For over two decades, our family has embarked on countless climbing adventures, exploring some of the most breathtaking climbing destinations around the world. From iconic crags to hidden gems, we’ve uncovered climbing spots that cater to all levels, offering unforgettable experiences for climbers, young and old.

As a family passionate about both climbing and adventure, these destinations hold a special place in our hearts for their unique challenges, stunning scenery, and family-friendly features. Whether you’re seeking towering cliffs, kid-friendly crags, or a mix of adventure and relaxation, this list of our favorite family climbing destinations is packed with inspiration for your next trip.

Each location is a testament to our love for the sport and serves as a reminder that climbing is about more than just reaching the top—it’s about the memories made along the way.

Red Rock, Nevada, USA

Nestled in an adventurer’s utopia, Red Rocks caters to climbers of all preferences and skill levels. From the allure of technical bouldering to the thrill of sport climbing and the traditional touch of multi-pitch ascents, thrill-seekers have abundant choices.

Red Rocks is truly a climber’s dream, known for its amiable bouldering, challenging sport climbs, and extensive options for traditional (trad) climbing.

Although winter sees the peak of its popularity, Red Rocks’ varied landscape welcomes climbers throughout the year. Those adept at understanding and adapting to Red Rocks’ multifaceted terrain will find it a year-round haven. With thousands of climbing routes bathed in generally warm weather conditions, it caters to everyone—from those looking for a short sports route to climbers geared up for grand 20-pitch adventures.

Beyond the rocks, the proximity to Las Vegas adds a splash of urban excitement for post-climbing entertainment. It’s hard to imagine a more well-rounded climbing destination. For more information and climber insights on Red Rocks, visit Mountain Project.

Yosemite, California, USA

When you first visit the valley with climbing in mind, it may not appear very comforting. However, regardless of the grade you climb, rest assured that the Valley has something to offer for everyone. With its diverse range of routes, stunning landscapes, and rich climbing history, you’ll find a mix of challenges and experiences that will leave you in awe.

So, don’t let the initial intimidation deter you. Embrace the adventure and discover the endless possibilities that await in the Valley. Happy climbing! Mountain Project Guide

Lovers’ Leap, California, USA

Lovers Leap is unparalleled as a moderate trad climbing sanctuary in the US. Its beauty is unmatched, and the climbs merge thrill with satisfaction. The climbs are sufficiently long for enjoyment without overwhelming commitment, and the short approaches ensure a remarkable climbing experience.

The area boasts a massive stretch of vertical granite, 250 to 600 feet high, interspersed with horizontal dikes that make the climbs manageable. Over 250 routes range from bouldering problems to four-pitch climbs.

Most routes favor traditional protection, with sport climbing 5.10+ YDS or more challenging due to the area’s dense trad-route layout. A short sub-20-minute hike on the maintained pioneer trail leads to the routes.

Despite Lovers Leap’s popularity, especially on summer weekends, its vast array of seldom-climbed routes affords climbers privacy. Venturing beyond popular trails eliminates waiting times. With the highest route concentration in California and varied difficulty, this crag promises enduring excitement for climbers. Explore Lovers Leap for a diverse and satisfying adventure.

Donner Summit, California, USA

Nestled near the picturesque Lake Tahoe, Donner Summit stands out as an idyllic climbing paradise perfect for the summer months. This climbing hub, known for its polished slabs and vertical cracks, offers an array of routes for all levels, from novice-friendly ascents to more challenging climbs.

It’s a destination where climbers looking for diversity flock to enjoy traditional, sport, bouldering, and multi-pitch climbing on pristine granite outcrops.

With most access routes beginning along Donner Pass Road, adventurers can explore crags and boulders that dot the landscape between there and Interstate 80. Although the Summit’s prime season runs through summer, spring, and fall, its southwest face of Grouse Slab is renowned for year-round accessibility.

For solitude-seekers willing to venture a tad farther, Donner Summit’s lesser-known crags offer quiet retreats, ideally culminating with a refreshing dip in Donner Lake and a relaxed beer on the dock after a fulfilling day of climbing pursuits.

Jackson Fall, Illinois, USA

Nestled within the tranquil foliage of Southern Illinois, Jackson Falls emerges as an idyllic sanctuary for rock climbers. This secluded haven offers a rich tapestry of perfect sandstone formations, making it the climbing crux with the highest route density in the state, silently tucked away in a scenic forest canyon.

Climbers can indulge in various climbs varying from delicate slabs to towering vertical faces and thrilling overhangs spanning 30 to 70 feet. Amidst the lush surroundings, climbers are met with diverse challenges, from slopers and pockets of all sizes to demanding roofs and sleek slabs, all enveloped in a refreshing canopy that provides respite during the sultry summer months.

