb, and the size and type of group can be the factors making you take a little longer. Bar Harbor is the closest airport to get to this park.

Conclusion

There are some reasons why you will go to a national park for and there are some in the USA that have the rocks that you can climb. Here we have listed the popular ones where you can follow the examples of others or do your own thing. Here help will be at hand if you get in trouble, though this sport is only recommended for those sure of themselves.