Rock climbing

Rock climber scales a boulder with three people spotting, surrounded by trees.

Unsplash/Mark McGregor

Rock climber ascending a rugged cliff face, wearing safety gear.

Find your way to the top at a national park.

With cliffs and crags and boulders aplenty, national parks are a climber's paradise. Come discover the incredible variety of climbing options throughout many of our parks.

Woman rock climbing on a textured cliff.

Rock steady

There's nothing quite like the thrill of ascending a sheer rock face with the delicate balance of strength and finesse that climbing requires. Throughout the national park system, you'll find incredible opportunities to experience this unique thrill and practice this delicate balance. From mountaineering to bouldering, from beginner to expert, on rock or even on ice, many of our partner parks offer incredible climbing opportunities.

A few things to consider

Rock climber scaling a large, red sandstone cliff under a clear blue sky.

Know your limits, know the terrain

It probably goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway. The inherent risks associated with climbing make it particularly important to have a clear understanding of your skills as well as what the terrain holds in store.

Two climbers in helmets scale a rocky cliff under a clear blue sky.

Get your permits

Depending on the individual park, you may need a permit for climbing, so please don't forget to check with the park before you visit.

Climber with gear scales a rocky cliff in sunlight.

Have your gear in order

While some forms of climbing—such as bouldering—are elegantly simple and require little gear, many others depend on specialized equipment. Please be sure to come prepared for whatever type of climbing you'll be doing.

Rock climber scales a sandstone wall, belayer watches, gear nearby.

Unsplash/Luis Andrés Villalón Vega

Never climb alone

Given the associated risks, it's critically important that you never climb alone. Always bring a buddy and have a clear and established method of communication.

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Our top picks for climbing

Pinnacles National Park

Machete Ridge at Pinnacles National Park offers climbing opportunities at a variety of experience levels.

Explore park : Pinnacles

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area sprawls across more than 150 thousand acres, making it the world's largest urban national park. This easily reached park offers many opportunities for rock climbing - too many, in fact, to even list here! Visit the National Park Service website for a full list of prime climbing spots.

Explore park : Santa Monica Mountains

Where to go