Best Rock Climbing Spots in the World
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Rock climbing isn't your average sport. While it can be done almost anywhere in the world, some spots are better than others. These places have multiple routes, challenging climbs and jaw-dropping scenery.
If you’re passionate about climbing, it's an excellent way to see the world. Practicing your skills in different terrains will make you a better climber. The views are a bonus.
So whether you are an amateur climber getting started or an expert looking to make history, you can't beat these rock climbing spots.
15. Todra Gorge
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Country: Morocco
Location: Tinghir Province
Rock climbing level: Intermediate to expert
Must-climb spot: La Classique
Why Rock Climb in Todra Gorge
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Rock climbing in the legendary Atlas Mountains doesn’t get any better than in Todra Gorge. You’ll have over 450 routes on the red limestone cliffs that make up the gorge, including some great multi-pitch climbs.
The deepness of the gorge will protect you from the heat of the Moroccan sun, which means you can enjoy this spot year-round without having to worry about snow or inclement weather.
This won’t be the easiest spot to get to, but the experience will be well worth it.
14. Skaha Bluffs
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Country: Canada
Location: British Columbia
Rock climbing level: Intermediate to expert
Must-climb spot: The Fortress
Why Rock Climb in Skaha Bluffs
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Sports climbers hail from all over for the Bluffs' crags, of which there are over 50. Climbs here usually attract those who prefer vertical, though there are some angled climbs you can do as well.
The Bluffs are still wild and rugged, which is a big part of their appeal, but it also means they are better suited for experienced climbers rather than enthusiastic beginners. If you’re near the park and eager to get into the sport, however, you can find a couple of easier routes.
Try to visit in spring or fall, unless you’re into climbing in extreme weather.
13. Railay
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Country: Thailand
Location: Krabi
Rock climbing level: All levels
Must-climb spot: Thaiwand
Why Rock Climb in Railay
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Most tourists come to Railay for beach parties and cheap beer. But there’s also a big rock climbing community that comes here looking for beautiful limestone rock.
Railay’s unique geography also makes it a great place for different types of climbing. You can do sport routes, bouldering or traditional rock climbing. Or switch it up and do different styles on each day you spend here.
Some of the climbs in this area can only be reached by boat, which means that unruly crowds are somewhat kept at bay. Railay is also one of the best beach destinations in the world, so you can enjoy your off time in the water.
12. Costa Blanca
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Country: Spain
Location: Alicante
Rock climbing level: All levels
Must-climb spot: Calpe Rock
Why Rock Climb in Costa Blanca
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This long coast in Southern Spain is sprinkled with limestone crags, which has made it popular with European climbers.
Most of the climbing is moderate, which makes the area a great place for beginners or for experts wanting to hone their skills for more intense climbs. The crags and towers here are also just fun to tackle, especially as you’re often rewarded with sweeping views of the Balearic Sea.
Calpe is considered the climbing hub of the region, particularly since it is the gateway to Spain’s smallest national park, Peñon de Ifach. The entire park basically consists of a massive seaside limestone outcrop and its insular ecosystem.
11. Castle Hill
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Country: New Zealand
Location: South Island
Rock climbing level: Intermediate to expert
Must-climb spot: Motutere/Castle Rock
Why Rock Climb in Castle Hill
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Located on New Zealand’s naturally gorgeous South Island, Castle Hill is the country's most frequented climbing spot.
The reason for its popularity are the limestone outcroppings that make it perfect for bouldering. Castle Hill has several areas that you can explore on a climbing trip and that cater to different levels.
You should note that the rock here is demanding, so beginners may have a more difficult time than in other climbing spots.
10. Fontainebleau
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Country: France
Location: Île-de-France
Rock climbing level: All levels
Must-climb spot: Bas Cuvier
Why Rock Climb in Fontainebleau
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If Rocklands is the place for modern bouldering, Fontainebleau is where traditional boulderers go to. After all, this French community is where the discipline was invented during the 19th century. This is why we call bouldering’s grading scale the "Font scale."
Fontainebleau has a large forest filled with bouldering areas that are conveniently marked by colors. This way, you won’t accidentally end up on an expert outing when you meant to do a simple practice climb.
While the area is notorious for its numerous slopers, there are still places that are so beginner-friendly that they’re used to introduce kids to the sport.
9. El Potrero Chico
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Country: Mexico
Location: Nuevo Leon
Rock climbing level: Intermediate to expert
Must-climb spot: Mota Wall
Why Rock Climb in El Potrero Chico
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A sadly underrated rock climbing spot, El Potrero Chico has over 600 routes to choose from. There are also several big wall multi-pitch climbs and one of the longest sports climbing routes in North America.
The national park has tall limestone cliffs and spires, which climbers love to tackle when they’re looking for a challenge. Though some routes are fairly easy, the sharp rock and steep cliffs usually attract climbers who are already comfortable off the ground.
8. Red Rocks
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Country: United States
Location: Nevada
Rock climbing level: All levels
Must-climb spot: Calico Hills
Why Rock Climb in Red Rocks
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Alex Honnold may have gone to Yosemite for the rock climbing film, "Free Solo," but he chose Red Rocks as his permanent climbing home.
