For as long as humanity has been on Earth we've been trying to reach higher. And outdoor climbing has taken us closer to that thrill as possible. Why not experience it to the fullest? Take a look at these 10 amazing spots classified as the best of the best outdoor climbing spots in the world!

Why is outdoor climbing on the rise?
 

With the COVID-19 pandemic that’s been going strong for more than two years now a lot of sports became unavailable to be practiced in enclosed spaces and others were completely out of reach because of restrictions - including a lot of group sports and some activities that require traveling. Luckily outdoor climbing was restricted by neither because:

• it’s usually practiced solo or in a small group
• is practiced outdoors
• is exercised with the need to distance yourself from other people by more than the required space around you

This is why outdoor climbing, although already popular, became even more famous during the pandemic. Everybody wanted to go out and if possible - move around. Outdoor climbing provided all this and the relative amount of safety we need.

Nowadays though traveling is becoming possible again on some conditions, so what better way to celebrate plan your next ten trips - to the 10 best places for outdoor climbing that will take your breath away and leave you with the best memories of your life!

 

10. Let’s start with… Thailand

You may know Thailand as an exotic country with highly divided classes with more than interesting cuisine, religion, and nature. We’re going to focus only on the last word in that sentence although going there for your outdoor climbing vacation may prove to be more exciting than expected!

We’re going to take you to a place called Tonsai and Railay - a location with a melodic name and breathtaking scenery. Now, this is a location many climbers go as far as to call a climbing paradise no matter its place on our list. The reasons are plenty.

First of all, Tonsai and Railay are two bays that have a pretty good location - they’re in South Thailand and on the mainland which automatically means easier access and transportation. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, they offer breathtaking scenery both from the beaches and the cliffs with the spotless blue sky and crystal clear waters. What is more, they are considered a fairly easy climbing location because accommodation, food, and drinks can be found just a few steps away. This means you can, for example, climb in the morning, chill at noon by the beach and then climb some more. Or you know - chill first, climb later - whatever rows your boat. 

As well as that the location is recommended for beginners and chilled and laid-back climbers who like to take their time and enjoy the climbing process as well as a holiday. The place is also popular with the natives as well as people from all around the world, so you will easily find a climbing buddy if you don’t have one with yourself. Considering Thailand is actually a pretty affordable location though, it won’t be hard to get one even before the trip. It is recommended you plan it between November and March or April and October.

What makes the place great for climbers is the option for multi-pitch climbing, but also bouldering. So you get the best of both - at one amazingly beautiful place on Earth. But we have to warn you - get some information about vaccines before you hop on the plane - there are mosquitoes everywhere and as well as that, the percentage of heat and humidity is pretty high at this tropical destination.

9. Next stop: South Africa

A land with vast deserts, even bigger jungles, and insane mountains that are the home to so many locations one can outdoor climb at! Take our hand and we will lead you to the Rocklands - a place near Cape Town that will, quite literally, rock your world.

The rocks are made from mesmerizing red and orange sandstone that takes you to another planet. These big boulders are the ones you will be outdoor climbing on though and these boys might be pretty from afar but trust us - they are no joke! This is why the destination is considered to be more on the tough side and is not recommended for beginners or people without a good athletic background. 

Compared to No.10 on the list, this is a location that is not that affordable but is the perfect place if you want to get away from the world and just climb. The heat there is way less and there are a lot of places you will not be able to get any connection with civilization - especially and internet one. Since it’s three hours away north of Cape Town, you also might want to keep a schedule so you don’t start late and get lost on the way back. Even if you do though, there are guesthouses and campsites, so check them out in advance in case of emergency or if you want to be closer to the boulders.

Nevertheless, it’s considered a modern destination and bouldering paradise with a wild character, so why not try it out? Just make sure you’re ready for the challenge and you get a climbing permit in advance.

8. Off to the vast and mighty USA

Just like we stated in the subtitle - the USA is vast and outdoor climbing opportunities await! One of them is Red Rock in the Nevada desert - another amazing sandstone destination for climbers. The difference - this one can accommodate and indulge the passions of outdoor climbers of all levels, ages, and interests. The area is so vast it offers it all - to beginners, intermediates, and advanced climbers. As well as that, there is no exception and limits in the types of climbing you can practice.

Nature is amazing, peaceful and you can be close to civilization and people if you want to since it’s a popular tourist destination just a few miles from Las Vegas. Because of this, it might be a little bit crowded at times, but if you don’t want to set foot in the city you can stay at a popular campsite nearby. It is recommended you go in spring or fall if you want to practice multi-pitches or in winter for bouldering and sport climbing. Choose your passion, get a VISA if you have to, and let’s go!

 

7. … And exciting Switzerland

Switzerland may be the world’s most neutral country but not when it comes to outdoor climbing! This does not come as a surprise at all, considering the Swiss Alps are there and this is exactly where we’re taking you: to a place called Zermatt.

