Mountain climbing is great exercise and a lot of fun. However, you need to live close to some mountains to do it on a regular basis. There are places all over the United States that cater to mountain climbers. So, if you love this sport, take a look at these four best places to live that give you easy access to the outdoors.
Boulder, Colorado
If you’re looking for the best city to climb in terms of routes, Boulder can’t be beat. It currently has about 9,500 routes across 60 miles. The terrain is diverse and the adventures are unlimited. The most popular areas for mountain climbers include Boulder Canyon, Eldorado Canyon, and Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll love living in Boulder because of all the outdoor attractions, but it is also a bustling city that has a lot to offer in terms of jobs, education, and entertainment. As a matter of fact, Livability.com ranked Boulder as one of the best places to live in the United States.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Also located along the Rocky Mountains, Salt Lake City is a haven for mountain climbers and all other types of outdoor enthusiasts. Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon have awesome areas for mountain climbing just outside of the city, but you’ll have to be on the lookout for falling rocks. Nearby Salt Lake City you can go mountain climbing in American Fork Canyon to the South or Logan Canyon to the North, and that’s just a starting point. Salt Lake City is also a great place to live because it has a low unemployment rate compared to the rest of the United States and the median house price is also affordable.
Tucson, Arizona
One of the hottest places in the United States is also one of the best to go mountain climbing — Tucson. However, you won’t notice the heat as you reach higher elevations on your climbs. Tucson offers some awesome adventures on Mt. Lemmon and Cochise Stronghold. Plus, you’ll find new mountain climbing routes all the time no matter where you go. The job outlook in Tucson is also promising with a good mix of urban and suburban settings for you to spend your time.
Lander, Wyoming
This normally quiet town comes to life when you go for a climb in the Wind River Range or Sinks Canyon. You’ll climb over granite, limestone, and all sorts of other rock formations. It offers challenges but plenty of fun. Living in Lander means you can go mountain climbing practically every day. Plus, it is a very affordable place to live with plenty of job opportunities.
This is just a small sampling of the places you can easily go mountain climbing in the United States. Other places include Mount Washington in New Hampshire, Mount Rainier in Washington, and Mount Shasta in California. Where else would you suggest people live if they love mountain climbing? Leave a comment below.
Jake McHenry is a travel enthusiast, blogger and family man (not necessarily in that order) living in the Chicago-area.