Christmas is the perfect time to get away, and that’s why I created this list of rock climbing spots in the United States.
If you’re looking for a new outdoor adventure during your Christmas vacation, consider these five areas:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Rock and ice climbing are popular outdoor activities that offer physical and mental challenges for enthusiasts. |
| There are countless climbing destinations around the world for climbers of all skill levels and interests. |
| Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro, it’s important to practice proper safety techniques and to learn from experienced climbers. |
| With proper preparation and training, climbing can be a safe and rewarding activity that offers a unique perspective on the natural world. |
| Always follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment in which you are climbing. |
Mount Evans, Colorado
Mount Evans is a popular destination for rock climbers, as well as anyone else looking to get outside. The mountain’s highest point is 14,264 feet (4,361 meters), making it the highest paved road in the country.
This means that from December 1 until June 1, cars are banned from driving up Mount Evans but don’t worry: you can still hike or bike it! In fact, cycling groups will often arrange group rides during those off-season months.
After June 1 rolls around and the roads reopen for cars, you can still take your pick of activities at Mount Evans: hiking, biking and camping are all popular options here!
Plus if you’re lucky enough to visit during peak season (July-August), there may be an opportunity for ice climbing if conditions permit.
But keep in mind that this mountain has notoriously unpredictable weather conditions; if thunderstorms roll in suddenly or visibility drops low enough that you feel unsafe on your adventure…well…there’s always next time!
Rock climbing can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be inaccessible. Our guide on the best rock climbing routes for every skill level features tips and tricks for climbers of all levels, so you can find the perfect route for your experience.
Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Longs Peak is the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America and the 14th highest peak in Colorado. The west ridge route is considered one of the most difficult, but also most scenic, fourteeners to climb.
Though it’s not a technical climb by any means, climbing Longs Peak requires skill and experience. Those who make it to the summit will be rewarded with stunning views from over 14,000 feet (4267 meters), including an unobstructed view of the Front Range & Continental Divide.
Best Climbing Routes in Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
| Climbing Route | Difficulty Level | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Keyhole Route | Class 3-4 | Late June to Early September |
| Diamond Route | 5.6-5.14a | June to September |
| Alexander’s Chimney | 5.7 | July to September |
| Kiener’s Route | Class 3-4 | May to September |
| Broadway | 5.8 | June to September |
Note: Please note that the climbing difficulties and seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. We recommend checking with local rangers and experienced climbers before attempting any of these routes.
The Diamond, Longs Peak, Colorado
The Diamond is a rock-climbing location in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is one of the most popular and famous climbs in the park, and it’s considered to be more challenging than other routes around Longs Peak. The route is not technically difficult this makes it great for first-time climbers!
The Diamond is located at about 13,000 feet above sea level and takes roughly five hours to get there by foot. There are two main ways to access the summit: via Chasm Lake or via Longs Peak Trailhead (Trailhead).
Looking for your next adventure? Look no further than our list of the most beautiful rock climbing destinations on Earth. From Yosemite to Kalymnos, these stunning locations offer some of the world’s best climbing opportunities.
Yosemite Valley, California
Yosemite Valley is a beautiful place to visit. There are many great places for climbing in Yosemite Valley and it is also a great place for beginners to learn to climb. There are some challenging climbs there too, so you can find something for everyone if you go there.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California, roughly an hour and a half from Palm Springs. It covers a total of 794,000 acres that’s an area bigger than Rhode Island!
The park has two entrances: one in the north and one in the south. Both have campgrounds, but only the southern entrance has visitor centers.
If you are looking for rock climbing spots within Joshua Tree’s boundaries, try the Barker Dam (a popular spot) or Ryan Mountain.
For experienced climbers who are looking for a challenge, our guide to the most challenging rock climbing routes in the world provides a guide to some of the planet’s most difficult routes. From El Capitan to the Eiger, these routes are not for the faint of heart.
Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky
Red River Gorge is a popular destination for rock climbers, and it’s easy to see why. The gorge is located in eastern Kentucky, near the border of Tennessee and Virginia. It’s the most visited climbing area in the United States, with over 100 different climbing routes available at any time of year.
You can spend as much time here as you like, or just a few hours if that’s all you have. There are several campgrounds nearby where you can stay overnight: Shuckstack Campground has cabins and tent sites starting at $45 per night;
Slade Campground has tent sites starting at $21 per night; Natural Bridge State Park has campsites from $12-$15 per night depending on whether they include water/electricity/bathroom facilities;
Natural Bridge Hotel & Convention Center offers rooms starting at about $110 per night for two people–and includes breakfast!
Best Climbing Routes in Red River Gorge, Kentucky
| Climbing Route | Difficulty Level | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Motherlode | 5.12a-5.14c | September to November |
| Amarillo Sunset | 5.11b | April to November |
| Pure Imagination | 5.14c | March to November |
| Roadside Attraction | 5.12a | April to November |
| The Golden Ticket | 5.14c | October to November |
Note: The climbing difficulties and seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. We recommend checking with local rangers and experienced climbers before attempting any of these routes.
The Blue Mountains in Australia
The Blue Mountains are a World Heritage Site and located in the state of New South Wales, Australia.
