Climbing: Most Popular Articles

6 Important Climbing Knots
You need to know these 6 knots to go rock climbing safely--Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot, Clove Hitch, Figure-8-on-a-Bight, Double Fisherman's Knot, Prusik Loop, and Münter Hitch.

Top-Rope Climbing
Top-rope climbing is the best way for beginners to get out on the rocks. Check here for the skills you need to know and what equipment you need to buy.

The Best Tie-In Knot
How to tie a Figure-8 Follow-Through knot, the best knot for tying into a climbing rope.

Top-Rope Climbing Gear
Here's what you need to get out top-rope climbing, including rope, carabiners, slings, and personal gear.

LearntoBelay
Belaying is one of the most important climbing skills. Here you learn the basics about belaying and using belay devices.

Ready, Set, Climb!
You're ready to go rock climbing. Here's what you need to know to start climbing at your local indoor climbing gym.

10 Climbing Safety Tips
10 tips for safe climbing. Climbing is dangerous. Learn some of basic climbng rules to stay safe on the rocks and avoid accidents.

Belay & Rappel Devices
Belay and rappel devices are one of the most important pieces of climbing equipment that you will need to purchase and learn to use so you can safely belay and rappel at the cliff.

8,000-Meter Peaks List
The world’s 14 highest mountains are an exclusive club of peaks whose summits tower more than 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level.The Eight Thousanders all lie in the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges in central Asia.

Climbing Knots
All about knots for climbing, including the best knots for climbing; knot strength; and how to tie and untie knots.

Climbing is Dangerous
Climbing safely is your responsibility. Stay safe climbing by exercising good judgment and by knowing the limitations of your skills, ability, and experience.

10 Rock Shoe Buying Tips
10 Rock Climbing Shoe Buying Tips for Beginners -- Buying Your First Pair of Rock Climbing Shoes

K2 Fast Facts
Facts about K2, the second highest mountain in the world.

Mount Everest
Facts about Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

Anchor
Definition of Anchor, a climbing word for a piece of gear or natural object that ties or anchors a climber to a face.

Tying into the Rope
How to tie into a climbing rope and why the Figure-8 Follow-Through is the best knot for tying in.

John Otto Climbs Indy
A short historical article on the 1911 first ascent of Independence Monument in Colorado National Monument by John Otto.

Colorado's Fourteeners
Colorado offers 55 Fourteeners or 14,000-foot mountains for climbers to ascend. Learn all about Colorado's Fourteeners and how to climb them.

Belay
Definition of Belay, a climbing word for the process of securing and safeguarding a rope for a climber.

Petzl GriGri
A review of the Petzl GriGri, a self-braking belay device for rock climbing.

What is Climbing?
Want to know what climbing is all about? This article describes climbing as a recreational sport that uses hands and feet to ascend steep obstacles like mountains, cliffs, and artificial walls.

Sport Climbing Gear
Here's the equipment you need to go sport climbing, including rope, quickdraws, locking carabiners, and personal gear.

Sport Climbing Safety
What you need to know to have a safe sport climbing experience, including belaying, lowering, setting up anchors, and rope management.

Cho Oyu Facts
Facts About Cho Oyu, the Fifth Highest Mountain in the World

Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot
Definition of Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot, climbing words for the best and most used knot for tying a rope into a harness.

Makalu Fast Facts
Facts About Makalu, the Fifth Highest Mountain in the World.

3 Skills for a TR Anchor
The 3 basic skills you need to know to build a safe anchor system for top-rope rock climbing.

Mountain Climbing
Learn here about mountaineering or the sport of climbing mountains, one of the finest outdoor opportunities for the lover of high places. Mountain climbing is about challenge and perseverance, about putting hands and feet onto rocks and ice and snow and finally reaching a summit.

Annapurna Facts
Facts About Annapurna, the Tenth Highest Mountain in the World

Anchor & Belayer
The most important parts of the top-rope climbing safety chain are the anchors and the belayer.

Belay Device
Definition of Belay Device, a climbing equipment word for hardware used for belaying and rappelling.

Air Jordan
Photograph of Brett Green climbing Air Jordan at Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Figure-8-on-a-Bight Knot
Definition of Figure-8-on-a-Bight Knot, climbing words for the a secure knot used to tie a climber to an anchor.

