Yosemite National Park, California

America’s first-protected land is also world-renowned among climbers. Yosemite’s Merced River Canyon has sustained crack climbs, and there are rope climbs on Tuolumne Meadows’ domes. The truly adventurous can enjoy multi-day aid climbs on the big walls of the Valley, where there is also popular bouldering areas.

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, Utah Zion’s world-class 2,000-foot sandstone wall climbs are for experienced climbers only, but there are easily accessed boulders in the main canyon. There are a few top roping, sport climbing and bouldering areas as well. Plan to visit in spring or fall, and avoid climbing when rock is wet.