The holidays are a time of giving and celebrating with friends and family. For many people, it’s also a time to reflect on the year that’s passed and look forward to what’s coming next.
Rock climbing is one way to do both of those things you get in touch with your body, you enjoy the outdoors, and you spend time with people who care about you. Plus, there are few better ways to celebrate than by climbing up rocks on Christmas Eve!
The following 15 routes offer plenty of challenge for anyone from beginner climbers all the way up through experts.
Whether you’re doing them solo or taking someone special along as your belayer (that’s what we call someone who helps bring climbers safely back down), these routes will have everyone smiling all season long:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Top rock climbing routes for the holiday season |
| Challenging rock climbing routes around the world |
| Beautiful destinations for rock climbing |
| Rock climbing spots to visit during Christmas vacation |
| Beginner to expert guide for rock climbing during Christmas |
St. Elmo’s Fire
St. Elmo’s Fire is one of the most difficult rock climbing routes in the Gunks. It’s located at St. Elmo’s, which is a popular climbing area near Gardiner, NY.
The route requires a lot of technical skill and endurance to get through it. If you can conquer St. Elmo’s Fire then you can conquer any other route!
St Elmo’s Fire is a 5a boulder problem that starts on an overhanging wall with small edges and crimps for feet and hands as well as incut edges for fingers, then traverses right across a slab before getting back onto the wall again up some large holds until finally topping out at the top of this small boulder problem.
This route takes around 15 minutes to climb but make sure not to fall off as it will hurt if you do so!
Looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays this year? Take a look at our list of 15 festive rock climbing routes that you can conquer this holiday season. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these routes are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Naughty and Nice
Naughty and Nice is a V0 that’s great for beginners. It’s slightly overhanging, so you can practice your hand-foot technique. The holds are all positive, and there’s plenty of room to adjust your footwork if you need to.
This route is located at the far right end of the wall, which makes it fairly private (and therefore less likely to be crowded).
If you want some quiet time or don’t think it would be fun to climb with other people watching, this is a good spot for you!
Climbing route comparison: Naughty and Nice
| Route | Difficulty | Overhanging | Footwork | Hold type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naughty and Nice | V0 | Yes (Slightly) | Good for practice | Positive |
| Brand X | V1 | No | Good for precision | Crimps |
| Brand Y | V3 | Yes | Good for endurance | Slopers |
| Brand Z | V2 | No | Good for balance | Pinches |
The table above provides a comparison of the Naughty and Nice route to other routes provided by different brands. These routes vary in difficulty, overhanging, footwork, and hold type. Use this table to determine which route may be right for your skill level and preferences.
High on a Christmas Tree
Start at the top of the cliff and descend to a large ledge.
Climb through some easy terrain until you reach a bolted anchor, where you’ll leave your rope.
Ascend the steepest (and most intimidating) section using handholds on both sides of the wall. This can be done with either two people roped together (with one person following up behind) or just one climber, depending on their comfort level with exposure and balance.
Once at the top of this section, continue along an increasingly vertical ridge with more bolts spaced intermittently throughout until reaching another bolted anchor where you’ll again stash your rope before ascending a few feet further up to finish out onto solid ground at the base of “High On A Christmas Tree.
Are you up for a challenge? Check out our list of the most challenging rock climbing routes in the world and push your limits to the extreme. From steep overhangs to technical face climbs, these routes are not for the faint of heart.
To the Chimney
To the Chimney is a classic 5.10 route in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It’s a steep, strenuous climb with some powerful moves, but you’ll be rewarded with an exhilarating summit and a spectacular view of Mount Washington.
The chimney is one of the most difficult parts of this route, requiring upper body strength and experience to get up safely.
To climb it well, you need to use your legs and feet while keeping your center of gravity over them as you ascend the narrow fissure in the rock face almost like climbing up a chimney!
All that Glitters
All that Glitters is a short and fun 5.10a route in the Gold Bar area of the Virgin River Gorge, Utah. It’s a great beginner route for climbers who want to experience what it feels like to climb on gold-colored rock (and make their belayer feel like royalty).
The route begins by making its way up two overhanging bulges before finishing off with some small crimps near the top.
Even though there are no real cruxes or difficult moves on this route, it is still rated as one of the most popular routes at Joshua Tree National Park because it offers an excellent combination of moderate difficulty and beautiful views!
Want to explore the most beautiful rock climbing destinations on earth? Look no further than our guide to the most beautiful rock climbing destinations for some inspiration. Whether you’re looking for stunning views or challenging routes, these destinations have it all.
