Glamping, the combination of glamour and camping, is all about taking in the great outdoors with comfort. On the surface, glamping might not seem to mesh completely with the strenuous sport of rock climbing, but the glamping company, Under Canvas, has learned differently.
“Some of our guests come just to experience the luxuries of glamping but many of our adventurous campers are seasoned adrenaline seekers who enjoy local extreme sports like rock climbing, canyoneering, kayaking or mountain biking. Just because they’ve spent the day climbing cliffs or exploring slot canyons doesn’t mean they want their sleeping accommodations or meals to be a struggle. The opposite, actually. After a long day of their favorite outdoor sports, even hard-core adventurers appreciate warm beds, hot showers and glamping in a luxurious canvas tent.”
Spencer Hunsaker, General Manager of Under Canvas Zion
With this best-of-both-worlds combination in mind, we’ve put together a list of locations where you can experience some of the best rock climbing in the U.S., then rappel right down to a warm shower, hot meal and cozy bed.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion terrain ranges from alpine heights to canyon lands for a wide range of climbing and rappelling. That includes bouldering opportunities as well as 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs that test the most experienced climbers. Spring and fall offer the best climbing in Zion, and a glamping stay can make the beautiful setting all the more welcoming.
Moab, Utah
The town of Moab in western Utah is virtually the epicenter of the extreme sports world. Located right by Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab offers a host of rock climbing opportunities from red sandstone cliffs to granite outcroppings. Set up a basecamp at Under Canvas Moab, ascend the famed Climbs of Indian Creek and come down for a good night’s sleep as you pick from tomorrow’s plethora of climbing options.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Grand Tetons are a special place—a rare collection of peaks rising to more than 13,000 feet above a deep flat valley floor. When you envision mountains, the Tetons are the image that comes to mind. And when you picture yourself rock climbing, the Grand Tetons deliver with more than 800 routes up 200+ peaks. Climb through rocks, ice falls and more. It’s a land of highly technical climbs and challenging conditions, so an experienced guide—a benefit typical of the best glamping experiences—is highly recommended.
Yosemite National Park, California
Naturalist John Muir and photographer Ansel Adams helped make Yosemite National Park one of the most famed destinations in the United States. A combination of high alpine mountains and steep granite cliffs tower over the Merced river as it runs through lush meadows. The towering faces of Yosemite’s Half Dome and El Capitan beckon to rock climbers from around the world, so glamping in the area is the perfect way for a climbing fan to put some checks on the old bucket list.
The Cascades, Washington
The Cascade Mountain Range combines the dark, hard stone of western mountains with the lush green plant life of the Pacific Northwest. Glaciated paths long ago created rugged routes just begging for rock climbers to take hold. Whether climbing or bouldering, opportunities abound. Try glamping in the Cascades, and day after day, keep finding new climbing adventures from the walls along Skagit Gorge to the crags of Leavenworth.
Acadia National Park, Maine
While western mountains and canyons seem synonymous with rock climbing, the east coast offers some true jewels as well. See for yourself at Acadia National Park in Maine where you can scale walls directly above the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Experience pink granite climbs like Otter Cliffs and Great Head while you watch lobster boats bring in the dinner your glamping guides will prepare. Your guides can keep you informed about the tides below to help make sure you stay safe in your eastern venture.
Whatever your rock climbing or canyoneering tastes, the comforts of a glamping experience can bring your climbing trips a combination of adventure and relaxation. Talk with a recognized glamping company like Under Canvas anytime to learn about great locations, accommodations and expert guide services.