Ernest Hemingway said, "There are only three real sports: bull-fighting, car racing and mountain climbing. All the others are mere games." While touring along America's Byways might lack bull-fighting and local law enforcement discourages car racing, rock climbing opportunities abound along the nation's byways. From Yosemite's soaring glacially carved big walls along Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road to the White Mountains near Kancamagus Scenic Byway in New Hampshire, high quality climbing spots stretch from coast to coast.
Though for many, the eastern United States hardly conjures up the image of extreme outdoor adventure, places like Cathedral and Whitehorse ledges near Kancamagus Scenic Byway in New Hampshire illustrate the folly in jumping to such a conclusion. Known as the Granite State, New Hampshire is often considered the premiere climbing destination east of the Rockies. The Cathedral and Whitehorse ledges represent the old-school climber's ethic and attitude. The climbs are mostly trad routes, and though the area is famous for 20-30 foot runouts with little protection, rest assured that many classics provide for a secure adventure on the rock.
For those looking to spice up their climbing with a bit of southern flavor, Red River Gorge Scenic Byway in Kentucky offers up more than 1200 routes for sport and trad climbing addicts and casual enthusiasts alike. New climbers love Fortress Wall with a ton of climbs for those still getting used to how rock shoes fit. Those with a few years experience in the harness spend their time at popular crags like Roadside Crag and Torrent Falls. Check out Coffee Shop for a variety of bouldering problems. Throw down your pad, get a good spotter, and give some tough roof problems a shot. On good days, the most prominent spots get a little crowded, but the sheer quantity of rock promises a spot for anyone with a hankering for sandstone.
For the ultimate in sandstone climbing, though, head to the desert landscapes of southern Utah. The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway takes climbers to a surreal world of tall spires, sheer walls, and massive boulders in the middle of stark arid terrain. Massive cracks called splitters soar up the cliffs in Indian Creek. The Creek's splitter climbing calls for fist jams, a host of cams, and taped-up fingers since the only thing holding you on the wall is the friction between flesh and sandstone. Don't have the gear for crack climbing? Bouldering at Big Bend requires nothing but good shoes and a competent spotter. Near the outdoor Mecca of Moab towers the 500-foot Wall Street. With bolted routes for all age levels and a variety of well-loved gear-protected climbs, Wall Street gets a little crowded on the weekends. Luckily it's just a small sample of the climbing in the area.
Finally as the journey across the United States along America's Byways continues, the real jewel lies in California. Happily fitting into the dirt-bag climber stereotype, rock addicts regularly make the pilgrimage to the granddaddy of climbing destinations. As the summer begins, witness the train of barely-operational hatchbacks, Volkswagen buses converted to run on fast-food grease, and the occasional filthy pickup truck as they head west; for Yosemite beckons. Expect to see sublime rock all along Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road's 64 miles. El Capitan's 3,000 feet of finely featured granite tempts office workers to abuse vacation policies in pursuit of a dream. The boulders in Toulumne Meadows and Camp IV make otherwise hardened adults cry in simultaneous joy and frustration. The surrounding beauty of the valley inspires philosophical ramblings and spiritual vision quests. For some Yosemite is home, even if they don't live there.
A few moments spent hundreds of feet above the bustling civilization below provides a therapeutic escape. For some, these grueling struggles with nature's handiwork represent the ultimate communion with nature. For others, just watching a climber provides thrill enough. Either way, your trip along some of America's Byways takes you to some of the best spots in the world and above it.
