Rock Climbing Takes Adventurers to New Heights

Three hikers with backpacks stand on a rock at sunset.
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Climbers love Arkansas, and it makes sense. It’s all about altitude. “Between Appalachia and the Rockies, it’s pretty flat,” says Andrew Blann, vice president of the Arkansas Climbers Coalition. “Other than the Ozarks and the Ouachitas, you don’t have much change in the topography. Arkansas is THE climbing destination.”

With hikes and scrambles, bouldering, sport climbing, top rope and trad, Arkansas is an ideal place to get a firm grip on your climbing skills before venturing into extreme altitudes. “Arkansas is probably the best easy-to-moderate climbing in the country,“ Blann continues. “It’s a really unique way to go out and experience the state.”

Want to see for yourself? Check out these destinations.

 

Rock climber scaling a cliff above a lush green forest.

Mount Magazine State Park

Climbers are naturally drawn to Mount Magazine, The Natural State’s highest point at 2,753 feet. An 80-foot cliff face makes for technical trad and sport climbing routes for intermediate and advanced climbers.  “Scarlet Begonias (5.10)” was actually the first sport route in the state.

If you’re new to climbing, there are also beginner routes as well as excellent hiking trails.  At the top of Mount Magazine, a spacious state park lodge awaits where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Petit Jean River Valley.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • 90+ Routes
  • Climbing: Sport, Trad, Top Rope
  • Difficulty: 5.6 – 5.12+
Climber scaling a boulder in a forest, with a spotter and crash pads below.

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

With more than 400 climbing routes, Horseshoe Canyon is an amazing climbing destination near the Buffalo National River with a range of opportunities. While doing your Spiderman thing, check out “Green Goblin,” the most famous sport route in the canyon. Or keep it closer to earth and go bouldering — just be sure to bring your crash pads.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • 400+ Routes
  • Climbing: Sport, Trad, Bouldering
  • Difficulty: 5.5 – 5.14
Hiker on rocky cliff overlooking vast green landscape and distant mountains.

Rattlesnake Ridge

Just outside Little Rock, the view overlooking Lake Maumelle and Pinnacle Mountain is one of Arkansas’ most magnificent. The Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area takes advantage with scenic climbs for every skill level. While sport routes make up the majority, there’s also plenty of top rope and trad climbing. For the best day out, arrive early for good parking.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • 4-mile moderate hike to climbing area
  • Climbing: Sport, Trad, Top Rope
  • Difficulty: 5.7 – 5.9

ROUTE RATINGS

Technical rock climbs are graded on a scale from 5.0 to 5.15. Consider these rankings before you embark.

  • 5.0 - 5.4 Easy
  • 5.5 - 5.8 Intermediate
  • 5.9 - 5.10 Hard
  • 5.11 - 5.12 Hard to Difficult
  • 5.13 - 5.15 Very Difficult
  • 6.0 Cannot Be Free Climbed

MORE CLIMBS

Don’t miss these other popular Arkansas climbing destinations.