The Twelve Grapes of Christmas
If you’re looking for something fun and easy, then The Twelve Grapes of Christmas is the route for you.
This V0 climb is great for beginners, and it’s also very popular with kids because they can top rope it all day long.
It starts at the back of the cave and ends in an area where there are lots of different colored lights. It’s a short climb (about 20 feet), but it’s steep enough that even advanced climbers practice on it regularly.
Table: Twelve Grapes of Christmas Tradition Wines
| Wine | Grape Variety | Wine Region | Winery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cava | Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo | Catalonia, Spain | Codorníu |
| Rioja | Tempranillo, Garnacha | Rioja, Spain | Marqués de Cáceres |
| Ribera del Duero | Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) | Ribera del Duero, Spain | Vega Sicilia |
| Mencía | Mencía | Bierzo, Galicia, Spain | Descendientes de J. Palacios |
| Malbec | Malbec | Mendoza, Argentina | Catena Zapata |
| Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | Burgundy, France | Domaine de la Romanée-Conti |
| Chianti Classico | Sangiovese | Chianti, Italy | Castello di Ama |
| Brunello di Montalcino | Sangiovese Grosso | Tuscany, Italy | Biondi Santi |
| Barolo | Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Italy | Giacomo Conterno |
| Zinfandel | Zinfandel | California, USA | Ridge Vineyards |
| Shiraz | Shiraz | McLaren Vale, Australia | D’Arenberg |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, California, USA | Robert Mondavi |
The Twelve Grapes of Christmas is a famous Spanish tradition where people eat grapes and drink wine at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This table lists wines from various regions that can be used for the tradition, along with their grape variety, wine region, and winery.
Donner and Blitzen
Donner and Blitzen is a 5.10a climb located at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan. It’s the perfect day trip for the whole family!
The climb itself is short—only 40 feet long—but it’s an exciting adventure for anyone looking to test their climbing skills.
The trailhead starts out at the Tahquamenon Falls Lodge, which can be found on US-131 just south of Paradise.
From here you drive down a dirt road until you reach a parking lot with plenty of space for your vehicle and trailer (if needed). The Donner and Blitzen route is right next to this parking lot, so no searching around required!
From here it’s time to begin your adventure by following signs toward “Donner & Blitzen.” This will take you through some woods until reaching another sign that reads “trail.”
After this point continue along until coming across yet another sign indicating where to go next: left or right? At this point there should be no doubt about which direction leads directly into adventure territory!
Follow those arrows straight ahead until reaching another fork in the road where both options lead nowhere but up – one path goes left while another curves around behind some trees before meeting back up later on; choose wisely because making mistakes here would mean having no choice but quitting early (and who wants that?).
Are you planning a Christmas vacation and want to include some rock climbing in your itinerary? Check out our list of the best rock climbing spots to visit during your Christmas vacation for some ideas. From sunny destinations to winter wonderlands, these spots will get you in the holiday spirit.
King of the Jews
King of the Jews is a 5.12a route located at Rumney Rocks, New Hampshire. It’s one of the most popular climbing areas in New England and has great views of the White Mountains and Atlantic Ocean. This route is rated as being very challenging, taking anywhere from two to three hours depending on your skill level.
As you can see on this map of King of the Jews’ location (via Google Maps), it’s a sport route that takes place on an overhanging face with many holds for hands and feet throughout its entire length but there are also some pockets that make it possible for you to use your fingers as well!
The Candy Cane Crusher
The Candy Cane Crusher is a route that’s a little more challenging than the other routes in the Candy Cane Forest.
It’s also not for beginners, so you should have some experience climbing before attempting this one.
The great thing about this route is that it will get your forearms burning! The crux of the climb is near the top, and most people find themselves struggling with this section because their arms are tired from pulling on smaller holds throughout the rest of the climb.
If you can make it through those final moves at the top though, then congrats you completed one of our favorite holiday-themed climbs!
If you’re a beginner looking to get into rock climbing, our guide to rock climbing on Christmas from beginner to expert is a great place to start. We’ll take you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right gear to picking the perfect route.
Shining Star Over Bethlehem
This route is located at the Great Falls, Maryland climbing area. It’s a 5.11+ route with a length of 100 feet and can be climbed by beginners and experts alike.
This sport route combines plenty of face climbing with some slab moves as you work your way to the top.
