Climbing is a sport that has seen a huge surge in popularity over the past decade. From Yosemite to Squamish, climbing gyms are opening up all over the world and even more people are getting into it.
But there’s something about climbing outdoors that just can’t be replaced by indoor walls. So if you’re looking for amazing places to climb outside (and we know you are), then look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite bouldering spots around the globe so that you can take your skills out of town and test them against some beautiful scenery at these incredible destinations:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Bouldering is a type of rock climbing that involves climbing artificial low-height routes without ropes or harnesses. |
| Bouldering can improve physical fitness, relieve stress, and boost mental health by releasing endorphins. |
| It’s essential to practice proper techniques, use safety equipment, and climb with a partner to minimize the risks of injury. |
| Common bouldering techniques include the hand jam, the pinch grip, and the sloper. |
| The necessary equipment for bouldering includes climbing shoes, chalk, crash pads, and a chalk bag. Optional gear includes a brush, a beanie, and tape. |
El Chorro, Spain
El Chorro is a beautiful place to climb and is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s also a great spot to visit in winter! El Chorro is a popular climbing destination due to its variety of routes and proximity to other climbing spots such as Las Negras and Anoro Quemado.
Bouldering can be an excellent workout that requires physical and mental abilities. Are you ready to get started? Check our step-by-step guide to bouldering for beginners to learn different techniques and tips to climb with ease and confidence.
Fontainebleau, France
It’s no secret that France is home to some of the world’s most beautiful boulders and Fontainebleau is no exception.
This forest in France is a climbing mecca, and if you’re looking for the best climbing spots around, look no further than this magical place!
The sheer number of boulders here is mind-blowing. It would take you weeks to go through them all so I highly recommend checking out one of their many climbing gyms to get warmed up before heading out into nature (just make sure it’s not raining!).
If you’re lucky enough to visit during spring or summertime, then even better — there will be tons of blooming flowers everywhere!
Fontainebleau Bouldering Spots
| Spot | Type | Difficulty Level | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant | Outdoor | V0-V8 | Overhangs, pockets, heel hooks, slopers |
| Cuvier Rempart | Outdoor | V7-V15 | Highball problems, crimps, turn mantles, sit starts |
| Apremont | Outdoor | V1-V5 | Slabs, crimps, pockets |
| Karma | Gym | V0-V10 | Overhangs, volumes, techy slabs |
| Arkose Nation | Gym | V2-V12 | Angles, cave, slab, and vertical walls |
Rocklands, South Africa
This is a great place to visit for a weekend. It’s one of the best bouldering spots in the world, and has many beautiful boulders and routes.
If you’re looking for an amazing bouldering spot, this is it!
If you love exploring new bouldering spots, you can’t miss our list of the most beautiful bouldering spots in the world. From Fontainebleau in France to Bishop in the United States, we’ve covered the most aesthetic and striking bouldering locations.
Swanage, UK
Swanage is a small town in south-west England. It is located on the Isle of Purbeck in the English county of Dorset. Swanage has a population of approximately 7,500 people and is a popular tourist destination with many visitors each year.
Top Brands for Climbing Gear in Swanage, UK
| Brand Name | Products Offered |
|---|---|
| The Climbing Academy | Climbing shoes, harnesses, ropes, chalk, carabiners, belay devices, crash pads, helmets, and more |
| Cold Mountain Kit | Climbing gear, clothing and accessories, harnesses, ropes, carabiners, belay devices, helmets, and more |
| Mountain Warehouse | Climbing gear, clothing and accessories, including jackets, pants, gloves, hats, and more |
| V12 Outdoor | Climbing and bouldering gear, clothing and accessories, ropes, carabiners, quickdraws, crash pads, chalk, and more |
| U.K. Climbing | Information and reviews about climbing gear, including apparel, shoes, ropes, and more |
Bishop, California
Bishop, California is a town located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Inyo County.
The town is home to an extensive variety of rock climbing and bouldering opportunities that include both sport and traditional climbing.
Bishop is also home to one of only two ski resorts in California: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area (the other being Heavenly).
Bouldering requires minimal gear, but having the right equipment can make a significant impact on your climbing experience. Want to know the essential gear for bouldering? Discover our guide on the best bouldering gear for every budget and elevate your bouldering game with the right equipment
Mount Arapiles, Australia
Mount Arapiles is a mountain in the Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia. It is a popular climbing destination with over 1000 routes. Mount Arapiles is a popular place to visit for climbers from all over the world.
