Most Popular Rock Climbing Destinations

The most popular rock climbing destinations in the world include stunning natural views and a wide variety of climbing options. From the distinct red rock canyons in the western U.S. to lush mountains in South Africa and Brazil, these top climbing peaks continue to attract tourists from around the globe. The top 10 most popular rock climbing locations are tabulated from the travel app Visited, which allows users to check off places they’ve been around the world.

Visited is a travel app with over 1 million users. You can check off places you’ve been, find new travel destinations, set travel goals, and get a custom-printed map of your travels using the Visited app.

Here are the top 10 most popular rock climbing destinations according to Visited:

1. Zion National Park is a scenic nature preserve in Utah, United States, featuring steep red rock canyons that offer adventurous climbs for experienced climbers.

2. Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town, South Africa. Climbing to the top offers beautiful views and the mountain includes over 8,200 plant species.

3. Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serves up sweeping oceanside and mountain views as well as city views of Rio. Sugarloaf Mountain features different climbing routes that are best suited for intermediate and advanced climbers.

4. Joshua Tree is a U.S. National Park in southern California that has rugged rock formations amidst the Mojave Desert as well as unique Joshua trees. Joshua Tree is a popular tourist destination that offers challenging climbs best suited for advanced climbers.

5. Meteora – which means suspended air in Greek – is a rock formation in central Greece featuring 170 peaks and 870 routes of scenic hiking through ancient rocks.

6. Red Rock Canyon is located in the Mojave Desert outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The beautiful, dry red canyons offer hiking and climbing opportunities for all levels.

7. Devil’s Tower is a butte rising above the prairie in the Black Hills of Wyoming. It is 264 meters – 867 feet – and includes hexagonal columns that offer some of the best crack climbing.

8. Land’s End in western Cornwall, England, offers rugged cliffs, waterside views, and intermediate-level climbing. At the top of the cliffs, you will be rewarded with incredible views as well as dining and holiday accommodations.

9. Petra Area is a famous archaeological site in the desert of Jordan, with climbing opportunities outside of the sacred area in nearby canyons.

10. Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord in southwest New Zealand with rugged mountain peaks, including Mitre Peak, as well as waterfalls and marine life such as dolphins and penguins.

Have you been to any of the most popular rock-climbing sites? Scratch off where you’ve been, discover new travel destinations, browse top travel bucket lists, and get a custom-printed map of your travels using the Visited travel app.

Download Visited for free on iOS or Android.