Bouldering is the art of climbing small blocks and cliffs. While the sport is challenging, one must move with simplicity to reduce climbing injuries. Bouldering is quite common in the US as multiple mountain ranges exist.
The United States has a vast terrain, which makes many places great areas for rock climbing or outstanding bouldering. Interestingly, bouldering in the United States is not limited to one or two regions.
One can find fantastic bouldering destinations across the country, including some uncommon ones. Of course, many climbers like to perform this activity in the gym, but there is nothing like real climbing.
Whether top-roping, bouldering or free climbing, there are amazing places in the United States of America. In this post, we mentioned 10 of the best bouldering areas in the US that you must make plans to visit.
10 Best Bouldering Areas in the USA
The United States is known to be full of beautiful places for adventure. Scroll down to have a look.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is considered a true rock climber's paradise, covering over 1,200 square miles, which is all mountains. People of all skill levels can climb Yosemite valley, but one must remember that the routes are quite challenging.
Both climbers and non-climbers like this park because of El Capitan. It is a 3,000-foot-tall vertical cliff that every climber wants to conquer. Even a skilled climber can take up to four days to reach the top, and the descent and ascent of this mountain are very challenging.
Most of Southern Utah
Southern Utah is no less than Yosemite as this region is packed with mysterious and unique sandstone structures. These structures include hoodoos, canyons, cliffs, arches, and more.
While some areas are protected, most of the parts are climbable. However, when climbing in Southern Utah, figuring out where to begin can be tricky. For this reason, climbers must start looking for the right spot at least a week earlier.
Some popular places for climbing include Zion National Park, Arches National Park, and locations near St. George and Moab, Utah.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
One of the five national parks in Colorado is the Black Velvet Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It is known for having deep canyons with sheer cliffs, which dramatically drop to the Gunnison River. While it's a beautiful valley, inexperienced climbers must stay away.
Generally, most climbing in this park occurs in the North and South Chasm Walls areas. But discovering popular routes in the park is easy. The number of routes that the National Parks Service is aware of is 145, rated 5.8 or higher, whereas others are 5.11 or above.
Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin
Many people are unaware of the excellent igneous rock climbing in the midwestern region of the United States of America. Besides the images of corn and flat land, this park offers many more things.
For beginners and experienced climbers, Devil's Lake State Park offers different rock climbing opportunities. You can try climbing the Baraboo quartzite cliffs to get new experiences.
Another interesting bouldering area in America is Shenandoah National Park. Appalachian Alabama runs to the eastern part of America, from Mississippi and Alabama to Canada.
This mountain ranges in eighteen states and is known for its 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. Interestingly, it is home to several Americans. Since the Appalachian mountains are old, they have become rounded in time with erosion. Virginia's Shenandoah National Park is one of the great cliffs for climbing.
The Shenandoah National Park is an impressive bouldering area every climber must visit. You can try Old Rag, Bent Tree, or Lil Stony Man on for size. That means you will never run out of routes and great features in Shenandoah.
The Shawangunk Mountains, New York
The Gunks, also called the Shawangunk Mountains, are a part of the Appalachians in North America. It offers fantastic climbing opportunities just over an hour north of New York City, and it is one of the most famous trad climbing areas in the United States.
But it's important to remember that rock climbing can be a bit busy in this area as it's close to major metropolitan areas. In 1940, some of the popular climbs were established. Also, climbing can sometimes become slippery. So, one needs to be careful.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Next on this list is the Acadia National Park, the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, and it is even known as the most visited national park.
From the top of Cadillac Mountain, one can witness the spectacular views of the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The place is extremely beautiful.
Almost all the climbing Acadia is made of solid coarse-grained pink granite. It is commonly used in climbing areas like South Bubble, Great Head, Otter Cliff, Precipice, and more.
Many climbers prefer these areas because the cliff above the ocean offers majestic views of waves crashing below. Comparatively, climbing in Acadia is more difficult than climbing anywhere else.
Joshua Tree National Park, Southern California
Joshua Tree National park is a climber's paradise that offers endless route views of nature. Hidden Valley Campground is the soul and heart of this park which Joshua Trees and huge boulders surround. Most rock climbing routes are crack or friction slab climbing, which is best for cooler temperatures.
But one needs to remember that the camping routes in Joshua Tree are limited, especially during the peak season. For example, from October through May, most campgrounds fill up, and that's why one must properly plan their trip.
Smith Rock, Oregon
Smith Rock State Park is considered the birthplace of sports climbing as it offers cutting-edge and classic routes for climbing. One can find around 1,500 routes to make their bouldering interesting. In addition, a camping area called "The Bivy" is considered first-come-first-served camping where you can pitch a tent or park a camper van.
Rifle Canyon, Colorado
If you are looking for a limestone sports climbing park, you should consider Rifle Mountain Park. This park is ideal for advanced climbers as it has over 400 sports routes, starting from 6a/5.10a.
What's better? Well, the area also has some best 8a/5.13 climbing in the United States of America. These routes vary slightly to very overhung, so climbers must train themselves before taking this route.
Hi, my name is Kevin Macey, and I decided to set up this site Super Sherpas, as an extension of my love for the outdoors. Through this site, I hope to reach a wider audience of people to encourage them to explore nature and get their bodies moving outside.
