Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff
C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
The world is filled with awe-inspiring rock formations, offering climbers both physical and mental challenges. Whether it's scaling towering cliffs or navigating intricate caves, the allure of climbing has surged in recent years. Movies like Mission: Impossible II, with Tom Cruise scaling Utah's red rock, and the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, chronicling Alex Honnold's ropeless ascent of El Capitan, have helped fuel this global interest.
Australian climber and photographer Simon Carter, who's been climbing for 40 years, has witnessed the sport’s rising popularity. "I've seen so many people getting into outdoor climbing over the last 20 years," Carter shares. He attributes this growth to adventure films, the rise of indoor climbing gyms, and the inclusion of sport climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Carter, who explores some of the world’s most breathtaking climbing spots, has compiled his experiences in The Art of Climbing, showcasing stunning locations for both amateurs and seasoned climbers. Here are five of his top picks.
1. Tasman Peninsula Pillars, Australia
The Tasman Peninsula in southeast Tasmania is renowned for its rugged coastline and towering sea columns of Jurassic dolerite, rising up to 300m from the sea. Known for its historical convict colony, Port Arthur, this area also boasts three iconic climbing pillars: The Totem Pole, The Moai, and Pole Dancer.
“The Totem Pole is like a giant matchstick sticking out of the ocean, offering a technically challenging ascent,” Carter says. This 65m pillar is for advanced climbers, as it requires two hours of hiking and abseiling just to reach the base. The Moai, a smaller 22m pillar, offers a moderate challenge, while the Pole Dancer requires a full-day adventure, with multiple abseils and climbs. Adventurers can reach Tasmania via direct flights to Hobart or Launceston or by ferry, and having a vehicle is essential to explore the remote coastline.
2. Kalymnos and Telendos, Greece
While islands like Crete and Santorini are familiar to many tourists, Kalymnos, located in the Dodecanese chain, is a climber’s paradise. "Kalymnos is one of the world’s most famous climbing destinations," says Carter. The island is covered in limestone crags and caves, offering over 4,000 climbing routes for all levels.
One of the highlights is the Crystal Cave on Telendos, a nearby island accessible by ferry from Kalymnos. Known for its endurance challenges, climbers need a 100m rope to descend after completing the climb. Kalymnos is reachable by direct flights from Athens or ferries from neighboring islands like Rhodes.
3. Smith Rock State Park, USA
Smith Rock State Park in Oregon is considered the birthplace of modern American sport climbing. "It’s an awe-inspiring place," says Carter. Located in central Oregon’s high desert, the park offers over 2,000 climbing routes, including The Smith Rock Group, The Christian Brothers, and Monkey Face. With its steep, clean walls, Smith Rock became a hub for sport climbing in the 1980s, when climbers began bolting routes to challenge themselves physically.
Carter points to To Bolt or Not To Be, a 41m-high wall in the Dihedrals area, as a pinnacle of sport climbing. First climbed in 1986, it remains a coveted challenge for top climbers.
4. Les Calanques, France
Stretching along France’s south coast, the Calanques National Park near Marseille is a historic climbing area. "The Calanques have long been a training ground for French mountaineers," says Carter. The area features dramatic limestone cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean, with routes suitable for both traditional and modern climbers.
The national park spans 520 sq km and includes 26 rocky inlets or "calanques," which are popular with hikers and climbers alike. Carter highlights Arête de Marseille, a classic route on La Grande Candelle formation that was first climbed in 1927, and the park’s striking overhangs and caves that offer a mix of difficulty levels.
5. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay in northeast Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only a popular destination for junk boat cruises but also an incredible playground for climbers. With over 2,000 limestone karsts rising from the ocean, some reaching 400m high, the area offers unique climbing experiences. "Ha Long Bay is a crazily beautiful place," says Carter.
The main hub for climbers is Cát Bà Island, home to rugged cliffs and Butterfly Wall. For more adventurous climbers, deep-water soloing—where climbers scale cliffs without ropes, using the ocean as their safety net—offers a thrilling challenge. The Face and Turtle Cave are two of Carter’s favorite climbs in the area, providing stunning views and unforgettable experiences.
For climbers seeking adventure, these five destinations provide not only physical and mental tests but also the opportunity to connect deeply with some of the world's most beautiful and remote natural environments.
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