Rock climbing is a challenging sport that gives you an adrenaline rush. It is also the most fun activity giving a full body workout which is more fun than a gym. You also get to see some breathtaking views. When it comes to rock climbing nothing can beat rock climbing in national parks in the U.S. From hidden ciffs to arid landscapes the national parks offer plenty of opportunities.
These stunning landscapes are perfect for experts as well as beginners. Summer is the best time for rock climbing in most of the national parks giving the weather to climb up the mountain. Make sure to take all the safety measures before you leave for climbing. Also, notify your family or friends on route selections you are going. It’s also better to avoid rock climbing in harsh weather.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National park encompasses 265,461 acres of spectacular mountain. Climbing is the most popular activity in Rocky Mountain. The park has an amazing range of landscapes with hidden crystal clear lakes.
The wide range of peaks and granite rock making it a perfect destination for climbers. With hundreds of granite rock and peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park gives amazing opportunities for both beginners and expert climbers. carries a reputation as a world-class climbing destination.
Rock Climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Hallett’s Peak
- Kiener’s, Longs Peak
- Alexander’s Chimney
- Lumpy Ridge
- Dreamweaver, Mt. Meeker
- North Ridge, Spearhead
- South Face, Petit Grepon
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park located in the central Sierra Nevada of California covers over 748,436 acres. Yosemite is a well-known rock formation and is one of the world’s greatest climbing areas. If you are a climber you can enjoy the endless challenges at Yosemite. If you are an experienced climber the massive vertical walls of Yosemite Valley will take your breath.
The granite domes and formations of Yosemite are perfect for beginner, intermediate, and even advanced climbers. Yosemite is not only a favorite for climbers but also for hikers because of its large ecosystem.
Rock Climbs in Yosemite National Park
- El Capitan
- Hetch Hetchy.
- Mariposa Grove
- Yosemite Valley
- Glacier Point
- Tuolumne Meadows
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is well known for its amazing landscape that attracts climbers and hikers. The park also has some of the best alpine climbing in North America. The numerous peaks and over 300 glaciers which is a destination for mountaineering, technical rock climbing, and scrambling.
Rock Climbs in North Cascades National Park
- Forbidden Peak
- Eldorado Peak
- Mount Baker
- Mount Shuksan
- Sharkfin Tower
- Sahale Peak
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park has two distinct desserts, the Mojave and Sonoran. The park features rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. You get to discover grippy rock and surreal landscape which make it a must-visit place for climbers.
The park offers challenges for all ability levels with more than 8,000 climbing routes and hundreds of natural gaps. If you are a beginner and want to hire a climbing guide you are allowed, but you need to make sure the climbing guide has a valid permit.
Rock Climbs in Joshua Tree National Park
- Intersection Rock
- Quail Springs Rock
- Atlantis Wall
- Thin Wall.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the amazing places to climb with multi-pitch towers, easy one-pitch towers, and hard cracks. Climbing up the rocks and seeing the stunning views is truly a must to do sport.
To protect the natural environment and the park’s resources the CCMP has implemented some rules and regulations. Before you go climbing make sure you learn the rules and regulations. Most climbing in Arches is technical and requires advanced skills so you need to take all the safety measures.
Rock Climbs in Arches National Park
- Elephant Butte
- Tower of babel
- Off balanced rock
- Owl rock
- 100 yard wall
- Devil’s golf ball
- Sunshine wall
- The great wall
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National park is located in south-central Utah. Capitol Reef has fantastic summit climbs that you shouldn’t miss. The rock at Capitol Reef is made up of sandstone, which varies from soft crumbly Entrada to the hard Wingate. When climbing in Capitol Reef be sure about the rules and regulations. You also need a permit for climbing and bouldering.
Rock Climbs in Capitol Reef National Park
- Wingate cliff walls
- Chimney Rock.
- Hickman Bridge.
- Capitol Gorge.
- Cassidy Arch
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon has a dramatic landscape with huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees. The rock in Kings Canyon is similar to Yosemite. The parks offer rocky routes for climbers of every ability. You can enjoy a variety of climbs from easy to extremely challenging. The most popular routes in the parks are the Obelisk and Grand Sentinel.
Rock Climbs in Kings Canyon National Park
- Bubbs Creek
- Zumwalt Meadow
- Grand Sentinel
- Gorge of Despair
- Tehipite Dome