Top 20 Best Rock Climbing Destinations Worldwide
How do we define the best rock climbing destinations? Firstly, they must offer climbing routes across all difficulty levels. Secondly, they should encompass various styles such as traditional climbing, sport climbing, single-pitch, and multi-pitch routes. Additionally, factors like accessibility and crowd levels also play a role.
Based on these criteria, AOKWIT has selected 20 of the best rock climbing destinations from countless possibilities around the globe.
Asia
Yangshuo — China
This town near Guilin is famous for its karst landscape. Centered around Yangshuo, there are hundreds of climbing routes beloved by climbers of all skill levels.
Krabi Region — Thailand
Krabi features limestone cliffs of monumental significance in the climbing world, boasting over 700 sport climbing routes. Its diversity offers something for every climber. Combined with stunning scenery, friendly locals, delicious food, and a relaxed Thai lifestyle, it makes for a high-quality climbing vacation destination.
North America
Yosemite National Park — USA
El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is arguably the world’s most famous big wall. Once thought unclimbable, it’s now covered in routes, with the world’s best climbers continually pushing its difficulty limits.
Joshua Tree National Park — USA
This renowned climbing area in Southern California’s desert is suitable year-round, especially when other parts of the US are snow-covered. It offers over 7,000 established routes, with countless more waiting to be developed in more remote areas.
Rocky Mountain National Park — USA
With over 265,000 acres of granite walls, this park offers immense climbing potential. Beginners can find suitable routes with guidebooks, while experienced climbers can camp and develop new lines in remote corners. Diverse options and the captivating Rocky Mountain scenery make it a top destination.
Moab — USA
Climbers worldwide are drawn to Moab’s massive walls, towers, and unique formations. It features some of America’s most famous routes, like “Wall Street,” “Indian Creek,” and “Fisher Towers.” You can also hike to more remote, awe-inspiring rock faces.
Banff & Jasper, Alberta — Canada
Although Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta are at least a 4-hour drive apart, together they form one of the premier climbing destinations. Banff offers around 40 climbing areas with stunning scenery and numerous routes, concentrated along the Bow River valley. June to September is prime climbing season, while winter attracts ice climbers. Jasper provides a more relaxed climbing environment with less crowding even on popular routes.
Europe
Costa Blanca — Spain
With its vast variety and sheer number of routes, Costa Blanca unsurprisingly tops the list of Europe’s best climbing destinations. It offers possibilities for all climbers and enjoys pleasant weather year-round, avoiding extremes of cold or damp found elsewhere.
Costa Daurada — Spain
Costa Daurada is renowned not only for having some of the world’s best single-pitch sport climbing routes but also for its incredibly high route density. Its beautiful limestone walls and numerous established sport routes attract climbers globally. It’s also a convenient base for accessing other classic destinations like Rodellar, Margalef, and Siurana.
Fontainebleau — France
Located 90 km from Paris and famous for its boulders and unique rock formations, Fontainebleau is a bouldering mecca. Children can try easy problems, experienced climbers can tackle high-difficulty lines, and everyone can find enjoyment.
Orpierre, Haute Provence — France
Orpierre has transformed into a climbing-centric village offering everything needed for a climbing holiday – it’s just a ten-minute walk to the crags. It currently boasts 650 routes ranging from French grade 3 to 8c, and a policy of developing 30 new routes annually ensures constant growth.
Dolomites — Italy
Climbing in Italy is largely synonymous with tackling the big walls of the Dolomites. This region features classic multi-pitch routes up to 80 meters long across all difficulty levels, catering to climbers of every stage. Easy access from the road means you can maximize the number of routes climbed in limited time.
Pembrokeshire — UK
The highlight of South Wales climbing, Pembrokeshire offers thousands of sea cliff routes. For extra adventure, deep water soloing (sea cliff climbing) provides an adrenaline rush. Reaching some crags is an adventure in itself. Tides are significant – remember not to climb when the tide is rising!
The Peak District — UK
Situated between Sheffield, Manchester, and Derby, the Peak District is famed for its gritstone and sandstone crags, making it the UK’s most prestigious climbing destination. With thousands of routes, you can find perfect crack climbs or discover massive boulders with intriguing features.
Other Countries
Kalymnos — Greece
This island near Kos enjoys warm sun, gentle breezes, blue skies, and expansive seas year-round. Climbers will find routes of every difficulty level, both single-pitch and multi-pitch.
Patagonia – Argentina
Patagonia’s breathtaking scenery is unmatched by other South American climbing destinations. Its endless mountain ranges host world-class climbing areas like Torres Del Paine, Fitz Roy, and Cerro Torre, offering everything from extreme big walls to routes of moderate difficulty.
The Grampians — Australia
Compared to other Australian climbing spots, the Grampians offers significantly more choice. It features thousands of routes spread across vast forests and rocky national parks, with some crags requiring muddy hikes. Alongside stunning natural walls, it also provides excellent facilities for beginners.
Wharepapa– New Zealand
Renowned for outdoor sports and surrounded by mountains, Wharepapa is naturally New Zealand’s top climbing destination. Its unique location and proximity to Auckland (just 2 hours away) make it a perennial favorite among climbers.
Rocklands — South Africa
Located in the Cederberg mountains, a semi-desert region about three hours north of Cape Town, Rocklands is famous for its world-class bouldering. It also offers some excellent sport climbing routes of varying difficulties, mostly single-pitch. Note that some routes are on private farmland, requiring permission before climbing.
Todra Gorge — Morocco
Nestled in the Atlas Mountains and surrounded by towering limestone walls, Todra Gorge is a haven for sport climbers. It features over 400 routes spanning all difficulty grades, with the longest reaching nearly 300 meters. Many walls are within walking distance of accommodations, saving time for more climbing.