Otto's Route
Route description for Otto's Route on Independence Monument, Colorado National Monument, Colorado.

Climbing Up
Learn how to climb an indoor wall in a climbing gym and how to use your hands and feet.

Rope
Definition of Rope, a climbing equipment word for a length of long cord used for climbing protection.

Carabiner
Definition of Carabiner, a climbing equipment word for a metal link with a spring-loaded gate.

Black Diamond ATC-XP
Review of Black Diamond ATC-XP Climbing Belay Device

The Seven Summits
The Seven Summits, a well-known mountaineering objective, are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Learn here about these seven mountains and climbing them.

Sport Climbing
Sport climbing, the pursuit of bolt-protected gymnastic climbing, offers the rewards of rock climbing without a lot of the risks. Learn here what sport climbing is and what skills you need to get out on the rocks.

Cam
Definition of Cam, a climbing equipment word for an active protection device.

Crack Climbing
Definition of Crack Climbing, climbing words for ascending fissures or cracks in rock faces by jamming or wedging body parts into them.

Stellar Idea
Photograph of Kathleen Dehaven-Staffa climbing Stellar Idea at the New River Gorge, West Virginia.

Bolt
Definition of Bolt, a climbing equipment word for an artificial anchor.

Pikes Peak Facts
Facts About Pikes Peak, the 31st Highest Mountain in the Colorado Rockies.

Harness
Definition of Harness, a climbing equipment word for safety waist belt with leg loops.

Tying Knots
How to tie and untie climbing knots.

Chain of Top-Rope Safety
Learn here about your top-rope chain of safety; the parts of the chain of safety; and the serious business of top-rope anchors.

BC
Photograph of Eric Wallace climbing at The Coliseum at Summersville Lake, West Virgina.

Clove Hitch
Definition of Clove Hitch, climbing words for a knot to tie a rope to a carabiner, anchor, or tree.

Rope Care Tips
Your climbing rope won't last forever. Follow these tips to increase its life--don't step on your rope, use a rope bag, run your rope freely, switch ends after falling on your rope, and regularly wash it.

Locking Carabiner
Definition of Locking Carabiner, a climbing equipment word for a metal link that locks shut.

Lhotse Fast Facts
Facts about Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world.

Virgin No More
Photograph of a Rock Climber and the Virgin Painting at Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Static Rope
Definition of Static Rope, a climbing equipment word for a rope that doesn't stretch.

Climbing - Articles
An index of Articles for the Climbing guide site.

Climbing Types
Climbing is divided into different types and styles, including rock climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, and mountaineering.

Likme
Eric Hörst climbs Likme at the New River Gorge, West Virginia.

Lowering
Learn how to lower back to the wall base after climbing an indoor wall for the first time.

Earl Wiggins at Garden of Gods
Photograph of Earl Wiggins rock climbing at the Garden of the Gods, Colorado.

Color of Emotion
Photograph of Ian Spencer-Green climbing Finger Pockets on Color of Emotion at Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Nanga Parbat Facts
Facts About Nanga Parbat, the Ninth Highest Mountain in the World

Why Climb?
Why go climbing? It's a lot of fun, gets you outside, and challenges you to push the boundaries of the possible. Learn here about some of the risks and rewards that climbing offers.

Broad Peak Facts
Facts About Broad Peak, the Twelfth Highest Mountain in the World

Kangchenjunga Facts
Facts about Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.

Your Rope's Life
How long will your climbing rope last? Find out here about the life of your climbing rope and what wears your rope out.

Free Climbing
Definition of Free Climbing, climbing words for ascending a rock face using hands and feet and gear for protection.

Heel Hook
Definition of Heel Hook, climbing words for an advanced technique when a climber's heel hooks onto a hold.

American Mountain Museum
The Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum is devoted to mountains and climbers with lots of exhibits and displays on mountain culture, geography, geology, and climbing.

Rock Shoes
Definition of Rock Shoes, a climbing equipment word for specialized shoes made for rock climbing.

Let Them Eat Pancake
Eric McCallister climbs Let Them Eat Pancake at the New River Gorge, West Virginia.

