Rock climbing is increasingly becoming a popular activity for tourists around the world (Photo: Johanser Martinez/Unsplash)
“There’s always gonna be another mountain.” The lyrics from The Climb by famous pop singer Miley Cyrus resonate with the zeal with which rock-climbing enthusiasts keep scaling the ascent no matter the difficulty level. A climber knows the true feelings of what it means to finish a climb, only to start looking for another.
Despite appearances of difficulty, rock climbing is relatively easy to pick and practice without any geographical constraints. It is a sport that one can exercise from anywhere, both indoor and outdoor. Where bouldering involves climbing small rocks and indoor fun, other activities such as ice climbing, free soloing require more advanced climbing skills and the use of special equipment.
This sport is a testament to a person’s physical and mental abilities. Not only does it test endurance, strength, and stamina, but also the balance and focus to scale the rough and steep mountains. It is a holistic exercise that begins with one’s surroundings and moves to nature’s wilderness as interest piques. Here are seven such climbing destinations that one would want to make the mountains move.
Yosemite National Park, California
The scenic Yosemite National Park in California is a popular spot for rock climbers (Photo: Rakshith Hatwar/Unsplash)
Yosemite National Park, set in Sierra Nevada mountains, about 270 km from San Francisco in California, has been a prime attraction for rock climbers in the United States and has a long list of climbers. American rock climber Alex Honnold is credited with being the first to scale the vertical El Capitol in Yosemite National Park. He climbed this 900-m granite monolith without using any ropes or safety gear. Since then, the world’s best rock climbers have made it their second home. Climbing here for many has a life-altering effect as it is a deeply fulfilling and an unforgettable experience. It is advisable to practice climbing here with the anchor and gear set in place as the slippery rock, steep faces and crack systems are difficult to balance.
Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Krabi is not just about the beaches. It also offers a magical climb with the sound of waves crashing and roaring behind (Photo:Una Baufala/Pexels)
This one should be on everyone’s bucket list. For a beginner or intermediate climber, the rock-climbing vibe here is heavenly. With the seaside backdrop, climbing at Railay etches a memory to remember for the years to come. The limestone cliff, situated near Krabi, is magical to climb with the sound of waves crashing and roaring behind as if they are cheering for the climber in you. The rock-climbing is a must try activity here for anyone who is on their vacation.
Orpierre, Haute Provence, France
Orpierre, a village in Provence in southern France, offers year-round climbing opportunities (Photo: explore-share.com)
In the Haute Alps in Provence region of southern France lies Orpierre, a village, that is popular for rock climbing activities. Adventure enthusiasts arrive here especially to climb the four main cliffs that offer quite a climb on sunny days. Open round the year, it is one of the finest places for climbing activity. Many courses are held to teach the basics of climbing to visitors and one can anytime go climbing the natural cliffs if deciding a longer stay there.
Pembrokeshire, UK
Limestone cliffs are hall mark of most British coastal areas and rock climbing options abound all around (Photo: Carl Jorgensen/Unsplash)
Feel the sea breeze and carry on with the ascent. Limestone cliffs of Pembrokeshire in south western Wales offers the best sea cliff climb adventure. Surrounded by scenic beauty, the sea climbing spot is ideal for practitioners on any level from beginner to advanced. The option to climb traditionally is also available with a 2-day course. And the best part is the weather which is mostly favorable throughout the year.
Kalymnos Island, Greece
Favourable weather and a bright Sun makes Kalymnos island an ideal rock-climbing spot (Photo: Pixabay)
If one has to pick one of the best destinations for rock climbing, Kalymnos island in Greece is a must. For climbers, there is nothing as magical and unique a climb that Greece has to offer. The sun, the scenic vista, the Mediterranean Sea and the temperate weather make it an ideal spot. An internationally recognised destination for climbers, the island offers over 60 climbing spots rich in rock formations and more than 1,000 noticeable and secured routes.
Costa Brava, Spain
Costa Brava is not just about action thrillers or fictional spies, one can also explore its innumerable climbing spots (Photo: Olya Kobruseva/Pexels)
Costa Brava offers limitless climbing destinations and one can dedicate the rest of their life perfecting skills here. With favourable climate conditions, sea cliffs, mountain crags, canyon walks, one would not want to leave without covering areas including Xalo Valley, Calpe, Benidorm, Gandia and more offering single to multiple pitch climbing routes.
Auckland, New Zealand
Scale the crags and cliffs in Auckland, New Zealand (Photo: Dominika Roseclay/Pexels)
A recent activity that has emerged in this city, on the northern edge of New Zealand, rock climbing has become very popular and plethora of natural rock-climbing spots have popped up in the recent past with the trained professionals providing courses for children and adults alike. Routes are especially designed by the expert professionals to inculcate moderate to advanced level skills among the thrill-seekers. Without any inhibitions, scale the crags and cliffs for climbing has never been this easy to get on with.