Rock climbing and Las Vegas usually don’t go hand in hand for most people. But those who know are aware that few places in the United States — let’s be honest, in the world — have such varied, exciting and beautiful routes.
Red Rocks has more than 2,000 routes that climbers can choose to take. Unsurprisingly, this means that the area has something for everyone’s preference. You can do single-pitch climbs or take on tall multi-pitch climbs, test your stamina doing sport climbing or get some bouldering done.
Do a long climbing trip to try different routes or take a break from the city lights of Vegas and come here for a day trip. You really have your choice of how and when you want to climb.
7. Kalymnos
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Country: Greece
Location: Aegean Sea
Rock climbing level: All levels
Must-climb spot: Grande Grotta
Why Rock Climb in Kalymnos
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Do you ever need an excuse to go to Greece? No, but climbing can bring you to the often overlooked island of Kalymnos.
Climbing enthusiasts usually sigh with longing when they think of this spot, which has mega pitches, more than 3,400 routes and tufas to go around. With so many routes in a somewhat condensed space, there’s bound to be something for all levels.
You’ll also be surrounded by the Aegean Sea and get to eat a lot of Greek food, so if you ever have the opportunity to come here, don’t hesitate to do so.
6. Liming
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Country: China
Location: Yunnan
Rock climbing level : Intermediate to expert
Must-climb spot: The Firewall
Why Rock Climb in Liming
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Liming Valley is one the most remote rock climbing spots in the world, which makes getting there an adventure on its own. Climbers already come here, but the area’s isolation means that you won’t have to make long lines or worry about overcrowded routes.
Unlike in the rest of the Yunnan area, which is full of limestone crags, Liming is full of sandstone. It also has what is considered to be the hardest traditional route in all of China, the Firewall, also known as the Flying Buttress.
The names themselves are enough to get us excited to climb.
5. Rocklands
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Country: South Africa
Location: Western Cape
Rock climbing level: All levels
Must-climb spot: Pakhuis
Why Rock Climb in Rocklands
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Rocklands is considered the place for modern bouldering. Climbers who want to practice all the skills required to boulder come here to play around or get serious in the orange sandstone boulders.
This climbing spot was a hidden secret of professional climbers until the 1990s, when it enjoyed a sudden popularity explosion. Don’t worry, though. It’s still rugged, and you won’t find an annoying amount of crowds here.
4. Zermatt
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Country: Switzerland
Location: Valais Canton
Rock climbing level: Expert
Must-climb spot: The Matterhorn
Why Rock Climb in Zermatt
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Even if you haven’t heard of this climber’s paradise, you have definitely seen its most popular spot, the Matterhorn, in pictures. Perhaps the most famous mountain in Switzerland, it is also a rite of passage for climbers who want to earn the right to consider themselves experts.
Zermatt is often pinpointed as the birthplace of Alpine climbing, so it makes sense that climbing is in the blood of the community here. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it, either. There are easier routes that are suited for beginners.
3. The Dolomites
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Country: Italy
Location: Northeast Italy
Rock climbing level: Intermediate to expert
Must-climb spot: Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Why Rock Climb in The Dolomites
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The majestic Dolomites are every Alpine climber’s dream spot. This is where European climbers come to learn the ropes, perfect their art and prove their skill.
Climbs here tend to be vertical, and there are also several overhangs, which makes many routes quite challenging, even for experienced climbers. But that’s what makes this a spot worth visiting an endless amount of times.
The astonishing scenery of northern Italy is also a great reward for your efforts.
2. Yosemite
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Country: United States
Location: California
Rock climbing level: Intermediate to expert
Must-climb spot: El Capitan
Why Rock Climb in Yosemite
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Arguably, the most famous rock climbing site in the entire world, there is no climber who has not heard of Yosemite. This California national park is intricately tied to the history of rock climbing and was the base camp of the famed Stone Monkeys in the 1970s and '80s.
Though the granite rocks definitely have routes that beginners can enjoy, the best climbing spots in Yosemite are for those with some experience under their belt. The rock surfaces are often smooth and the cracks uneven.
El Capitan and Half Dome are the most popular spots for climbers ticking off must-do places. Even people who have no idea about climbing are familiar with these rock formations.
Yosemite didn’t get the top spot because its popularity and importance have led to many routes being overcrowded. We don’t mind having to ask for a permit, but spending hours in a line and having to be conscious of dozens of other climbers as you head up Half Dome certainly isn’t the best rock climbing experience.
1. Patagonia
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Country: Chile and Argentina
Location: Southern Patagonian Ice Field
Rock climbing level: Expert
Must-climb spot: Monte Fitz Roy
Why Rock Climb in Patagonia
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Located in the (almost) literal end of the world, Patagonia is one of the wildest, most interesting and most remote places you could ever go to rock climb.
This certainly gives it enough points to bring it to No.1, but the quality of the climbs here are also worth noting. Don’t expect to have it easy. Climbing Patagonia is grueling, and many simply give up before making it to the top. (Which we respect. Knowing your limits is paramount to rock climbing safety.)
But even if you don’t complete a route, the backbreaking journey is so rewarding, most people can’t wait to come back and try again. The whole time, you’ll be surrounded by otherworldly landscapes, with few climbers, which allows for an even better climb.