Mountain Climbing and Rock Climbing in North America
Not surprisingly, most of North America’s popular mountaineering destinations are in Alaska, the Rockies, California’s Sierra Nevada, and the Cascades of the Pacific Northwest and the high peaks of Alaska.
Thousands of rock climbing destinations, on the other hand, can be found almost everywhere on the continent. These are just a few of the thrilling climbs and spectacular sceneries which can be enjoyed.
Red Rocks - Nevada, US: Located outside of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has been a safe and popular rock climbing destination for over 15 years. These sandstone formations offer thousands of climbs for all experience levels, from small ledges perfect for beginners to the 95 percent of cliffs not yet climbed.
Shawnangunks - New York, US: Located in the Catskill mountains, this is the biggest and most popular rock climbing destination in the eastern US. The Gunks feature several cliffs appropriate and fun for beginners.
Squamish - British Columbia, Canada: The Stawamus Chief is the second largest granite monolith in the world, but it is just one of many massive granite cliffs in the Squamish area. The cliffs also provide nests for the peregrine falcon. May through October is the best time for climbing.
Skaha Bluffs, Penticton - British Columbia, Canada: Boasting Canada’s sunniest and longest climbing season, the granite cliffs of the Cascade mountains in British Columbia’s Cathedral Provincial Park are worth visiting between April and October.
Canmore - Alberta, Canada : This is considered to be Canada’s best sport climbing area and features some of its most challenging climbs, including Canada’s longest sport route, Sisyphus Summits.
Red river gorge - Kentucky, US: The Red river gorge’s bulletproof sandstone climbs are considered to be the continent’s best by experienced climbers.
Joshua Tree National Park - California, US : With more than 4,500 routes of all difficulty levels, Joshua Tree is one of the world’s most popular rock climbing areas. The park is open all year, but spring and fall offer the best climbing conditions.
Bighorn country - Alberta, Canada: Five out of six of Alberta’s ecosystems are found within this rural Rocky mountain region. Bighorn country’s unspoiled wilderness and few roads have made this area one of Alberta’s hidden secrets, and a recommended mountain and rock climbing destination.
Mount McKinley - Alaska, US: Appropriately named Denali (meaning ‘the high one’) by the area’s native population, North America’s highest peak is surrounded by three massive glaciers, wildflower blooms, and wildlife. May and June are the most popular climbing months.
Mount Hood - Oregon, US: Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak, is a volcano which has been dormant since 1907. This is one of North America’s most climbed mountains and a popular destination for less experienced mountaineers because of its relatively low altitude.
Mount Adams - Washington, US: Mount Adams, a volcano which has been dormant for 1,000 years, is the Cascade mountains’ third highest peak. A large ice cap covers its summit, and over a dozen glaciers surround it. Mount Adams is also a popular winter skiing destination.
Mount Harvard and Mount Columbia - Colorado, US: These two mountains are connected by a 2.2 mile sharp ridge, making it possible for both to be climbed together. Mount Harvard is Colorado’s third highest peak.
Mount Shuksan - Washington, US: Towering over the Mount Baker ski area, Mount Shuksan is North America’s most photographed mountain and a familiar sight on souvenirs and calendars. Mount Shuksan offers 14 varied climbing routes.
Cadillac mountain - Maine, US: This pink granite mountain created by volcanic forces and located in the center of Acadia National Park is the Atlantic seaboard’s highest coastal peak. Cadillac mountain is the first place in the US to receive sunlight during the winter.
Mount Washington - New Hampshire, US: Northeastern North America’s highest mountain south of Greenland, Mount Washington is an easy climb with a relatively low altitude, but its brutal winter weather has placed it among America’s top three deadliest peaks.
Chic Choc mountains - Quebec, Canada: Mont Albert and Mont Jacques Cartier are the highest peaks in this eastern Quebec region. The hike up Mont Albert is considered an unforgettable experience, while Mont Jacques Cartier, the highest peak, is a preserved area with a steep, well-maintained trail to the summit.
Grouse mountain - Vancouver, Canada: Known as the ‘peak of Vancouver’ and located just five miles outside the city, Grouse mountain is a popular destination offering a panoramic view of Vancouver, the Rockies, and the surrounding area.
Mount Caubvick - Quebec/Labrador, Canada: Located on the Quebec/Newfoundland and Labrador border, this is Canada’s highest peak east of the Rockies, and accessible only by plane via northern Quebec or by boat via Nain, Labrador.
Watkins range, Greenland: The Watkins range on Greenland’s east coast features many of North America’s highest and most spectacular mountain sceneries, but is recommended only for the most experienced climbers because of the range’s isolated location and brutal winter weather.