When was the last time you did something that truly frightened you; and then did it anyway?
Legendary rock climber Alex Honnold said these famous lines-
“I’ve done a lot of thinking about fear. For me, the crucial question is not how to climb without fear-that’s impossible- but how to deal with it when it creeps into your nerve endings.”
Is that not what the goal is? To eliminate the fear and embrace what comes after. Rock climbing is built on exactly that kind of courage. It is the sport that repeatedly makes you reach for something beyond your comfortable grasp. Before roads or civilization, even civilizations , our ancestors climbed for safety and survival. That instinct, we feel, never truly left us. 7.7 million citizens of the US alone went for it in 2019. The pandemic hit, travel was restricted, but the industry is rebounding wildly.
If you are well past the fear of falling, with us examine the physical and spiritual transformation that follows. What follows next is everything you need to know about rock climbing, including tips for safety, preparation, and discovering the best rock climbing in the world. We will tell you how you can be safe on these journeys and plan a trip to the best rock climbing places in the world for an unforgettable adventure.
How To Train For Rock Climbing Beginner
1. Acquire the right skills-
In the long run, it’s your level of skill that is going to take your hands up that rock. Make sure that you invest in indoor climbing activities. Try out every overhang, slab, roof- everything that might be used out in the open. Pay attention to how other climbers use techniques and if those might work for you.
2. Tactics for true climbing
Repeat your climbing paths to find better ways for movement. Another very important thing is resting between your sessions. You might feel rejuvenated but give it a little bit more time for your body to truly relax. You will also need to be good at cognitive skills to map out your route.
3. Work on your Finger Strength
Finger strength is extremely important for rock climbing. This helps with full-body strength training and skill development. You must always remember that a crevice may not always fit your entire palm. It would be your fingers that would do all the heavy lifting. Literally.
Red River Gorge- Best Rock Climbing Destination for Beginners
Red River Gorge is one of the most stunning rock climbing spots to the east of Mississippi. It spreads through the National Forest and some private islands too. Red River has had a longer history of climbers before it even started getting documented.
The crags on the routes are ferocious and you might need a Red River Gorge climbing guide. The Motherlode and Darkside are known to have been the starting points of many pro-climbers. Along with these, you can also find many trad lines like Fortress Wall, Pebble Beach, Tower Rock, and others, despite it being a sports destination.
One tradition that has become a part of every climber’s journey is the super delicious pizza at Miguel’s Pizza. Most of the locals recommend this pizzeria—of course the food is good, but it is also in the epicenter of the routes to the crags. It also functions as a climber’s store to shop for gear and equipment for climbing, making it a favorite stop for beginners and even inspiration for those who follow the journeys of the top rock climbers in the world.
Spring and Fall see some of the biggest footfalls for climbing in the area. The time is more perfect for climbing as there is way less humidity and temperature hikes like the Summer. Winters, though, gets the least number of visites to the Red Gorge. But even then you’ll find a few visitors if the sky clears up and it’s warmer. Definitely one the best rock climbing destinations for beginners USA.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders and the start of the legacy of rock climbing in the States. It often features on the list of the best rock climbing places in the world reddit. Although the entire State Park is spread over 650 acres of land, that does not take aay from the number of climbing spots. 1500 climbing routes- that’s one of the biggest numbers in Oregon. The area has one of the longest climbing days in the US. Since there are fewer rain days than anywhere, almost every month is great for climbing. The summers and winters function in extremities which could make climbing difficult.
This stretch is also extremely kids-friendly, making it perfect for families and climbers inspired by the best rock climbers in the world. The Rope-de-Dope Rock is a square rock across the river from Morning Glory. Early and late morning climbing sessions are amazing—the sun doesn’t reach until late afternoon, and it stays cool. The route is smooth, and the landing is very wide. You can even find picnic tables for a nice little family time. The routes are bolted and safer, making this spot ideal for both beginners and experienced climbers looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure.
This square rock sits across the river from Morning Glory Wall and is shaded until the mid-afternoon. The approach is quick and easy and there’s a nice wide landing with picnic tables. There’s about ten easy to moderate bolted routes on this rock (from 5.7 to 5.10b) making this a fun spot for the whole family. Hike around the westside and you would land up at Monkey Face. The tower is around 350 feet high and has an uncanny resemblance to a grinning monkey.
