Top 10 Cliffs To See in This Lifetime

The Cliffs at Tonsai, Thailand

For a climber, this is heaven. The steepness of the rock makes for a very strenuous, but exhilarating type of climbing and I had to learn a few new techniques to make better use of the features and save strength. I’m a ways down the road from my twenties (or thirties etc…) after all, but have no plans to quit or slow down.

Climbing Right Off the Sand at Tonsai

Even if you don’t climb, this whole area is just magical to experience. Access is only available via long-tail boat from nearby Krabi/Ao-Nang unless you’re part of a boat tour from elsewhere or happen to have your own canoe, kayak, sailboat or yacht. I don’t. Transport cost isn’t bad. Accommodations there are limited and tend to be pricey compared to many other areas in Thailand. Tonsai is cheaper than Railay in most cases and you won’t find electricity there during the day. If you need a guide or want to try climbing for the first time, or indulge in a little fun deep water soloing, then ex-pat Elke and the crew at Basecamp Tonsai are a fantastic place to start.

2.) Wadi Rum and Petra in Jordan

These two areas are not exactly right next door to each other, but neither are they far by road. In the grand scheme of life, I can’t imagine going all that way to see one and then miss the other. Petra is that place you saw in Spielberg’s classic adventure movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where they rode out of a narrow slot canyon into a big opening and saw that temple carved out of solid rock on the side of a cliff. That structure as it turns out is called The Treasury and is only one of dozens such carved out of the rock in this hidden valley located in southern Jordan. Petra is a World Heritage site and you’ll find accommodation, restaurants and other amenities in the town of Wadi Musa just outside the gates.

The Canyon (Siq) On the Way Into Petra from Wadi-Musa

I spent three full days on foot here exploring in the dead cold of winter (it snowed) under-dressed and wearing sandals but it all kept me spellbound, so I didn’t mind the frozen feet. Originally inhabited by the Nabateans more than 2,000 years ago and later by the Romans and others, this place feels ancient. If you’ve a mind, there are options to explore via donkey, carts and camels too. I found that the rock here has incredibly beautiful colors and textures that sometimes almost feel painted on.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is much more desolate and greatly more expansive feeling. It’s a big place with huge towering cliffs and wider valley floors. There are sand dunes and other features to climb and explore. The Bedouin that live here are wonderful people and hosts. This place also feels ancient, but in a much different way. There aren’t temples and tombs carved into the stone like Petra, just this sense of a very old dry landscape and ecosystem.

Petra, Jordan

3.) Yosemite National Park

No list like this would be complete without including the Granddaddy and world famous icon of America’s National Park system, Yosemite. El Capitan skyrockets more than 3,000 feet straight out of the valley floor and dominates the whole valley with its size and shape. At the end of the Valley proper, you can see Half Dome book-end things with its unmistakable shape. In fact, the whole valley is lined end-to-end with incredible cliffs and escarpments, any one of which would be a huge draw all on its own. For rock climbers, the world over, Yosemite is virtually a required pilgrimage and has been for decades now. While bolt-protected sport climbing has somewhat eclipsed the kind of traditional crack climbing routes that define Yosemite, no climber of any type worth their salt doesn’t dream of climbing here.

I began making my first climbing trips to Yosemite in the late 70’s as a teenager just out of high school and while it was pretty crowded then, it was nothing like the hordes of tourists you’ll find there today in summer months. In my first forays to “The Valley” as it’s called by climbers, I lived for weeks in Camp 4 under a tarp stretched between two trees because I was too poor to even afford a tent. But poverty has never stopped dedicated climbers from all parts of the globe coming to Yosemite and testing their skills on its colossal granite walls.

In warmer months, you can go up into the higher country of Tuolumne and the cliffs there take on a whole different flavor. The landscape there is dominated by huge domes and dome-like escarpments composed not of clean solid granite, but of a sedimentary rock. For climbers, the rock in Tuolumne requires a different set of skills and techniques than classic The Valley down below. Even if you’re not a climber, this place is magical and I’d highly recommend including it on any itinerary to Yosemite.

Since we’re talking about itineraries, timing your trip to Yosemite is critical, because I think half the known galaxy now descends here every vacation season. Besides, it gets pretty hot for climbing in the valley, although Tuolumne at around 9,000 feet is probably perfect. For the trivia buffs out there (although not a trivial matter), Yosemite has a sister valley to its northwest called the Hetch Hetchy Valley. Unfortunately, it was dammed in 1923 to provide water and power, mainly to the San Francisco Bay Area, so today remains mostly under water.