Mount Arapiles has been used as an access point for climbers since the early 1900s when it was first climbed by John Ferguson and Alec Campbell in 1906.
The National Park was created in 1908 and Mount Arapiles became part of it. In 1989, Mount Arapiles was officially declared as a national park due to its high quality rock climbing opportunities which attract climbers from all over the world each year!
Hueco Tanks, Texas
Hueco Tanks is a bouldering mecca. It’s in the desert, but it’s not too hot. There are many problems to solve and you can train and hang out with friends at the same time. The rock is beautiful and the land around it is gorgeous as well!
With a plethora of bouldering tricks and techniques, it can be overwhelming for beginners to know where to start. Do you want to learn how to dominate the wall? Check out our comprehensive guide on bouldering tricks and tips and master different moves, such as the mantle and the heel hook.
The Adirondacks, New York State
The Adirondacks are part of the Appalachian Mountains and are situated in northwestern New York State.
The park is the largest protected land area in the contiguous United States, larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite and Glacier National Parks combined!
It contains over 2 million acres of protected lands that include woodlands, alpine zones and some lakes.
To put things into perspective: If you were to make a full loop around each side of this area (like a giant game board), it would be equivalent to walking from Chicago to New Orleans—that’s how massive this park is!
Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs is an amazing place to boulder. The Garden of the Gods is a beautiful place to hike, and it has plenty of bouldering spots. There are many other places in Colorado Springs that you can go to boulder.
Bouldering not only challenges your physical abilities but also can be a great way to relieve stress and boost mental health. Want to know how bouldering can improve your mood? Check out our article on bouldering for mental health and learn about the benefits of bouldering for your mental well-being.
Yosemite National Park, California
If you want to boulder in a beautiful place, then Yosemite National Park is an ideal choice. Yosemite is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the world and has many different bouldering areas. In fact, there are over 500 established climbing routes in Yosemite alone!
These areas include:
- Old Inspiration Point
- The Cookie Cliffs
- Bishop’s Terrace
Hueco Tanks State Park, Texas
Hueco Tanks is a state park located in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, near the city of El Paso.
It’s famous for its bouldering and climbing, which are among the best in the world. The park spans over 5,000 acres, including two main climbing areas: Hueco Tanks itself and Hueco Mundo (Spanish for “Hueco World”).
The name “Hueco” comes from an old Spanish word that means “hole” or “cavity” (think of a cavern), which describes perfectly the vast network of caves within this area.
And though it might not look like it at first glance, these limestone caves are beautiful—they’re decorated with stalagmites and stalactites hanging down from ceilings made entirely out of white calcite crystals!
Squamish, British Columbia
Squamish is a town in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It’s located on the Sea to Sky Highway 99, about two hours north of Vancouver and Whistler. Squamish is home to a variety of different climbing routes, as well as classic trails for hikers and bikers alike.
Conclusion
I hope that this list has encouraged you to get out and explore some new bouldering spots. I know it’s tough to travel when you have limited funds, but there are definitely some beautiful places that aren’t expensive to get too (like Hueco Tanks in Texas).
If you’re lucky enough to live near any of these areas, then go climb! If not, maybe consider planning a trip sometime soon!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for bouldering and climbing enthusiasts:
Best Rock Climbing Destinations Worldwide: Discover the best rock climbing destinations worldwide, from Yosemite Valley in California to El Potrero Chico in Mexico.
Top Climbing Spots in the World: Explore the world’s top climbing spots, including Alexanderplatz in Norway, Arapiles in Australia, and more.
Best Climbing Spots in Europe: Check out the best climbing spots in Europe, such as Margalef in Spain and Frankenjura in Germany.
FAQs
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is a type of rock climbing that involves climbing artificial low-height routes without ropes or harnesses.
What are the benefits of bouldering?
Bouldering can improve physical fitness, relieve stress, and boost mental health by releasing endorphins.
Is bouldering dangerous?
While bouldering does not involve ropes or harnesses, it can still be dangerous. It’s essential to practice proper techniques, use safety equipment, and climb with a partner.
What are some common bouldering techniques?
Some common bouldering techniques include the hand jam, the pinch grip, and the sloper.
What equipment do I need for bouldering?
The necessary equipment for bouldering includes climbing shoes, chalk, crash pads, and a chalk bag. Optional gear includes a brush, a beanie, and tape.
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.