Glissade
Definition of Glissade, a climbing word for a controlled sliding descent with an ice axe down a snowfield.

Shear Strength
Photograph of Scott Brown climbing Shear Strength at Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Top-Rope Anchor Sites
The first skill you need to safely create top-rope anchors is to select the best site for them on the cliff-top.

Popeyean Forearms
Photograph of Eric Hörst climbing Popeyean Forearms at Bubba City, New River Gorge, West Virginia.

Aid Climbing
Definition of Aid Climbing, a climbing word for ascending cliffs by using the aid of gear for upward progress.

Jewel of the Mild
Photograph of C.J. Sidebottom rock climbing on Jewel of the Mild in Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Manaslu Facts
Facts About Manaslu, the Eighth Highest Mountain in the World

Cordelette
Definition of Cordelette, a climbing equipment word for a long length of rope for equalizing anchors.

Leaping Lizards Photo
Photograph of Eric McCallister climbing Leaping Lizards (5.11c) at the New River Gorge, West Virginia.

Big Wall
Definition of Big Wall, climbing words for a tall cliff that usually takes several days to ascend.

Tongulation
Photograph of Keith McCallister climbing Tongulation at the New River Gorge, West Virginia.

Finger Crack
Definition of Finger Crack, climbing words for a finger-sized crack that is ascend by jamming or wedging a climber's fingers into.

Pitons
Definition of Pitons, a climbing equipment word for metal spikes pounded into cracks for protection.

Bomber
Definition of Bomber, a climbing slang word that means fail-safe and solid.

Gasherbrum I Facts
Facts About Gasherbrum I, the Eleventh Highest Mountain in the World

China Crisis
Photograph of Eric McCallister climbing China Crisis at Bubba City, New River Gorge, West Virginia.

Mr Fred
Photograph of Bob D'Antonio climbing on The Finger Face at the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Alpine Style Climbing
Definition of Alpine Style Climbing, climbing words for climbing fast and light in the mountains.

Diamond Life
Photograph of Eric Hörst climbing Diamond Life at the New River Gorge.

Climbing Mount Sherman
Information and a route description for climbing Mount Sherman, one of Colorado's Fourteeners.

Webbing
Definition of Webbing, a climbing equipment word for flat or tubular nylon tape used for slings.

Pig Dreams
Photograph of a Rock Climber on The Finger Face at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Colorado Fourteeners List
Colorado, the roof of the Rockies, offers 55 Fourteeners or peaks above 14,000 feet for climbers. Here is a complete listing of all the Fourteeners, their elevations, and their mountain ranges.

Climbers on Finger Traverse
Photograph of Rock Climbers Climbing Finger Traverse at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Dhaulagiri Facts
Facts About Dhaulagiri, the Seventh Highest Mountain in the World

Gasherbrum II
Facts About Gasherbrum II, the Thirteenth Highest Mountain in the World

Shishapangma
Facts About Shishapangma, the Fourteenth Highest Mountain in the World

Drill
Definition of Drill, a climbing equipment word for a device to bore a hole in rock.

Quickdraw
Definition of Quickdraw, a climbing equipment word for 2 carabiners attached by a sewn sling.

Grapefruit Dance
Photograph of Ian Spencer-Green Rock Climbing at the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

California Fourteener List
California, with the highest peak in the contiguous US, offers 13 Fourteeners or peaks above 14,000 feet for climbers. Check out this complete list of all the Fourteeners, their elevations and mountain ranges, and 10 sub-peaks.

Gearing Up to Climb
Gearing up to go climbing for the first time in an indoor climbing gym.

Bullet the Blue Sky
Photograph of Ian Spencer-Green climbing the sheer arete of Bullet the Blue Sky at Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Snuggles
Photograph of Mark Hesse Rock Climbing at the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Helmet
Definition of Helmet, a climbing equipment word for a plastic headcover for a climber's head.

Los Hermanos
Photograph of Ian Spencer-Green Climbing Past the Virgin Painting in Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Chalk Bag
Definition of Chalk Bag, a climbing equipment word for a small sack for carrying chalk.

Learn to Climb
How to tie into a climbing rope and why the Figure-Eight Follow-Through is the best knot for tying in.

Slings
Definition of Slings, a climbing equipment word for either sewn or tied pieces of tubular webbing.