4.) Stawamus (Squamish) Chief in British Columbia Canada

This 2,000-foot granite escarpment rises out of Howe Sound at the town of Squamish between Vancouver and the world-renowned ski resort of Whistler/Blackcomb. In fact, it’s almost exactly halfway between the two. It’s such a huge dominating presence in an area packed to the gills with natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Squamish bills itself as “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” and not without merit. This enormous cliff includes many smaller satellite crags of varying sizes such as the Smoke Bluffs, Papoose and Cheakamus Canyon. These are where I learned to climb as a teenager and I’ll always have a special fondness for this area. So many wonderful memories for me here over the years and many return visits.

On the summit of The Stawamus Chief

To get the best unobstructed view of The Chief massif proper, head over to “The Spit,” where world-class kite-boarders congregate in season to sail the spectacular winds and seascape at the end of Howe Sound. Just down the road from the main escarpment, lays gorgeous Shannon Falls and now a convenient tram to the top for those unwilling or unable to make the steep hike up the backside in order to enjoy the incredible views from the top. If you’re a rock climber who has been to Yosemite then you’ll feel right at home here as the rock in Squamish is mostly very similar to that found in the Yosemite Valley (aka lots of cracks and trad climbing, but tons of sport routes too).

The Stawamus Chief Seen from “The Spit”

If possible, take at least a few days to explore this area. If you don’t climb, then mountain bike, hike, raft, paddle, kite-board etc. around this incredibly rich, beautiful and diverse area. As much as I love participating in all those other activities in Squamish, for me, it’s still mostly about that big chunk of rock at the end of Howe Sound.

5.) Tour de Utah (Zion, Moab, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Cedar Breaks, Canyonlands, Monument Valley et al) 

I’m listing this collection as Tour de Utah even though technically some of these fall outside Utah proper. It’s also a pretty big area, but I couldn’t bring myself to choose any one over the others. They’re all just amazing and from a larger global perspective, I see them as close neighbors geographically and geologically. If you started for example in St. George, Utah and made a big clockwise loop over several days or more, you could visit most of the places I’ve mentioned here. You could spend a lifetime in just this one corner of the world and hardly scratch the surface. This is an incredibly rich and diverse landscape tied together by diverse desert ecosystems that still have much in common.

Just Outside Capitol Reef National Park

 In case you were wondering, I didn’t include the Grand Canyon anywhere in this list, but maybe should have because its cliffs and escarpments are second to none. I simply want to write about it separately at a later date.

Zion National Park

The intense red-orange color of the rock in many of these places, combined with the incredible rock formations created by time and erosion are just an irresistible draw. They have a prehistoric quality that fuels my imagination and ignites my creative juices. I want to make images here more than I want to climb and that is saying something for me. While the views from up high on the cliffs are truly magnificent, I actually like the feeling of hiking around in the canyons, crevices and spaces in between the vertical rock even more. Something about it just makes me feel more a part of it than a visitor or even a trespasser.

Rock Arch Outside Capitol Reef National Park

One of the things I love about some of the national park is when they make designated areas off limits to passenger cars, but they remain accessible through park buses, tour buses, bicycles and by foot. In Zion National Park for example, you can have a great day cycling out from the main campground just inside the park gates (or even outside from the town of Springdale) and then going for a hike or climb before returning on your bike (or bus). Some popular hikes such as Zion’s famous Narrows  get downright crowded at peak times, but like most hikes, the further out you go, the less traffic you’ll encounter. There are tons of lesser known hikes and places to explore here, so if you’re looking for some solitude, you can get that here too.

6.) Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina

This beautiful series of escarpments may not have the grand scale of a place like Yosemite or Zion, but its cliffs are still magnificent and the views from the top are stunning. Looking south from the summit, the land flattens out and you can see a long ways out to the horizon in Georgia. Chimney Rock may not be as instantly recognizable as some places on this list, but if you’ve ever watched the 1992 movie “Last of the Mohicans” then you’ve seen some of it, including scenes shot at Hickory Nut Falls, on the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern USA. The hikes here are mostly pretty moderate on good trails and solid stairs. There is even a elevator that will take you from the parking area up to the gift shop and restaurant. Sure it’s a little touristy, but it’s well done and there is plenty to see and do here including rock climbing all over the nearby vicinity.

