Nevada Rock Climbing

Nevada is a climber’s dream. With over 60 million acres of public lands, there are countless hidden gems—or should we say, rocks—to ascend. Stick to tried-and-true routes where climbers from all over gather, or strike out with a buddy to scale cliffs untouched by humans…until now, that is.

Some of the best-in-the-West climbing is just 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is home to more than 2,000 burnt sienna sandstone routes (including the popular Calico Basin). These Joshua tree-cloaked Mojave desertscapes serve up easy-access top-rope climbing, expertly bolted sport climbing, multi-pitch trad routes, and tons of bouldering.

Retreat to cooler temperatures at Mt. Charleston in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Sport route connoisseurs of limestone lines should head to Robbers Roost or The Hood, which promise soaring walls and plenty of caves.

While Rainbow Canyon is beyond Las Vegas, it’s worth the three-ish hour drive to experience some of the best rock climbing in southern Nevada. Serving up both sport and trad climbing routes, count on striking cliffs just off the road and crowdless access. Folks adore Finlay Crack for the opportunity to ascend a striking basalt wall.

Just north of Reno, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to elevate your trip—literally. Take on the granite at Trippy Rock and Spooner Crag for beginner-friendly edges and intermediate challenges, or head to the epic walls at Lover’s Leap for classic multi-pitch routes.

In the Elko area, head for Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains. Most routes within this glacially carved canyon are short bolted routes on small crags and lower angle climbs leading up to enormous overhanging walls, along with several big aid routes and winter ice climbs, too. A climber’s utopia, Lamoille Canyon is perfect for the adventurous climber looking to branch (or rock) out.