Skip to main content

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Best Rock Climbing Places in the World

So, you’ve spent the last year at your local climbing gym and are ready to make the transition from the indoor wall to the rock face. There are locations around the globe, like Mount Everest, that have become meccas for the adventure climber. Here is a list of our picks for the best rock climbing places in the world (with a few from the US thrown in for good measure).

Disclaimer: As exhilarating and challenging as climbing can be, the sport can also inherently dangerous. If you are new to the sport, consider enlisting the help of a professional outfitter that can make your entrance into the sport both enjoyable and safe. Always pick a route that suits your climbing level and make sure your gear is in good condition.

Related Videos

Red River Gorge, Kentucky

red river gorge kentucky

This absolutely gorgeous region contains the greatest concentration of arches east of the Rocky Mountains. The variety of routes is almost as diverse as the experience levels of the climbers that pack this area every weekend during the season.

Acadia National Park, Maine

otter cliff acadia national park

Otter Cliff, located on the rocky coast of Maine, is a 110-foot high sea cliff where the fun begins immediately as one must rappel down first. Climbing is weather and tide dependent and routes exist for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

Todra Gorge, Morocco

Todra Gorge Morocco

Over 400 routes exist among the massive limestone cliffs located in this largest developed climbing area located in the Atlas Mountains.

Kalymnos, Greece

Kalymnos, Greece

In addition to its diversity of routes, the superb weather and year round climbing make this one of the best sport climbing destinations in the world. Plan accordingly and you could find yourself there for the annual climbing festival to watch some of the world’s best climbers show off their skills.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park Climbing

This year round climbing destination is located in the high desert region of California. There are over 8,000 established routes in the park and it is an ideal location for winter climbing as the summers can scorchingly hot.

Railay Beach, Thailand

Railay Beach, Thailand

Accessible only by boat, this exotic destination features thousands of routes and may very well be a climber’s paradise. Limestone cliffs set against an endless blue sea provides a dramatic landscape for climbers of all levels. And, you can boulder right over the water which provides a soft landing should you lose your grip.

Yosemite National Park, California

el capitan yosemite national park

No roundup of the world’s best climbing locations is complete without including El Capitan. While multiple routes exist, climbing this 3,000 imposing granite cliff face is best left to the most experienced climbers.

Editors' Recommendations

Understanding ski slope trail markers: What those colors actually mean
What do the different colors on a ski trail map really mean?
Two skiers at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort

Just like a map is essential on the trail in the summer, the winter trail map is your guide to not getting lost on the mountain this winter. The first thing most skiers and snowboarders do when they turn up to a new ski resort is to get hold of a trail map and earmark some runs they want to explore. If you've got a holiday booked and coming up soon, you might already be looking online to get your bearings on the ski area, but do you really know what you're looking at?

Ski slopes are broken up into different difficulties and marked on the map using different colors. Experienced skiers may be able to glance at this map and know where they're headed — they're probably able to tackle most of the slopes, too — but skiing for beginners is hard enough without adding mapreading into the mix. And then what happens if you end up on the wrong slopes, clinging onto a ski run for dear life? Well, our ski slope difficulty rating guide is here to ensure you don't get lost on the mountain and safely make it to aprés at the end of the day.

Read more
Go green and save with the best places to rent your outdoor gear in 2023
Save the hassle and expense of buying expensive outdoor gear and apparel. Opt to rent instead!
Find the best places to rent outdoor gear.

Adventure sports can be expensive hobbies. Everything from mountain biking to scuba diving to kite surfing requires hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars worth of new gear to get started. And that's saying nothing of any costs associated with taking lessons from a pro, too. That’s a lofty investment for something you might not even like doing. But, why buy when you can rent?

Thanks to the sharing economy—where you can rent everything from houses to cars to boats—a growing number of outdoor companies are getting into the pay-per-use game for outdoor gear and apparel. These are the best places to rent outdoor gear in 2023. And if buying all-new equipment is too pricey but renting isn’t for you either, finding a good place to buy used outdoor gear can be a more affordable alternative.
REI

Read more
Get the best snowboard boots for comfortable connection
These snowboard boots will keep you in control on the mountain all day long
person snowboarding down a mountain with a wake of snow behind them.

Your snowboard boots are a vital link in the chain that connects your body to your snowboard. But more than that, they're where your feet will be for hours at a time when you're on the slopes. If you've moved on from rental boots already, you will know that having your own boots not only keeps you more comfortable throughout a day of snowboarding but also keeps your feet warmer and drier and gives you much greater control over your snowboard.

But when picking your perfect snowboarding boots, there's more to it than just finding a pair that looks great and fits your feet. Different boots suit different snowboarders. If you're a hard-charging carver, you'll need a pair of boots to match. Likewise, if you love sending spins and tricks, you need a softer and more playful pair of snowboard boots. We've picked out the best boots for various snowboarders this winter, so you can spend more time on the mountain and less time finding the perfect snowboard gear.

Read more