As a testament to its dedication to preserving and enhancing the climbing experience, in 2016, the Illinois Climbers Association (ICA) joined forces with the USFS Shawnee National Forest, championing the maintenance of these climbing treasures.

This collaboration ensures ongoing hardware replacement, upgrades routes with stainless steel bolts that abide by the highest standards, and improves the area’s trails. Recognizing the progress made, the ICA has successfully re-bolted over 80 routes by 2023.

For those interested in contributing to Jackson Falls’ preservation, reaching out to the ICA provides an opportunity to support and engage with this climbing community. Whether you are searching for silence or a robust adventure, Jackson Falls is a climbing gem waiting to be explored. For those with children, consider Kid Friendly Climbing Smith Rock State Park.

Cathedral Ledges, New Hampshire, USA

Cathedral Ledges in North Conway boasts a rich climbing heritage and offers many opportunities for enthusiasts. Nestled on the East Coast, this destination features pristine granite that will impress experienced climbers and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re searching for spacious slabs or challenging cracks, Cathedral Ledges will not disappoint. Furthermore, the convenience of short approaches adds to the overall appeal, making Cathedral Ledges an ideal choice for adventure-seekers.

Whitesides Mountain, North Carolina, USA

Whitesides rock climbing in North Carolina is not just a sport; it’s an adventure that offers a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled experience for those who seek to test their technical skills and ability to handle the psychological.

Known for its lengthy routes and relatively scarce gear placements, Whitesides Mountain challenges climbers to bring their A-game and a strong sense of courage.

Each expedition to Whitesides Mountain is guaranteed to be packed with excitement and the chance to stretch your personal boundaries. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer vertical cliffs and their stunning views.

So, suit up with your climbing gear, mentally prepare for the demanding ascents, and get ready to face the vertical challenges that await you at this exceptional climbing location. For more details on routes and climbing conditions at Whitesides, you can visit Mountain Project.

Ao Nang, Thailand

Krabi’s climbing scene has a new gem known as The North Wall, a recently developed crag in Ao Nang, right on the mainland instead of the Railay-Tonsai peninsula. Its climbing experience mirrors Railay-Tonsai’s steep and dimensional terrain, boasting notably lengthy routes, particularly in the Mythic Beasts sector.

The North Wall has resilient titanium bolts set using Hilti 500 glue, ensuring climbers’ safety.

One of the major advantages is that most routes are climbable even during rainy days. However, climbers should come prepared with insect repellent spray and mosquito coils due to the pesky mosquitoes in the area. While no restroom facilities are available yet, plans are underway to install eco-friendly toilets.

For further details and updates on The North Wall, visit Mountain Project.

Batu Cave, Malaysia

The Batu Caves area, centrally located near Kuala Lumpur and famous for its titular cave, boasts numerous climbing crags scattered across the small mountain that houses the caves.

Despite the ease of locating the main cave by asking any taxi driver, finding the crags for rock climbing—or ‘Panjat Batu’—can present a challenge without some knowledge of Malay, Mandarin or stumbling upon the right cab. Rock climbing isn’t a widely embraced sport in the cosmopolitan hub of Kuala Lumpur.

The crags, characterized by their overhanging limestone draped with vegetation, tufas, and glob-shaped holds, may evoke the ambiance of urban Thai crags, albeit with the hum of traffic and a hint of dust. The rock quality is generally solid, and sport climbing is the norm, facilitated by reliable bolting and the rapid regrowth of flora that fills any potential cracks for traditional climbing.

Climbers should consider the hot and humid climate, heightened by Batu Caves’ inland and equatorial position, with a significant chance of rain during the wet season. However, quick storm onset and the crags’ modest height generally allow for a timely descent.

Although Batu Caves may not be regarded as an international climbing hotspot, it is undoubtedly worth visiting if you’re in the area, and it offers the best climbing opportunities if you find yourself in Kuala Lumpur for business or leisure. For more information, visit Mountain Project’s Batu Caves page.

Youngshou, China

Guilin County, once the proud capital of Guangxi Province, is now a thriving tourist hub, famous for its mountainous landscapes and cultural openness. It is an anomaly within China for its Western cultural influences.

Notably, Yangshuo, on the Li River’s banks amidst 70,000 breathtaking limestone karsts, has become internationally renowned for rock climbing, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe who seek to scale its diverse routes.

With climbing development dating back to the ’90s pioneered by Todd Skinner, the area offers a range of challenges, from gentle slabs to extreme overhangs, and has continuously evolved with an ever-expanding assortment of about 400 recorded climbs.