The Actual Chimney Rock – Part of a Much Larger Escarpment

The main feature here that gives “Chimney Rock” its name in no way resembles a chimney. I’ve queried quite a few people about this and they all fail to make a close association with that item. What the flagship formation does very closely resemble (to Dell and I anyway) is a gigantic phallus. I somehow think a park of that name wouldn’t have quite the same cachet and marketing draw, so I get the moniker they went with … I guess. For those who have visited this park, what d you think?

7.) Smith Rock State Park in Oregon

One of America’s first sport climbing areas and just a drop dead gorgeous area whoever you are, Smith Rock is a must see destination for anyone who likes cliffs. There is a lot of beauty and opportunity for exploration all packed into a pretty small space. It doesn’t feel small though, it feels expansive and airy. When you first arrive, and view the escarpments from above at the rim, it seems like you’re looking at this huge, almost Himalayan scale mountain range. I mean, they’re not small, but the impression I get from them is out of all proportion due to their shape, color of the rock and surrounding landscape.

Crags and Spires at Smith Rock State Park in Oregon

If you’re a climber then this is a wonderland of great quality routes all packed together. Some of these are pure icons of sport climbing in America and must-do’s on the “tick-list” of aspiring climbers. There are some very famous climbs here such as super photogenic Chain Reaction 5.12c and the world famous To Bolt or Not to Be, North America’s first 5.14a climb first free climbed by JB Tribout from France in 1986.

The Author Climbing at Smith Rock

If you’re not a climber, then Smith Rock is still a magical place to hike, photograph and explore. Just sitting by the banks of the river at the bottom of the gorge is an idyllic way to spend an afternoon. Watch the climbers or take some lessons from local guides. The trails are user friendly and there is limited camping nearby. Most people think of Smith Rock as being located at Bend, Oregon, but it’s actually closest to tiny Terrebonne some miles down the hwy. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and interested in cliffs (or just the outdoors) then this place should be on your list.

8.) Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I have lumped these two incredible massifs together since they both live smack in the middle of fabulous Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Even if you’ve never been to Brazil, these are still some of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. 396 meter tall Pão de Açúcar because of its distinctive shape and location right on the beach, and the Corcovado because of the colossal famed statue of “Cristo Redentor” or Christ the Redeemer with his huge outstretched arms situated on top. Be warned – these are justifiably popular and often very crowded places, so time your visit well.

Dawn Clouds Sweep Over Pão de Açúcar in Rio

If you’re a climber or fairly fit adventurer, there are better alternatives to squeezing yourself into thinly disguised egg-crates called buses and trams to the top however. You can rock climb to the top of both escarpments instead. Even if you’re not very experienced, or you simply didn’t stuff your full complement of climbing gear into your round the world backpack, you can still hire guides and gear. Rio has some fabulous guides such as.. well Rio Climbing Guides and Ancoraue. I had one of my best experiences ever climbing both in a single day with Andrew Lenz there, but have also stayed in touch with Gustavo and others at both these companies. These are all great people and very competent guides, so you’ll be in good hands with them.

Cristo Redentor at the Top of the Corcovado in Rio

The quality of rock is superb and the views are simply stunning. Climbing up the cliff-face and then stepping over the railing at the top while hordes of tourists in a sea of selfie sticks try to figure out just where the hell you came from all sweaty and smiling. I also feel more like I earned the view that way. I found this especially true stepping over right at the base of the Cristo Redentor and standing in that imposing shadow. I am not in the least religious, but that one was pretty powerful.

If you’d like more information about visiting or climbing in Rio, drop me a line and I’ll be happy to help with more detailed information and logistics.

9.) Devil’s Tower National Monument, Wyoming

If you’ve ever watched the Spielberg classic movie from the 80’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and remember Richard Dreyfus making that cool looking sculpture out of mashed potatoes at dinner and later in his living room, then you’ll recognize this icon. You can see it from miles away rising 386 meters (1,267 feet) out of a relatively flat surrounding landscape many miles before you actually arrive. It’s just this colossal igneous intrusion called a Laccolith and is fluted with columns that girdle the entire thing. There is no easy stairway, trail or elevator to the top. If you want to get the summit view you have to climb it. That doesn’t imply at all that it’s not worth going if you’re not a climber, because that patently is not true. In fact, although I’ve been climbing my whole adult life and have visited here several times, I’ve yet to actually climb it. I really, really want to and plan to someday, I just haven’t had a chance yet.

Devil’s Tower in the Afternoon Light of Winter

This landmark can get busy in peak summer months like you’d expect, but nothing like other places on this list such as Yosemite or the Pão de Açúcar. My last visit there was Winter (December before this last one) and I had the whole place to myself. This is a sacred place for the several native tribes tied to this area and I can tell you there is real spiritual energy here. I could feel it I think because it was quiet and I could tune in a bit better.