They are home to many beautiful rock climbing spots, including Mount Solitary, Katoomba Falls and The Three Sisters.
The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular destinations for rock climbers all over the world. You’ll find lots of different types of climbing throughout this area; face climbing at Cathedral Peak, multi-pitch routes on Mt Arapiles and even bouldering at Mt Stromlo.
Looking for some winter climbing inspiration? Check out our list of the top 15 ice climbing destinations in the USA that you need to visit. From Ouray to Cody, these locations offer some of the best ice climbing in North America.
Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite National Park is a national park in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, located in the western United States. It’s famous for its waterfalls, but there are many other beautiful sights to see as well.
If you visit Yosemite National Park during Christmas week, you’ll likely be able to see some spectacular views of Half Dome and other mountains covered in snow. The air will be crisp and fresh perfect for taking photographs or just enjoying nature with your family!
Devil’s Tower in Wyoming
Devil’s Tower is an igneous intrusion. It’s one of the world’s largest igneous intrusions, in fact: nearly a mile high and about a half-mile wide.
The tower was formed 1.2 billion years ago when magma pushed up through cracks in the ground, creating vertical crystals that looked like teeth hence the name Devil’s Tower (the “devil” part).
Get into the holiday spirit with our guide to 15 festive rock climbing routes to conquer this holiday season. From the “Christmas” route in Red Rocks to “Merry Christmas, Dr. D” in Joshua Tree, these seasonal routes will help you get in the holiday spirit.
Grand Teton in Wyoming
The Tetons are a mountain range in northwest Wyoming. They’re a popular climbing destination, especially for rock climbers who prefer to be outside in the winter.
The Wind River Range provides an ideal landscape for winter mountaineering and ice climbing, due to its high elevations and snowfall rates. In fact, this area has become so popular that it’s known as “the playground of the Tetons.
There are several climbs you can do at Grand Teton National Park during Christmas break that will give you some great views without putting your life at risk (which is not something we recommend doing during the holidays!).
If you’d like to take on something more difficult than just going up a hill or two and have been given permission from your parents you should check out Mt Moran & Mt Owen near Jenny Lake.
These two peaks offer different routes: one is more technical while the other requires less scrambling but also has less exposure; both require glacier travel skills though they can be avoided if necessary by staying on snow all day long instead of crossing over any crevasses along trailheads where there aren’t ropes already set up yet (this isn’t recommended because there’s always risk involved with these type of activities).
Kalymnos in Greece
Kalymnos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, and it’s known for its rock climbing. If you’re looking to visit a place with several thousand climbs to choose from, Kalymnos might be right up your alley.
If you want to visit during Christmas, keep in mind that there are fewer climbers on the island during this period (roughly 80% fewer), so you’re more likely to get first choice of routes. This means higher quality climbing experiences!
Best Climbing Routes in Kalymnos, Greece
| Climbing Route | Difficulty Level | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Grande Grotta | 5.9-5.14c | October to May |
| Odyseas | 5a-7b+ | April to October |
| Ghost Kitchen | 5a-8a+ | April to October |
| Panorama | 6a-8a+ | April to October |
| Telendos Island | 4a-8a+ | April to October |
Note: The climbing difficulties and seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. We recommend checking with local rangers and experienced climbers before attempting any of these routes.
Conclusion
Climbing is a great way to spend your Christmas vacation, and there are many interesting places to visit if you want to go on a rock climbing trip.
For example, Kalymnos in Greece is an amazing place for rock climbing because there are many different routes for beginners as well as experts.
The views from this island are breathtaking, so what are you waiting for? There’s no better way than enjoying the best times of year with friends and family while doing something active!
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more information on rock and ice climbing, check out these helpful resources:
57hours.com’s Best of Rock Climbing Worldwide: A list of some of the world’s most epic climbing destinations, with descriptions and photos of each location.
Awe365’s Twenty Best Rock Climbing Holiday Destinations Worldwide: Another list of top climbing destinations, this time with a focus on places that make for great vacations.
Mountain Project Forum: Where to Climb During Christmas Break: A forum where climbers can discuss and recommend different locations for climbing over the holiday season.
FAQs
What equipment do I need for rock climbing?
Typically, climbers will need a harness, climbing shoes, a helmet, a chalk bag, and a rope. Depending on the style of climbing, additional equipment like quickdraws or cams may also be necessary.
Is rock climbing dangerous?
Like any outdoor activity, there are inherent risks associated with rock climbing. However, when done safely and with proper equipment, climbing can be a relatively safe activity. Be sure to learn proper climbing technique and safety measures before attempting to climb on your own.
How do I find climbing partners?
There are several ways to find climbing partners, including joining local climbing gyms or outdoor clubs, using social media groups and forums, and participating in climbing events and competitions.
Can I learn how to climb if I’m not in great physical shape?
Climbing can be a physically demanding activity, but it’s not exclusively limited to athletes or people in top physical condition. Climbing is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, so long as they are able to follow proper safety protocols and techniques.
What should I do if I’m scared of heights?
Being scared of heights is a common fear, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t enjoy rock climbing. Start with easy, low-height climbs and work your way up gradually. Many climbers find that the fear of heights fades as they become more comfortable with the sport.
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.