This explosion of climbing opportunities in Yangshuo, reminiscent of Krabi in Thailand, suggests that now is the time to visit before it potentially becomes a victim of its success. For a comprehensive guide to climbing in Yangshuo, the Mountain Project website offers valuable insights.

Eldorado Canyon, Colorado, USA

Eldorado Canyon State Park is celebrated as one of the premier climbing destinations globally, renowned for its towering, picturesque conglomerate sandstone walls that rise up to 700 feet with hues of gold and red, offering rock quality akin to granite.

The park’s climbing history is rich, with the monumental Redgarden Wall featuring routes from climbing legends like Layton Kor and evolving through decades of ascents by famed climbers. Despite its traditional climbing emphasis, Eldorado Canyon’s routes demand versatility, from delicate face climbing to technical traverses.

Historical routes such as The Yellow Spur and The Naked Edge merge the thrill of old fixed gear with the crucial need for skilled protection placement. For beginners, Wind Ridge and Calypso are perfect starts. At the same time, the area boasts many iconic routes across grades, including the intense 5.10s like Rosy Crucifixion and the daunting 5.12s such as Scary Canary.

For comprehensive guidance, Steve Levin’s Eldorado Canyon, A Climber’s Guidebook is the go-to resource, supplemented by a visit to Mountain Project for the latest updates and climber interactions.

Eldorado’s unique climbing experience pairs well with a visit to Lumpy Ridge, offering contrasting climbing styles just a short drive from Boulder and the neighboring alpine climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park for those seeking a blend of traditional and alpine adventures.

Gunks, New York, USA

The Gunks, renowned for their steep and challenging routes, offer a unique climbing experience that combines the excitement of sport climbing with the traditional style of using gear. Unlike most conventional climbing areas, the Gunks boast a multitude of steep routes with large holds that make for exhilarating ascents.

It is not uncommon to come across routes with imposing roofs that are surprisingly rated only 5.5 or 5.6, adding excitement to the climbing experience.

The Gunks truly stand out as a destination that offers the best of both worlds, allowing climbers to push their limits on steep terrain while also testing their skills in traditional gear placements. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner looking for a thrilling challenge, the Gunks will not disappoint.

Red River Gorge, Kentucky, USA

Nestled in Kentucky, Red River Gorge stands out as a top-tier climbing destination with its extensive range of routes within the national forest and private lands. It is renowned for its sandstone walls, particularly the overhanging challenges that test a climber’s endurance. Yet, it holds secret spots for trad climbers seeking quieter climbs on less-visited cliffs.

Climbing history here traces back to the 50s and 60s, before formal documentation. The 1970s marked the beginning of recorded climbs and guidebooks, with contributions from climbers like Larry Day, Tom, and Ellen Seibert. In the 90s, sport climbing surged, with Porter Jarrard introducing bolting of previously untouched walls.

As climbing popularity surged, so did access concerns due to climbers encountering the forest service and oil companies with drilling rights. The Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition emerged to counteract access issues, securing climber access areas like the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve (PMRP) in 2004 and the Miller Fork Recreational Preserve (MFRP) in 2012. After a day of climbing, enthusiasts often gather at the famed Miguel’s Pizza for a delectable slice in a vibrant setting.

Sunset, Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, USA

Located on the western slopes of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Sunset Park boasts premier single-pitch traditional climbing routes in Tennessee and is steeped in history, attracting both climbers and Civil War enthusiasts.

This historical landmark, a key lookout during the siege of Chattanooga, has been a climber’s paradise since the 1960s when routes like Rusty’s Crack were first scaled.

Throughout the decades, climbing luminaries such as Tim McMillan, Stan Wallace, Bill Smith, Rob Robinson, and Forrest Gardner contributed to the rich tapestry of challenging routes, including The Prow.

With no sport climbing permitted due to restrictions on fixed protection, Sunset Park offers a diverse selection of climbs for all levels, from beginner-friendly One-Ten to contemplative 5.12 routes like Jennifer’s World.

It’s an ideal summer climbing spot thanks to the cooling shade available until the afternoon, although this aspect makes it considerably more comfortable in winter.

T-Wall, Tennessee, USA

Tennessee Wall, a prized traditional climbing hotspot just outside Chattanooga, boasts a stunning array of routes across hard sandstone for climbers at varying skill levels, including the In Sight of Power (5.8+), among the early ascends since 1984 and esteemed routes like Art, Passages, and Prerequisite for Excellence.

Featuring mostly single-pitch lines with some multi-pitch locales, climbers usually have protections such as nuts, tricams, and cams up to 4 inches.

With the historical practice of rappelling from trees being compromised due to pine beetle infestations, the move towards bolted anchors emphasizes climber safety along this evolving southeastern crag.

