Rock climbing is a great way to add some adventure to your life. It boosts adrenaline and offers an exciting activity on a nature sight. Surely, you can do it in a climbing gym to practice and exercise. But there is nothing that compares to climbing the real rocks.
Rock climbing is a great way to add some adventure to your life. It boosts adrenaline and offers an exciting activity on a nature sight. Surely, you can do it in a climbing gym to practice and exercise. But there is nothing that compares to climbing the real rocks.
Lately, this activity has been gaining popularity all over the world, particularly among young adults and students. In 2017, 43 new climbing gyms were open in the US, which is a record. Rock climbing is a perfect option for summer or spring break. So if it is something of your interest, you are in for the treat. In this article, you’ll find the top spots to head for some adventure.
It is important to prepare accordingly – pick the spot, take all essentials, and make sure all the college duties are resolved. Students won’t have time to keep up with essay deadlines among the rocks.
Experienced authors offer writing, proofreading, and editing help for those in need. So they can polish the paper or do it all from scratch while one is busy packing and preparing for the trip. This is a win-win situation where students get to do what they love and keep up with the college curriculum at the same time.
If you are not sure where to head, there are plenty of options. In this guide, both US and international destinations are included.
Best Destinations for Rock Climbing
Red Rock, Nevada
Nevada attracts not only those who are looking for vibrant nightlife. It is also a wonderful destination for students looking for outdoor adventure. Red Rock offers a variety of benefits, such as:
- Spots for all styles of climbing from limestone to bouldering;
- One of the longest seasons for activity due to climate;
- Proximity to a big city;
- Opportunity for free climbing.
- Amazing views.
Red Rock National Conservation area is a breathtaking place to go. There are long paths and single-pitch ones as well. It is suitable for all levels of skill and preparation. It is best to go here in fall, spring, or winter. Also, students can enjoy hiking and mountain biking here as well.
Railay and Tonsai, Thailand
If you are looking for a place that combines stunning beaches and climbing, Thailand is the way to go. Here students can conquer exotic rocks and spend some time on the beach as well.
There is one amazing top-rope route here – Laem Phra Nang. But there are also many spots with pre-placed bolts. If you stay near Krabi, there are a ton of guides, lessons, and enthusiasts there to keep you company.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
This is another awesome destination in the USA. Here students can find:
- Spots to all types of climbing;
- Amazing single-pitch routes;
- Dry overhanging spots;
- Unique sandstone experience.
It is best in the fall when the rocks are dry most of the season. Be prepared for the weather and check the forecast for the nearest town – Slade. This is where one can stay as well if camping is not your style.
Costa Blanca, Spain
Those who prefer winter activities need to check this destination. It is one of the top ones to go for limestone and multi-pitch routes. Of course, there are single-pitch ones as well. You can even enjoy some deep water soloing.
The mountain has a great location – near the seaside. The view from the top of it is truly breathtaking. The best time to go is from October to April when the weather is nice and suitable for adventure. The main areas are:
- Gandia;
- Xalo Valley;
- Calpe;
- Benidorm;
- Alicante;
- Murcia.
And this is one of the budget-friendly destinations, which is always a plus for students.
Yosemite, California
It is one of the best choices for traditional climbing. There is a terrain variety, good infrastructure, and cell phone coverage all over the place. And it is a historical birthplace of this activity. So it is definitely worth visiting once in a lifetime.
The downside is that it can be quite crowded on holidays and weekends. There are adventures of all sorts, and anyone can find something for their liking here. Students can conquer historic and modern routes. It is available all year round, but the elevation changes from season to season. The landscape here is also astonishingly beautiful. There is a camping site, hiking trails, and Yosemite Mountaineering School if you need an instructor.
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Dolomites, Italy
There is an entire mountain range for enthusiasts to conquer here. It is a huge area with all sorts of peaks and routes. No wonder it is the most popular place in Italy. There are almost unlimited options for all levels of skills and preferences. There are pitches for beginners and advanced adventurers as well.
Another benefit is that students can do the majority of routes in one day. Also, there is a well-developed road infrastructure so one can easily go from one spot to another. Although the Dolomites are open all year round, the best conditions are from July to September.
Indian Creek, Utah
This is one of the world-known destinations because of various opportunities and amazing views. It is located near Canyonlands National Park, so there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during the rest of the day.
It is also a home for some of the best splitter cracks to climb. So if you are a fan of cracks, it is choice number one. The camping here is also very comfortable and self-sufficient. The downside is that cell phone coverage is not available everywhere. And you need to prepare well for the trip. The best time to head there is in spring, winter, and fall. Students can also try hiking, mountain biking, skydiving, and skiing in Indian Creek.
Kalymnos, Greece
Greece is an outstanding choice for those who love bolted routes, high-quality limestone, and sea views. Kalymnos is a relatively small island with amazing weather for almost the whole year. There are more than 3,000 routes and 66 spot crags here to choose from with fascinating landscape and nature.
And these are only known routes. The majority of them are single-pitch, but there are some longer ones as well. There are three types of climbing students can participate in – extremely overhanging, slightly overhanging, and sharp slabs with a multitude of pockets. Or you can combine all three in one route, which is a great advantage.
In Summary
Adventurous students have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to outdoor experiences. Whether you are travelling around the US or heading to Thailand or Spain, rocks are waiting for you to conquer. Pick the right season, good equipment, and routes appropriate to your level of experience.