For the trivia buffs out there, in 1941 a parachutist named George Hopkins landed on top of Devil’s Tower as a publicity stunt and spent 6 days there before being rescued by a climbing team. Also, Devil’s Tower is the United States’ first National Monument dating back to 1906.

10.) The Verdon Gorge, France

The 400-meter tall, sheer slabs of vertical to overhanging white/gray limestone that comprise the Gorges du Verdon are something that held me spellbound long before I witnessed them first hand. They continue to do so now, some years later. Sadly, I have lost all but one or two my own photos of visiting and climbing at Verdon in a computer incident and do not want to buy or publish someone else’s pictures, so I’m leaving it up to you, the reader to find and see what this amazing place looks like.

Looking Down from Mid-way Up the Cliff Face at Gorges du Verdon

Situated in the Provence region of southern France, this place should be on every travelers list and not just climbers, or people who like cliffs. This is a rich beautiful landscape of endless lavender fields, incredible wine and ancient villages populated with wonderful people and places. The small town of La Palud-sur-Verdon rests at the top of the escarpment and is home to many climbers and guides. In fact, a great many of the climbing routes at Verdon start at the top by rappelling down and then climbing back out! The climbing is unusual too in that the limestone rock features these amazing little holes or pockets called “gouttes d’eau” (literally drops of water) where you can place fingers, hands and toes for purchase. Pretty cool in my book.

Don’t forget to stop and visit some of the wonderful places nearby such as Moustiers-St-Marie. If you have time a budget (or splurge), we stayed at a fabulous renovated Medieval Castle nearby called Chateau de Trigance that I couldn’t possibly recommend more highly. There are only ten rooms, all beautiful with incredible food in the restaurant and gracious hosts.

11.) Red Rocks, Nevada

Just a few miles outside  the lights, noise, and hubbub of Las Vegas, Nevada, lies the fabulous wonderland of Red Rocks State Park. There are so many cliffs and canyons here that all sense of scale becomes lost – at least to me. The rock really is a vivid red here, although you’ll find lot’s of color variation and textural differences as well. One of the features I like both for climbing and because it looks cool, are the places where the rock patina has this blackened dinner plate texture that looks like the hot desert sun just has incinerated the rock over the eons (it has).

Some of the Many Cliffs and Giant Rock Jumbles at Red Rocks

There is a about a 17-mile drive that winds through the park and lots of people cycle it since it’s relatively flat. Lot’s of hiking up into the crags and surrounding terrain for people with all types of fitness levels and interests. You’ll find gorgeous desert vegetation including all kinds of cactus. If you catch at time when they are flowering then you’ll be in for a real treat. Mind where you step though. I’ve come close to rattlesnakes here a few times where I could hear their distinctive warning rattle, but couldn’t actually see them in the rocks or thick dry underbrush.

The Author Climbing in a Relatively Cool Canyon at Red Rocks

For climbers, Red Rocks holds tons of super high quality routes of all difficulty levels and lengths. You can find everything from short savage bouldery problems, to long multi-pitch big wall type routes that will get you way up there. This is one of the better (few) places to rock climb in the continental USA during the winters months since it’s far south and in the desert. However, by late May it’s almost certainly going to be too hot to get on the rocks even in the shade and you’ll torch your fingers touching the stone in direct sunlight.

Conclusion

There are so many totally amazing cliffs around the world of all sizes, shapes and compositions that choosing only 10 (okay 11) was really, really difficult. There are so many where I have wonderful personal memories that may not resonate with others out there. The list is endless: Joshua Tree, Eldorado Canyon, Boulder Canyon, Mazama, Owens River Gorge, Red River Gorge, The Bugaboos, Meteora, Ayers Rock, The Arapiles, Patagonia, Mount Thor or Asgard, Tahquitz, Mount Roraima (or any Venezuelan Tepui for that matter), Black Canyon of the Gunnison etc., etc. Some of these I have already visited and many I have not. Those are all on my short-term “to-do” list however, so who knows? Maybe I’ll amend this list later on. In fact, I almost certainly will. The main thing here is that I believe all the places on this list are locations anyone and everyone would enjoy visiting at some point in their lifetime. What are your favorite cliffs out there? Which ones would you rather see on this list? I would love to hear what you think. Here is a link for an amazing microphone shield that will help your audio recording: