The rock climbing community is as vibrant and popular as ever. While you might not immediately expect it, Kansas is home to exciting rock climbing opportunities that you truly won’t find anywhere else. Endurance and strength are required for the serious climbers, and common sense for the beginner or occasional climber. Kansas might be flat, but there are several places novice and experienced climbers will enjoy. Here are our favorites.
A must-see-and-do trip is visiting Rock City near Minneapolis. A virtually unchanged natural wonder. Rock City is centered around the 200 or so, “cannonball concretions” drawing thousands of visitors and bouldering enthusiasts from around the world each year. These rocks are large calcium and carbon boulders and are all gathered throughout the Rock City park. Not your usual bouldering experience, but a calculating, fun climb for all ages.
Become a member of the Kansas Cliff Club and not only will you get prime rock climbing opportunities, but also a community with the same passion. This is a grassroots, non-profit organization “created for the purpose of supporting the sport of rock climbing in Wichita.” Located at a vacated concrete plant, you’ll find 65 and 80-foot outdoor climbing areas as well as a 32-foot indoor climbing spot. There are plenty of routes to explore for top-rope and lead climbing.
Take time to find and explore Indian Rock near Salina. One of the original battle sites of Native American tribes, Indian Rock now provides lots of fun and hours of exploration for rock climbers. Indian Rock is located on the banks of the Smokey Hill River and from the top, climbers will have beautiful vista views of the river and surrounding areas.
Rock climbers at all skill levels are welcome to come and experience Emerald City Monster Mountain in Overland Park. Monster Mountain is an indoor climbing wall and is said to encompass 5,000 square-feet of vertical and horizontal climbing. It is a great challenge for beginners and more experience climbers. This is a great place to keep up with the challenges of rock climbing in an environmentally safe place.
