Blog > General Climbing > How To Plan And Find Climbing Routes

How To Plan And Find Climbing Routes

Profile image Adam M.
Sep 23
General Climbing
Navigate the world of climbing routes with confidence. Learn how to find, read, and plan your climbing projects effectively.
post cover image

Exploring new climbing routes begins with knowing where to find reliable information and resources. Here is a concise guide to planning and finding climbing routes.

Article Contents

Where Can You Find Information About Climbing Routes?

The Climbing Community

The climbing community is a very open and helpful community, ready to give a hand where needed, and to share information on just about anything climbing-related. This is especially true for beginners just starting out in climbing who want to learn more about how to get started.

This makes the climbing community a valuable resource. You can learn about new routes through:

  • Local Climbers: Chat with local climbers at your gym or crag for firsthand insights.
  • Online Forums: Climbing forums and social media groups often share route information and experiences.

In addition to learning and discovering new routes and crags, you can also get beta from the community. Unless it's a new route that was just discovered, there will most likely be someone who can give some beta when you are in need.

What Key Elements Are Found in Climbing Route Descriptions?

Understanding the elements in climbing route descriptions is essential for route selection and preparation. It helps get a clearer picture of what to expect and how to mentally prepare to approach the climb.

Understanding Route Information

A standard route description typically includes:

  • Route Name: The name of the climb for identification.
  • Grade: The difficulty rating, providing insights into the climb's challenge.
  • Length: The route's height or pitch count.
  • Protection: Details on required gear and protection placements.
  • Beta: Tips and strategies for climbing the route successfully.

How Do You Interpret Climbing Route Grades and Difficulty Ratings?

Climbing route grades are a universal language, but understanding them requires some knowledge. Different countries have different grading systems, some even mix between multiple ones. Having a basic knowledge of these grading systems can help you better prepare and know the difficulty of the routes.

Understanding Climbing Grades

  • Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): Common in the United States, it uses a decimal system (e.g., 5.7, 5.10b).
  • French Grading System: Used in Europe, it combines numerical and alphabetical ratings (e.g., 6a+, 7b).
  • Bouldering Grades: Utilize the V-scale (e.g., V3, V7) for boulder problems.

What Tools and Resources Can Aid in Route Planning?

Planning your climbs requires access to the right tools and resources. These tools and resources are normally free to use, but some, such as guidebooks, may cost a little.

Route Planning Arsenal - Essential Resources

  • Guidebooks: Climbing guidebooks provide comprehensive route information for specific areas.
  • Online Platforms: Websites and apps offer route databases, reviews, and interactive maps.
  • Local Knowledge: Local climbers and route developers offer valuable insights.

Related Articles
Breaking In Synthetic Climbing Shoes: Tips and Techniques
Are your rock climbing shoes too big? Tips for a perfect fit
Benefits of Proper Climbing Shoes: Step Up Your Climbing Game
Pros and Cons of Synthetic vs. Leather Climbing Shoes: Understanding the Key Differences
How to Clean Climbing Shoes Properly: Tips to Avoid Damage During Cleaning

Are There Safety Considerations When Selecting Climbing Routes?

Safety should be a top priority when choosing climbing routes.

Consider the following safety aspects:

  • Risk Assessment: Evaluate the route's difficulty and any potential hazards.
  • Gear and Protection: Ensure you have the necessary gear and protection for the climb.
  • Weather Conditions: Check weather forecasts, especially for alpine and multi-pitch climbs.
Looks like there is missing information!
Something went wrong, a report has been sent to us to check what happened.
Looks like there was an issue
0
Comments
You must be logged in to comment!
No comments yet, be the first!
Related Articles
Article cover image
Breaking In Synthetic Climbing Shoes: Tips And Techniques
Climbing Shoes
Mar 23
Breaking in synthetic climbing shoes made easy! Our expert tips and techniques help you achieve a perfect fit for maximum comfort and performance.
Read Article
Article cover image
Are Your Rock Climbing Shoes Too Big? Tips For A Perfect Fit
Climbing Shoes
Mar 30
Are your rock climbing shoes too big? Don't let ill-fitting shoes hinder your performance or cause injury. Follow these tips to find the perfect fit.
Read Article
Article cover image
Benefits Of Proper Climbing Shoes: Step Up Your Climbing Game
Climbing Shoes
Apr 14
Discover the benefits of proper climbing shoes. Learn how they boost performance, protect your feet, and enhance your climbing game. Read more!
Read Article
Article cover image
Pros And Cons Of Synthetic Vs. Leather Climbing Shoes: Understanding The Key Differences
Climbing Shoes
Apr 16
Comparing The Pros & Cons of Synthetic vs. Leather Climbing Shoes - Material, Performance, Durability, price, and more. Read on for the full in-depth comparison.
Read Article
Article cover image
How To Clean Climbing Shoes Properly: Tips To Avoid Damage During Cleaning
Climbing Shoes
Apr 27
Learn how to properly clean your climbing shoes without damaging them. Follow these dos and don'ts to maintain their grip, structure, and lifespan.
Read Article
Join The Newsletter
Subscribe to get our latest content by email. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Related Questions
Visit The Community
                                    
                                                            
                                                                        
                                                             
                                                
            
                                                            
                                                            
                        
            
                                    
                                                            
                                                                        
                                                            spc
                                                
                                    
                                                            
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                            
                                                                        
                                    
                        
Profile image
                                    
            
Profile image
                                    
            
Profile image
                                    
            
Profile image
                                    
            
Profile image
                                    
            
Profile image
                                    
            
Profile image