Sick and tired of making a pilgrimage to a climbing problem just to find a group of people and a line of backpacks at the base? Great climbing without the queue is out there—you just have to know where to find it. Escape overcrowded routes at these up-and-coming climbing areas:
Las Vegas, Nevada
When the majority of us think of Vegas we think of bright lights and slot machines, not of extensive limestone climbing routes. However this city is a mecca for intermediate climbers who want to scale the picturesque sandstone walls of Red Rock Canyon, and enjoy bluebird days and nearly endless routes. The landscape is expansive and the warm, dry desert atmosphere is especially soul soothing.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
While Chattanooga reaches record-breaking temperatures in the summer, and rains about 54 inches every year, it’s a great place to climb in the south. Whether it’s the Tennessee Wall or the glorious Foster Falls, Chattanooga is a truly underrated place to boulder and climb around.
North Conway, New Hampshire
The cold winter weather of the East Coast makes North Conway a fantastic ice-climbing destination. The granite crags located just outside of North Conway is an excellent place for any climber to play during the summer, and a place for experts to challenge themselves during the winter. In addition, Rumney is a beautiful place to climb—in my opinion, it’s probably the best place to climb on the East Coast.
Boone, North Carolina
Located next to the Appalachian Mountains, Boone is an excellent place to go vertical. Riddled with hardwood trees and rhododendrons typical of the South, Boone is a place for the adventurous soul to climb, conquer, and explore.
Lander, Wyoming
While Wyoming is a mecca for the avid climber, Lander is a just a quaint town that happens to be a hop, skip, and a jump away from the National Outdoor Leadership School. The unassuming town is filled with interesting sandstone, granite and limestone crags and canyons that will make your climbing options virtually endless.
Tucson, Arizona
While most people visit Tucson for the glorious rays of sunshine in the summertime, it is really fall and spring that makes this place fantastic. Right outside of the city there are the Dragoon Mountains, home to many beautiful canyons and long climbing routes. The Cochise Stronghold is a popular climbing destination in the Dragoon Mountains, while many others remain local secrets.
