Looking for outdoor rock climbing near you? You’re in luck; it hasn’t been easier to find local crags than now.
Here is a list of all the ways to find outdoor rock climbing near you.
1. Online Searches
Using your preferred web browser, input “outdoor rock climbing near you,” then allow location access or search for your intended area. If I were in San Diego, CA, my search would look like “outdoor rock climbing near San Diego, CA.”
The most extensive online outdoor rock climbing guide is Mountain Project. This site has thousands of areas with detailed information about ice climbing, sport climbing, trad climbing, bouldering, and even top roping. There’s also a mobile app version that lets you download areas for when you’re out of service!
2. Social Media Groups
Many areas near outdoor rock climbing have a social media group to connect with other
climbers. Sites like Facebook and Reddit are popular among climbing partners and can be a great way to get outside in a new area.
No group exists where you live? Start your own! Climbers are all over the place. Even if you don’t find anybody local, many climbers travel and are always looking to meet up to explore new spaces.
3. Climbing Gyms
It seems counterintuitive to visit a climbing gym when looking for outdoor climbing near you, but you’re not there only to climb. Ask around the gym for beta in the local areas. If the front desk staff aren’t outdoor climbers, they likely know who to talk with to find the right information.
Many gyms also have a community bulletin board. If you don’t find anybody while visiting the gym, ask if you can leave a printout detailing your information and what you’re looking for.
You’d be surprised how many folks want to climb outdoors but don’t have the necessary partners!
4. Local Outdoor Stores
Whether you have a general outdoor store or a climbing-specific one local to you, visit and ask about outdoor rock climbing near you. These folks typically know whether there is climbing. Who knows, you may find a partner, too!
5. Guidebooks
While at the climbing gym or the outdoor store, ask if they have a guidebook for the region. You may not find any local climbing, but it could be just a little further away! A guidebook is a detailed guide to climbing in an area made by climbers. Like Mountain Project, a guidebook will have photos and descriptions of routes, crags, and how to access them. If you buy a guidebook, grab the most up-to-date version!
6. Climbing Associations and Clubs
Use your search engine skills to look for your specific area and include the words “climbing associations and clubs.” Climbing associations are known for protecting climbing areas, ensuring the hardware on the walls is safe, and even developing new routes and areas.
If there are any near you, you’ll find them quickly. These groups typically know the most about any outdoor climbing area near you and are usually excited to share with newcomers.
7. Networking
Attending local climbing events, workshops, or competitions can be a fantastic way to connect with the climbing community and learn about outdoor climbing near you. You can volunteer at competitions, participate in a workshop, or attend a local event and enjoy the camaraderie of the community.
Networking isn’t only professionals connecting. Networking is about people joining a community to make it bigger and better. From professionals to dirtbags, network around the climbing community to learn about the local area.
When looking for outdoor rock climbing near you, respect the local area and follow any rules you learn from climbing organizations or guidebooks. As climbing grows in popularity, so do outdoor climbing areas and climber’s impact.
Search for local crags online or look for climbing events near you and network your way around the community!
