7 Thrilling Rock Climbing Destinations In The U.S.

Prepare to reach new heights and experience the world from a different perspective through rock climbing. Read on and find out the best destinations to pursue this fastest-growing sport!

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Rock Climbing Destinations: Uncle Sam’s Most Thrilling Crags

1. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is renowned worldwide as one of the most enchanting and enthralling places for rock climbing. With its tremendous domes and impressively beautiful cliffs, countless climbers are flocking Yosemite’s granite every year.

Definitely, a climbing mecca that inspired John Muir to devote his life to nature. No list or climbing adventure shall be complete without including or mentioning this legendary park.

2. Red River Gorge, Slade, Kentucky

Seasoned climbers know some of the most remarkable rocks to climb on are located in Slade, Kentucky. This destination is favored by many for its astounding beauty and the climbing potential is absolutely immense.

Climbing in “The Red” creates a magical experience that can be cherished for a long time.

3. Joshua Tree National Park, California

You can ask every outdoor enthusiast and they will immediately tell you, Joshua Tree is the dream destination. Other than that, it is absolutely one of the best places for rock climbing in the U.S.

There are times it can be crowded here but Joshua Tree still offers a plethora of routes up its marvelous rock formations.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park offers the most awesome climbing and rappelling opportunities in the area and its view is nothing short of spectacular. Its 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs made this destination famous for its long climbing routes.

But this location doesn’t have a lot of top roping so it is better left for those who are more experienced in rock climbing.

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5. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

Most of the rock climbing enthusiasts in the Midwest often feel frustrated because all of the great climbs are located out west or on the east coast. But little did they know Wisconsin has a few surprisingly remarkable cliffs you can try without costing you an arm and a leg.

Devil’s Lake State Park has some heavenly rock formations that can be enjoyed by both beginners and intermediate climbers. And after a day of hardcore climbing, you can soak your sore body in the soothing lake below.

6. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is the most famous destination in the Washington area when it comes to rock climbing. The reason behind its popularity is the high-quality granite with plenty of cracks and a comprehensive variety of route difficulty.

Leavenworth is arguably a mecca for an outdoorsman with great hiking, biking, kayaking, mountaineering, and rock climbing a stone’s throw away.

7. Acadia National Park, Mt. Desert, Maine

The jagged edge of the Maine coastline with all its mystique provides an exemplary backdrop for an exceptional climbing adventure.

It is one of the awesome places where you can climb on magnificent, solid, crisp granite just a few inches above the cold and dark waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean.

Watch this video from Epic.TV and check out Europe’s most awesome crags!

With the multifariousness of terrain in the U.S., it is not that difficult to find the perfect rock climbing destinations suited for your skill level and experience. Unbelievable rock formations with high-quality granite are a feast for your eyes and will unquestionably arouse your ardent zeal.

So what are you waiting for? Choose the ideal destination for you and embark on a magical adventure.

Do you have more rock climbing spots in mind? Share it with us in the comments below!

Up Next:

• Rock Climbing Fundamentals
• A Beginner’s Guide To Using Climbing Chalk For Indoor And Outdoor Climb
• Canyoning | The Best Canyoneering Spots This World Has To Offer

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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in December 2019 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.