Rock Climbing in Utah 2025

Experience all known types of climbing at the most diverse terrain in the country

Best time: mid-March–April | October–mid-November

Utah County is considered to be one of the best rock climbing destinations in the US. Few places in the world can compete with it. The northern part of Utah is a mountainous, high-elevation area with numerous climbing opportunities. The southern part of the state is characterized by uncountable sandstone formations. You can choose from the sandstone towers, spires, and cracks at Indian Creek, Castleton Valley, and Moab, large sandstone walls at Zion National Park, or granite and quartzite sport climbing near Salt Lake City.

Provo Rock Canyon and American Fork Canyon are great spots with unique features and various levels of climbs. Canyonlands National Park is famous for its towers, like Moses and Zeus, which rise out of the desert sand. Indian Creek is a famous crack climbing spot. Zion National Park is the place to find some of the most adventurous rock climbing. Here you may find hundreds of routes from 250 to 600 m (820 to 1970 ft) long on a steep vertical wall. This is a great place where you can try everything from bouldering to sport, and even ice climbing.

Rock climbing around Salt Lake City features lots of rock types, except sandstone. The Cottonwood Canyon offers 100–500 ft (30–150 m) high white solid granite cliffs and quartzite cliffs. The American Fork climbing area offers high-grade sport climbing on limestone rock. Maple Canyon features steep conglomerate rocks, full of pockets and cobbles. This is a popular climbing spot, especially during the summer season.

The best time for rock climbing in Utah is spring and autumn season. Mid-March to late April and early October to mid-November are the best months for this activity with pleasant temperatures and little rain. During winter it can get really cold, while summers are exhaustingly hot, especially in the desert.