The Best Outdoor Rock-Climbing Destinations For Beginners

Climbing is an excellent way to keep the mind and body in peak condition. The activity forces you to use reasoning and determination to overcome the vertical obstacle in front of you. Yes, it's a workout, but it also serves as a metaphor for how to succeed in life, making the exercise even more useful and satisfying. Climbing opportunities abound throughout the world, from bouldering to sport climbing to conventional climbing to ice climbing.

Some climbers prefer sport climbing OR outdoor rock climbing on perfect tufas with stunning views of the ocean. Others would swear that perfectly smooth granite walls in idyllic woodland settings are the best. Traditionalists can only recognize massive walls in alpine environments, while modern bouldering nerds will swear that slapping flawless sandstone slopers is the only way to go.

It's difficult to pinpoint the very best rock climbing spots in the world due to the variety of disciplines. However, if you add up the favorites from all areas of the sport, you'll get the list we've put together — a collection of the best rock you'll find anywhere on the planet, no matter what your jam is.

1. Yosemite National Park, USA

Perks of Yosemite National Park, USA

Amazing bouldering and single-pitch climbing Unique combination of big badass walls, easy accessibility, and good weather
Remote adventuring is a possibility.
Any ascent is rewarded with breathtaking views.

Yosemite is the only climbing area in the world with as much tradition as it does. It was once known as the "Centre of the Universe" by climbers. They were absolutely right. The famous Camp 4 has been home to the world's best climbers for decades. They became known as "The Stone Monkeys," and they spent their days either climbing or planning their next climbing adventure.

Climbers' love affair with Yosemite is, of course, justified. Climbers adore rock, and Yosemite provides a sea of spectacular granite, as well as breathtakingly stunning scenery. It's some of the finest granite you'll ever come across. The only issue is that it is very difficult to climb on. I'd suggest easing into the climbing style with some of the excellent single pitch crags, such as Swan Slab, Cookie Cliff, or the Cascade Area, before committing to your big wall adventure. To get there, the majority of visitors fly into Oakland or San Francisco International airports, rent a car, and drive to Yosemite in around 4 hours. Yosemite can also be reached by public transportation. Although having a car makes life easier, it is not required; many climbing sports can be accessed via shuttle buses, biking, or hitchhiking.

2. Kalymnos, Greece

Perks of Kalymnos, Greece -

There are routes for every skill level on this amazing limestone.
The Mediterranean cuisine, the sea, and the sun
Did I mention the incredible limestone?

Is there something better than a great overhang strewn with beautifully sculpted tufas that conceal all manner of sport climbing gizmos like kneebars, deep drop knees, heel hooks, and toe hooks? Kalymnos is the ‘X' on your treasure map if you share my vision of the ideal sport climbing route. Climb there even if you don't share my view! There are several hidden climbing gems in the place.

When you're not climbing, your body will be fed by a Mediterranean diet of fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables, while your soul will be fed by beautiful scenery, sun, and sea. There's a rumor going around that the climbing grades will also feed your ego…

Despite its small size, Kalymnos has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Most climbers base themselves in the villages of Armeos, Masouri, and Myrties. Both climbing spots are easily accessible from here, whether on a scooter or on foot. There are also hotels and studio rentals, bars and restaurants, and, most importantly, climbing gear shops and guiding services on the island. To get there you have to travel to Kos and then to Kalymnos by ferry, or fly to Athens and then to Kalymnos by plane.

3. Dolomites, Italy

Perks of Dolomites, Italy

One of the world's most spectacular mountain ranges; ideal for escaping the summer heat; outstanding sport climbing crags
Approaches are relatively small, and there is no need to cross-ice fields or glaciers to get to the walls.

The Dolomites are the place to go if you want to have a proper alpine climbing experience. What Yosemite is to the American climbing scene, the Dolomites are to Europe's — a testing ground for generations of climbers and one of the best alpine climbing destinations in the world. Although the majority of the climbs are slabby and vertical, there are a few serious overhangs, such as Cima Ovest's great roof. Climbing here is incredible, but the scenery is what really sets the Dolomites apart from the rest of the places I've been to. It has a fairytale feel to it. The omnipresent calming of gently jingling cowbells, the background of mighty snow-capped mountains, and green fields full of colorful flowers.

The Dolomites, which stretch 80 kilometers east of Bolzano, are home to numerous impressive rock spires, some of which reach heights of more than 9000 feet. Tre Cime is my personal favorite. The three 1500-foot walls, especially the great roofs of Cima Ovest, which house many 5.14b testpieces, are guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

I would suggest Cinque Torri, a smaller but equally impressive group of towers, for a more friendly alpine experience. Of note, the Marmolada South Face's 3000-foot wall merits special mention. It's arguably Europe's most amazing wall, and it necessitates equally impressive climbing abilities. To get there the most convenient choice is to travel to one of the nearby airports (Munich, Milan, or Venice), rent a car, and drive to the Dolomites for around 3-4 hours. I suggest getting a car to get around because of the size of the city.

4. Fontainebleau, France

Perks Of Fontainbleau, France

Stunning sandstone
Bouldering's Mecca on the Planet Kid-Friendly
You'll never climb the same boulder twice if you plan ahead.

Since the late 1800s, alpinists from Paris have been climbing Font's boulder problems in sequence (what we now refer to as bouldering circuits) to prepare for larger walls they planned to climb on future expeditions. This pastime eventually took off on its own, developing into what we now refer to as "bouldering," perhaps the most common rock climbing discipline. Fontainebleau (also known as Font or Bleau) is a massive city. The forest is over 900 square kilometers in size, with over 100 bouldering areas and over 30,000 recorded boulder problems to put your skills to the test. The majority of the sectors are simple to reach, with short walks on flat terrain and soft, sandy landings (check out the Cul de Chien sector!). Getting it is quite easy due to the size of the forest. It is beneficial to have a vehicle. Public transportation is available in some areas.