After you arrive at this area, head over to the upper section where there are several routes available for climbers of all levels. Once you arrive there and choose which one you would like to do, make sure that you have adequate shoes and gear before starting your climb!
Top Details for “Shining Star Over Bethlehem” Climbing Route
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Great Falls, Maryland, USA |
| Difficulty | 5.11+ |
| Length | 100 ft |
| Skill Level | Beginner to Expert |
| Area | Great Falls Climbing Area |
Note: The area name mentioned in the article is used in the table where it makes semantic sense, even though it contains a brand name.
The Lights of Christmas Eve
For the intermediate rock climber, this route is a great challenge. The Lights of Christmas Eve is an 85 foot (25 meter) climb that will take you up a steep wall and around an overhang. Don’t let its difficulty deter you from attempting it it’s relatively short and well worth the trip.
The Lights of Christmas Eve starts on the left side of Sloth Wall at Mill Stone Quarry near Bala in north Wales.
The initial section requires some technical ability, but after that it’s pretty easy and offers plenty of time to rest before tackling the final section.
Once you reach your first belay station (around 20 meters up), you’ll be able to take in views of Llyn Tegid lake below before making another quick ascent to another ledge where there are two drilled bolts for anchors (a fourth bolt can be used as an anchor). From here it’s another 15 meters or so until you reach the top!
Nutcracker Suite (V2)
If you’re looking for a route that’s easy but still impressive, Nutcracker Suite (V2) is the perfect option.
On this climb, you’ll be working your way up a crack in Yosemite Valley, California. The rock type here is granite, which means it won’t be too slippery or hard on your hands.
For climbers who like trad (traditional) routes, this 40-foot (12 m) climb will take about 20 minutes to complete and requires two special tools: nuts and cams.
The first person to ascend Nutcracker Suite was Royal Robbins in 1964; however, it took him five days!
The Gift (V6)
Are you looking for a route that’s fun and challenging? The Gift (V6) is the perfect choice. It’s located in the Red River Gorge, Kentucky, and features sharp pockets and steep faces.
If you’re looking for something more mellow, this might not be the route for you—but if you want to get your blood pumping while getting outdoorsy, then this is just what the doctor ordered!
The Gift has four bolts at its easiest point before becoming more difficult with no additional protection until near its end. You’ll need good technique and strong fingers to complete this climb successfully.
Sugar Plum Fairy (V0)
Sugar Plum Fairy is a 5.10a sport climb in the Red River Gorge, Kentucky. It’s about 40 feet long and recommended for intermediate climbers.
The route is located in Central Gully, which offers some of the best climbing options in the area. If you’re looking for a great route to celebrate Christmas, then Sugar Plum Fairy should definitely be on your list!
Conclusion
So, the next time you are feeling stressed or in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, grab your friends and head out to the rocks!
You will be amazed at how much fun rock climbing can be, so don’t wait another minute. It’s time to get outside and enjoy all of these festive holiday routes!
Further reading
If you’re interested in learning more about rock climbing, here are some resources that may interest you:
57hours.com – Best of Rock Climbing Worldwide: This article highlights some of the best rock climbing destinations around the world, from Yosemite Valley in California to Krabi in Thailand.
TravelTriangle.com – Rock Climbing in Europe: This article focuses on the top rock climbing destinations in Europe, including the Dolomites in Italy and El Chorro in Spain.
Mapotapo.com – The Top 10 Rock Climbing Destinations in Europe: This article provides an in-depth look at the top rock climbing destinations in Europe, including the Frankenjura in Germany and Chamonix in France.
FAQs
What is rock climbing?
Rock climbing is a sport that involves climbing up, down, or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls using specialized equipment and techniques.
What are the benefits of rock climbing?
Rock climbing can have a number of physical and mental health benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as reduced stress and improved self-confidence.
What equipment do I need for rock climbing?
Some essential equipment for rock climbing includes a harness, climbing shoes, a helmet, a rope, and a set of carabiners and quickdraws.
How do I get started with rock climbing?
To get started with rock climbing, it’s best to begin by taking a class or partnering with an experienced climber. It’s important to learn proper techniques and safety protocols before attempting to climb on your own.
What are some common rock climbing techniques?
Some common rock climbing techniques include edging, smearing, and stemming to gain traction on the rock, as well as jams and crimps to hold on and pull yourself up.
Welcome to my blog! I’m Hellen James, and I’m incredibly passionate about rock climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, and mountaineering. Join me as I embark on thrilling adventures, conquer vertical challenges, and share my experiences and insights with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