Bolt Hanger
Definition of Bolt Hanger, a climbing equipment word for a device which fastens to a bolt.

Crank
Definition of Crank, a climbing slang word that means to climb.

Finger Jam
Definition of Finger Jam, climbing words for climbing a thin finger-sized crack by jamming or wedging fingers into it.

Double Fisherman's Knot
Definition of Double Fisherman's Knot, climbing words for a knot used to tie two ropes together.

Candy Apple Red
Photograph of Brian Shelton climbing Candy Apple Grey at Penitente Canyon, Colorado.

Taking Care of Your Rope
Ropes are a critical piece of climbing equipment. A climbing rope is our lifeline. The rope secures us to each other in partnership and attaches us to the cliffs.

Crevasse
Definition of Crevasse, a climbing word for a crack in a glacier.

Pocket
Definition of Pocket, a climbing word for a hole in a rock face that is used as a handhold.

Aiders
Definition of Aiders, a climbing equipment word for portable ladders for aid climbing.

Rope Bag
Definition of Rope Bag, a climbing equipment word for a tarp that keeps a rope clean.

Bivouac
Definition of Bivouac, climbing word for a a temporary campsite in the open.

Edging
Definition of Edging, a climbing word for standing on a small edge foothold with a rock shoe.

Fist Crack
Definition of Fist Crack, climbing words for a crack that is as wide as a climber's fist.

Fist Jam
Definition of Fist Jam, climbing words for a crack climbing technique using a climber's fists.

Climbing Montezuma Tower
Photograph of Jannette Pazer belaying rock climber Carol Garfinkel on the North Ridge of Montezuma Tower at the Garden of Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Pete Takeda on Kors Korner
Photograph of Pete Takeda Rock Climbing on Kors Korner at the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Dry-Tooling
Definition of Dry-Tooling, climbing words for climbing rock with ice climbing gear.

Crimp
Definition of Crimp, a climbing word for a fingertip handhold

Hand Crack
Definition of Hand Crack, climbing words for a hand-sized crack that is ascended by jamming or wedging a climber's hands into.

Fall
Definition of Fall, a climbing word for plunging off a route.

Foothold
Definition of Foothold, a climbing word for a point on a cliff face where a climber places his foot.

Face Climbing
Definition of Face Climbing, climbing words for ascending a rock face using edges, pockets, and other handholds.

Fifi Hook
Definition of Fifi Hook, a climbing equipment word for a temporary aid climbing attachment.

Brad Saren on Finger Face
Photograph of Brad Saren climbing up the Finger Face at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Sketched Out
Definition of Sketched Out, a climbing slang word for feeling insecure.

Ice Axe
Definition of Ice Axe, a climbing equipment word for a shaft and ice pick for climbing ice and snow.

What Shoes to Wear
You're just learning how to climb and want to buy a new pair of rock climbing shoes. Learn the essentials here about what kind of shoes to buy and how they should fit your foot.

Rack
Definition of Rack, a climbing equipment word for a climber's equipment or the gear carried for a route.

Haul Bag
Definition of Haul Bag, a climbing equipment word for a large pack for hauling gear.

Jumars
Definition of Jumars, a climbing equipment word for Swiss device for ascending ropes.

Knifeblade
Definition of Knifeblade, a climbing equipment word for a super thin piton.

Honed
Definition of Honed, a climbing slang word that means strong and in great climbing shape.

Handhold
Definition of Handhold, a climbing word for a point on a cliff face that a climber uses with her hands to make upward progress.

Granite
Definition of Granite, a climbing word for a hard crystalline igneous rock that occurs throughout the world

Hypothermia
Definition of Hypothermia, a climbing word for when the temperature of the human body drops below normal.

Abseil
Definition of Abseil, a climbing word for rappelling or descending by sliding down a rope.

Climbing
Definition of Climbing, a climbing word for ascending boulders, cliffs, ice falls, and mountains.

Jugs
Definition of Jugs, a climbing slang word which means big handholds.

Rope Gun
Definition of Rope Gun, a climbing slang word which refers to a climber which does all the leading.

Camalots
Definition of Camalots, a climbing equipment word for cams made by Black Diamond.