You May Also Read: Explore the top 11 outdoor adventure activities for your next thrilling getaway.
Kalymnos and Telendos, Greece
Kalymnos and Telendos almost go hand in hand when you go for a rock climbing trip in Greece. The two are separated by a small channel, which was created in a massive earthquake in 554 AD. Telendos is especially one of the top destinations in the world for rock climbing for beginners. The island is really quiet – no cars, motorcycles, or even roads. In the entire region, there are barely 60 permanent residents- it’s so desolate and thus, a perfect peaceful time to climb the most stunning rocks.
Irox Wall is probably the busiest spot on the island. Most of the boats will drop you off here, and you can walk right on to most of the crags. We particularly are fond of the Eros and Glaros—the area is good, and you can even find some good company. The area mostly gets shade after 2 pm, so it would be wiser to climb after that. Its popularity and welcoming atmosphere also make it a great destination for climbers inspired by the best climbers in the world and those looking to experience world-class routes firsthand.
In Kalymnos, your trip simply cannot start without a trip to the Arginonta Valley. The area has so many 5c-6a climbs- more than anywhere you can find on the island. The bolting is quite friendly and not the most technical, so it would be easier for beginners to try their hands. For more advanced people, you only have to go across the road to the Katharina- to the Infrared Wall, which is trickier.
The Tasman Peninsula Pillars, Australia
The Tasman Peninsula is more “plan as you go” than any on our list. The island has such a varied weather system that one part of it could be raining and the other would be putting on sunglasses. The mountains are not particularly high- not more than 1500m, but they do catch snow. The island sits on huge rocks of granite and dolerite. The dolerite itself creates some of the most fantastical sea stacks in the world.
The Totem Pole is one of the most common destinations for rock climbers all over the world. The standard free route consists of two pitches of Grades 24 and 25. It is technical, sustained, and exposed to volatile swell and wind. On the north of the Fortescue Bay lies Moai which is more accessible for climbing. It requires a 1h worth of hike from Fortescue towards the Bivouac Bay. A series of abseils later, you’ll find a mellow and broad climbing spot.
The Shawangunks, New York
The Gunks is premiere, traditional, and positively exceptional, making it one of the best places to go rock climbing for both seasoned climbers and adventurous beginners. Fritz Weissner and Hans Krauss in this very sweet spot once said, “Not Possible.” Not so much now. Climbers have gotten the hook of the overhang and traversed the steepness of this stunning creation of Mother Nature. So popular are the Shawangunks that it is almost considered a rite of passage for rock climbers exploring the best places to go rock climbing around the world.
The quartz of the rocks create disparate cliffs that are truly hard to climb. Instead of vertical stacks, the horizontal breaks have a bittersweet relationship with climbers. While they create jugs and resting positions for feet, they are also notoriously steep and risk pumping your forearms. Plus, almost all the climbing here is traditional. You’ll rarely ever, if not never, find bolts. The technique of horizontal breaks are also different, so you will need a whole new spectrum of education.
The High Exposure is known as one of the best pitches in the world. The transition from beneath the immense roof pitch into the vast open space above is a memory you will always inhabit. The Cascading Crystal sets the standards of what beauty looks like while rock climbing. The Kaleidoscope is almost otherworldly- a perfect place for photo ops because of the perfect sun exposure.
What to Pack for Rock Climbing
- Quick drying clothes- T-shirts, shorts, or leggings
- Waterproof rain jacket that doubles as a windbreaker
- Closed-toe shoes with a good grip
- At least 2L of water in a bottle or a waterpack
- Daypack with sunscreen, personal medications, sunglasses, a compass, and a mobile phone.
Conclusion
What activity would be as primal and profound as rock climbing? The sheer feeling of no distractions- only innate focus on what every inch of your body is doing. It is perhaps one of the most classic adventures activities in the world. The discipline of the activity commands utter respect for the rocks and your body- perhaps even more so for your growth. If you are relentless into this deep pursuit of strength, our top destinations are some of the best rock climbing destinations in the world. Even if you are a newbie, these places will give you enough of a challenge and respite to truly gauge your abilities.
Perhaps, this is what will transform you.
For more travel tips and better planning, visit Travel Scout.
