Rock Climbing is becoming more and more popular throughout the world as it starts to gain exposure both in cinema and the olympics. Notable climbers such as Alex Honnold, Adam Ondra, Tommy Caldwell, and Chris Sharma (among many others) are pushing the sport and lifestyle of rock climbing to new heights everyday.
I spent the past few hours researching just how much rock climbing has grown over the recent years. Unfortunately rock climbing is still not a single country’s most popular sport. It still has some stiff competition to surpass the likes of rugby, football, cricket, and tennis.
While I was disheartened at first, I still hold out hope that rock climbing will become a country’s most popular sport in the future. I especially believe it to be possible for number one on this list.
If you are wondering where the top 50 places you must go rock climbing before you die, check out the top climbing destinations in the world here.
The following are the 10 countries where rock climbing is has been the most popular over the past 5 years:
10. South Korea
I must admit I was somewhat surprised to see South Korea crack the top 10 in this list. However, as I became more familiar with the country’s magnificent landscape, my surprise quickly faded. Pristine granite rock outcrops are present all across the country and crags seem to pop up everywhere. Mountain climbing is part of the South Korean culture and will continue to be in the future. Below are some of the best climbing spots South Korea:
- Jobi mountain
- Samsung Mountain
- Insubong
- Ganhyun
- Bukhansan National Park
9. South Africa
Rock climbing in South Africa is starting to become more popular following the turn of the century. Vast landscapes provide climbers with hundreds of great routes to choose from. Rock climbing still has much room for growth in South Africa but unfortunately will never be the most popular adventure activity in South Africa.
No matter how great the climbing routes are, I do not see rock climbing surpassing a South African Safari in popularity anytime soon. Below are some of the best climbing spots in South Africa:
- Waterval Boven
- Blyde River Canyon
- Table Mountain
- Cederberg Mountains
- Magaliesberg
8. Ireland
Although Ireland may be popular for beer, leprechauns, four leaf clovers, and pots of gold, rock climbing is starting to get significant traction there as well. Though climbing does not currently compete with the country’s love of the gaelic games, the dramatic sea cliffs offer unique and incredible climbing routes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Below are some of the best climbing spots in Ireland:
- Malin Head
- Ailladie
- Gola Island
- The Aran Islands
- The Mourne Mountains
7. Singapore
When I first think of Singapore, rock climbing does not come to mind. I immediately think of the extravagant city life and the hustle and bustle that comes with it. As it is one of the more wealthy countries in the world, the majority of Singaporeans have the ability to afford the expensive hobby that is rock climbing.
Before going any further, we need to address that Singapore itself is not a rock climbing destination. There are a multitude of indoor rock climbing gyms within the country but the outdoor climbing locations are lacking. To be completely honest, I am not entirely sure why rock climbing is so popular in Singapore.
It just goes to show that anyone can get the climbing itch, even without natural climbing wonders nearby calling their name.
6. Thailand
I believe Thailand is one of the most underrated climbing sports in the entire world. It truly has it all from routes in beach paradises, caves, and stunning mountain landscapes. It is no surprise that rock climbing is starting to become so popular in such a perfect area for it. Below are some of the best climbing spots in Thailand:
- Tonsai and Railay
- Nam Pha Pa Yai
- Kanchanaburi
- Lampang
- Kao Jin Lae Tower
5. United Kingdom
For those in need of a brief geography lesson, the Republic of Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom (UK). The UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK is home to beautiful mountain and sea cliff landscapes that any climber would be in awe of. Not to mention, climbing gyms are starting to pop up all over cities across the UK allowing greater access to climbing year round.
Below are some of the best climbing spots in the United kingdom:
- Land’s End
- Pembroke
- Isle of Skye
- Gower Peninsula
- St Bees Head
4. Canada
When first thinking of Canada, my mind drifts to hockey, maple syrup, and freezing cold winters. I am under no delusion that rock climbing will surpass hockey in popularity for the country. The very notion of that is comical.
That being said, it seems that rock climbing has become so popular in Canada that it sits solidly in the top 4. Canada provides its growing climber base with some of the best mountains and granite peaks in the world. Below are some of the best climbing spots in Canada:
- Squamish
- Bugaboos
- Skaha Bluffs
- Niagra Escarpment
- Banff National Park
3. United States
It should come as no surprise that the United States is near the top of this list. Everything in the United States seems to be bigger (the food, the people, the houses). The shear amount of climbing spots is no exception to this. Even indoor climbing gyms are widespread.
The Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada alone are home to some of the best climbing spots in the world. Climbers from all around the world travel here for countless world class climbing locations. Below are some of the best climbing spots in the United States:
- Joashua Tree National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Red River Gorge
- Devil’s Tower
- Zion National Park
2. Australia
Australia is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. Part of this diverse landscape includes limestone mountains and vertical granite slabs ideal for climbing. Much like the United States, Australia is home to some world class climbing locations. I would be remiss to say that climbing in Australia poses its own unique challenges with the shear amount of deadly wildlife there.
Below are some of the best climbing spots in Australia:
- Umbrawarra
- Glass House Mountains
- Blue Mountains
- The Grampians
- Mt. Arapiles
1. New Zealand
Topping our list at number 1 is New Zealand. Not only is New Zealand the birthplace of bungee jumping, it is currently the country where rock climbing is the most popular. Mountains and crags are absolutely everywhere in the beautiful country. It should come as no surprise that rock climbing is most popular with the adventure loving Kiwis.
Rock climbing may not be the biggest sport in the country with rugby’s presence, but it certainly is getting more and more popular everyday. Below are some of the best climbing spots in New Zealand:
- Castle Hill Basin
- Whanganui Bay
- Kawakawa Bay
- Darran Mountains
- Cleddau Valley