This is without a doubt one of the top destinations for outdoor climbing in the world and it is an absolute must to try if you are a fan of winter, snow, and rocks. It is good to be at least on an intermediate level in climbing before you set foot there though or you might not be able to keep up with the more experienced climbers. As well as that be sure to prepare mentally and with information on the specifics of alpine climbers since this mountain is no joke. 

Choose the timing right too. The best time frame you can choose is between June and September. Get to Geneva and prepare to spend some money - it’s Switzerland and this land is one of the most expensive places in Europe and Zermatt, in particular, is one of the tourist places in the world where your money goes away faster than you can say “outdoor climbing”. An interesting fact you should also know is no cars are allowed here. So prepare to ride some trains and walk - a lot.

6. Let’s go to Canada

Well known for the amazing nature it has, this country has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor climbing. On this list, we have our finger put on the map where Squamish is - a place in British Columbia, just an hour from Vancouver, that every year pulls just like magnet climbers of all ages and levels. It is well-known for its granite rocks, approaches, and descends. 

The terrain and rocks can be tricky if you’re not used to them, but there is so much to do and so many styles to try that you can quickly learn and enjoy the process. It is truly a world-class outdoor climbing paradise that you should try at least once. one little con is that there are frequent rainfalls, but not to worry - there is a solution to that and it lays either in trying one of the other extreme sports the place offers or to try a rainy day climbing outdoors as well as an indoor place to do so the day will not be lost at all.

 

5. Don’t miss France

Romantic France has a (not at all) well-kept secret and it is its top-notch outdoor climbing location! One of them is world-class and this is why we’re taking you there - to Fontainebleau, situated 90 kilometers from the one and only Paris. 

To be fair, this is a bouldering destination and a lot of climbers even call it the mecca for bouldering. Just as well it’s suitable for all ages and levels - it’s even kid-friendly. It’s pretty different in scenery since it’s in the forests. This guarantees good conditions when it comes to humidity and heat, but it can get slippery. 

We should also warn you - it gets pretty crowded sometimes and it highly depends on the weather but it has such amazing sandstone that we guarantee you will remember it forever! And if you somehow have bad luck for a day, you can always visit Paris, the Château de Fontainebleau, or just hike around until the conditions change. Either way, you will not be disappointed with the trip.

 

4. It’s worth trying Italy

What is the first thing you think of when we say Italy? Pizza? Pasta? The Coliseum? Forget about all of them and let’s go to the Dolomites!

The famous site offers great views and unforgettable climbing experiences for the well-skilled in outdoor climbing. People say that they are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world and we can agree with this 100%. They offer alpine climbing experiences but you can skip the ice fields and glaciers if you don’t want to deal with them and just enjoy the green fields with your eyes and challenge climbing with all your other body. 

It’s better if you go in the summer, but be ready for clothes for the rain.

 

3. Get your bags packed for New Zealand

You can’t seriously think we will leave the land of the Hobbits and the one ring out of this list, do you? We have been in love with this scenery and the amazing climbing opportunities it offers for years and so should you. Come with us to the Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. 

You can choose from a lot of routes and types of climbing so it’s practically paradise to both beginners in outdoor climbing as well as seasoned experts. You can practice sport climbing as well as alpine rock climbing. You can also combine the trip with a fishing experience as well as hiking to the beautiful lakes and majestic fiords nearby. Just like a dream!

 

2. Let’s climb in Greece

We bet you didn’t expect Greece to be that high on the list did you? The fairly small country in the Balkans, home of the Mamma Mia musical story, offers some amazing experiences for climbers. And if you’re in love with the summer, sun, and sea as well as climbing, well, this is your destination: the island of Kalymnos. 

As well as that, Greece is an affordable place with great cuisine and services so you’re up for a treat with fresh seafood and great parties. Climbers go there for the full holiday sport climbing experience. Be prepared to be amazed by the limestone rocks that hide breathtaking climbing routes for all skill levels. Choose your time of holiday wisely though - it is a popular destination and it can get crowded although Kalymnos has proven itself to be a year-round climbing destination. And while there you can also try scuba diving, hiking, cave exploring, and snorkeling. Truly, there is probably nothing this island lacks!

 

1. Back to the USA and the top!

It is inevitable - as long as Yosemite National Park exists, the USA will be on the top of every outdoor climber’s wish-list to do before they can no longer climb in their lives. 

For decades and even hundreds of years, this place has been a magnet for climbers who wished to experience the adrenaline of climbing the stone walls Yosemite is home to. Of course, the park offers way more scenery as well as great options for boulder climbing and single-pitch climbing. Every step is rewarding when you get to the top and it is a popular tourist destination so civilization is close by but is giving you the remote adventure your climbers’ soul craves for. 

The recommended time you visit and try your skills is between spring and autumn and it is advisable for you to be at least on an advanced level before you take on these routes. And if it still proves to be a bigger spoon that you can swallow, then you can also hike and mountaineer - and nobody is going to judge for it! 

 

Which one of these destinations will you pick for your next climbing adventure? Explore them all and create your next climbing trip on www.xtreemo.com/map