Joshua Tree, California, USA

Joshua Tree National Park is an iconic destination renowned for its extensive range of climbing routes, many boulder challenges, and limited camping capacity.

It has long stood as a favored spot during the cooler months, and its popularity continues to surge as climbers of varying skill levels are drawn to the comfortable climate, the uniquely tactile rock surfaces, and the otherworldly terrain that make it an essential stop for climbers everywhere.

Visitors to today’s park hail from every corner of the world: some arrive to scale its heights, while others are content to soak in the awe-inspiring sights. While weekend sightseers can fill certain spots, this influx aligns with the park’s aim to provide a space for all to partake in its natural splendor. To delve into some of the climbing lore of Joshua Tree, follow this link: Joshua Tree Climbing Oral History.

Take a look at Mountain Project’s detailed guide for additional information and insights on Joshua Tree National Park’s climbing scene.

Blue Mountains, Australia

Deep in the heart of Australia, the Blue Mountains beckon climbers with their ancient sandstone cliffs—majestic natural sculptures worn to fantastical shapes over the eons. Tucked within these formations, echoes of Aboriginal didgeridoo music seem to resonate, enhancing the mystique of this premier climbing destination.

The Blue Mountains offer an unparalleled sport climbing experience, with most of its challenges comprising single-pitch routes. Together, climbers will find a respectable selection of traditional (trad) and multi-pitch adventures.

The climbing experience here is predominantly face climbing characterized by crimps and slightly overhung routes, although the variety includes everything from slabs to steep overhangs. Power and endurance benefit climbers here, as most routes involve boulder problems followed by a resting spot, repeating this pattern until ascent.

Yet, with an impressive catalog of over 5,000 routes, climbers of all preferences and styles will find their niche.

Uniquely, access to the spectacular climbing spots involves driving to the cliff tops and hiking downward. Located on a plateau at an elevation of 1,000 meters, the Blue Mountains’ climbing spots are predominately set within a National Park.

This elevation enables year-round climbing; while summer heats and winter chills can be intense, sheltered areas provide respite, making Spring (March-May) and Autumn (August-November) the most comfortable climbing seasons.

The crags perch atop vast valleys, offering breathtaking vistas and thrilling exposure. Due to the complex network of crags, some of which are on private property and have specific access directions for climbers, a guidebook is indispensable. “Best of the Blue” is the quintessential guidebook for sport climbers navigating these territories and can be found here.

Three local towns—Katoomba, Blackheath, and Mt Victoria—support the climbing region. They serve as hubs for accommodation, entertainment, and provisions for the climbing community.

Discover more about the Blue Mountains climbing experience at Mountain Project.

Linville Gorge, North Carolina, USA

Nestled in the southeast, Linville Gorge is a premier climbing destination with a range encompassing accessible multi-pitch routes to challenging sandbags, attracting both novices and seasoned climbers alike.

The area’s notable spots include Table Rock and the Amphitheatre, favorites among those looking for moderate climbs, while Hawksbill and Shortoff tend to lure a more determined climbing crowd. Climbers encounter quartzite rock formations typically low-angled with sparse parallel-sided cracks, making the routes somewhat elusive and a perfect training ground for those new to multi-pitch leading.

Despite the easy grading of some routes, climbers should approach every ascent with the same precautions applicable to any rock climbing experience. This means always wearing a helmet, not relying on fixed belay stations, and acquiring a solid knowledge of the intended route.

Looking Glass, North Carolina, USA

Perched above the verdant expanse of Pisgah National Forest, the iconic Looking Glass Rock stands as a monolithic testament to the allure of nature’s artistry. A climber’s paradise, the rock is crowned with its signature “eyebrows,” a series of unique geological features that provide a formidable and magnetic draw for climbing enthusiasts.

Nestled near the quaint town of Brevard, the splendor of Looking Glass Rock unfurls a diverse array of climbing escapades. Aid climbing connoisseurs will discover routes echoing the grandeur of Yosemite’s walls on the stoic North Side. At the same time, traditional free climbers can immerse themselves in the challenge and beauty of the famed “eyebrows,” particularly prevalent in the Nose Area and the Sun Wall.

The genesis of route exploration upon the resilient granite of Looking Glass dates back to the 1960s, spearheaded by local aficionados like Steve Longenecker, Jim McEver, and, notably, Bob Mitchell. Landmark routes such as The Nose were etched into the rockface, initially known only to a small cadre of pioneering spirits.

The 1970s heralded a new era of discovery and ascent, garnering the attention of the broader climbing community. Legends of the time, including Jeep Gaskin, Bob Rotert, Monty Reagan, Whitney Heuermann, Diff Ritchie, and Chis Caldwell, further charted the vertical wilderness, adding to the storied climbing heritage.