The next time you are in Boulder, Colorado, you might want to check out Eldorado Canyon. "Eldo" is one of the most challenging mountain-climbing experiences in the U.S., featuring plenty of crags, cracks and sheer faces.

Located just outside Boulder, Eldorado Canyon draws thousands of climbing enthusiasts each year from every corner of the world. It isn't that the climb is all that difficult, though routes range from baby beginner to extremely advanced, rather, the complexity of the routes and the confusing nature of the canyon present unique challenges.

In fact, most people require guides if they are going to climb in Eldorado Canyon. It is easy to get lost and wind up on a route that is too difficult for your experience, and you shouldn't try to determine pitch grade without a guide or guidebook.

As far as routes, you'll have your pick once you start your climb at Eldorado Canyon. There are more than 500 ways to scale this beautiful canyon, starting with 5.6 climbs such as Wind Ridge and 5.8 climbs like The Bastille Crack.

If you're really feeling adventurous, try the Iron Monkey, a recently-added 5.14 climb that is sure to get your blood pumping. However, make sure you know your strength and your abilities before you try some of the more treacherous climbs.

This climb is particularly difficult in the height of summer, when humidity adds to the oppressive heat. The rock face becomes slick and therefore difficult to navigate, so make sure you bring a pair of high quality gloves. You'll also need a harness with plenty of gear loops, such as the Black Diamond Alpine Bod harness.

To get to Eldorado Canyon from Boulder, hope on CO Hwy 93 South, then head west on Eldorado Springs Drive, which is just past the city limits of Boulder.

Colorado is one of the best places in the world to go when you need a good climb, and Eldorado is just one option among many. Although you are unlikely to get bored here, check out some of the other areas around Boulder for different challenges.

Whenever I think of climbing, my mind always drifts to beautiful mountain peaks and long trails lined with every type of wildlife imaginable. For some climbers, however, it's all about the vertical.

At one time, El Capitan in Yosemite National Park was considered impossible to climb and for good reason. Each of the many routes to the top of El Capitan is long and treacherous, testing both the climber's skill and his endurance. Of course, it's also the ultimate adrenaline rush for people who enjoy looking at the world from the face of a rock.

Made of coarse granite and soaring 3,000 feet in the air, El Capitan is considered the Everest for big-wall climbing. Although I've seen it in person - on vacation when I was about ten - mere pictures of this monolith are sufficient to give me goose bumps.

The routes up El Capitan vary, but the most popular and most difficult is the Nose. It was first successfully climbed in 1958, and since then climbers from all over the world have aspired to reach the summit. This route usually takes two or three days to accomplish, though a few expert climbers have conquered it in just one.

A few of the routes, including the Nose, have been free climbed, but aids are definitely recommended. Unless you have significant experience (and a need for danger), ropes should accompany your expedition in Yosemite. A few climbers who thrive on challenges have raced up the Nose and other routes on El Capitan, but this is also not for an amateur.

In order to climb El Capitan, you'll access it from a trail in Yosemite. I recommend bringing along a light-weight and roomy pack, such as C.A.M.P. Rox, a 40-liter duffel with plenty of space.

I would also recommend becoming proficient at a few smaller big-wall climbs before attempting El Capitan. It might be exciting and adventurous, but it has also been the cause of many injuries over the years. If you have any qualms at all, go with an experienced guide who can "show you the ropes," as they say.

Mention Australia to the average person and they probably will think of three things: kangaroos, koalas and Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee, the rugged outdoorsman played by comedian Paul Hogan in a popular series of films. The Dundee character, who lived in Australia's Northern Territory, earned his nickname after allegedly surviving a crocodile attack.

For climbers, the Northern Territory offers something more enticing than a wisecracking crocodile fighter, namely the destination called Mount Uluru. Also known as Ayers Rock, this mountain attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom are bound and determined to climb to the top of this unique formation.

Located in Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park, Ayers Rock is just 986 feet, but the climb to the top is fairly steep, even for a veteran climber. Though it looks like an easy mountain to tackle from the ground, some people have died from heart failure during the climb.

Besides the physical challenges, there are other roadblocks that could interfere with your plans to visit Mount Uluru. The Anangu people are the owners and guardians of this rock formation, and they consider it sacred. They have posted signs asking tourists to please keep off the mountain.

Despite the expressed wishes of the Anangu, there are no laws preventing you from climbing Ayers Rock. It's not uncommon to see enthusiasts heading up Uluru, but the decision to climb is up to you and your conscience.

If Ayers Rock is too strong for you to resist, make sure to invest in a good pair of climbing shoes, such as Boreal Ace. With a pair of Aces on your feet, you should be able to reach the top and get a bird's-eye view of the Northern Territory.

Australia is a land of natural wonders, not the least of which is the beautiful Mount Uluru. You may not see Paul Hogan tossing another "shrimp on the Barbie," but for those who take their chances on Ayers Rock, the experience can be memorable.

Sources:

http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/climbing-ayers-rock-uluru.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Although there are plenty of mountains to climb in the United States, experienced and adventurous climbers might prefer to leave the U.S. behind in favor of foreign conquests. One of the most treacherous obstacles is the Eiger, which is located in the Swiss Alps and has claimed 60 lives since 1935.

Eiger's most difficult challenge lies in the Nordwand, or the north face, of the mountain, which is also the most popular goal for modern climbers. Although it isn't as technically complicated as many of the other Alpine faces, a considerable amount of yearly rock fall and ice makes it dangerous.

In fact, the Nordwand is often called the Mordwand by locals, which translates as "murder wall." This certainly isn't the climb for beginners seeking experience.

Because the number of deaths due to climbing and rock fall has increased significantly in the last couple of decades, climbing Eiger isn't always the brightest idea. You should have significant climbing experience before attempting this type of climb, and you should be capable of carrying sufficient equipment to get out of a tight situation.

It is also important to note that most people prefer to climb Eiger during the winter months, because a hardened shell of ice decreases the chances of injury by rock fall. The elevation and the general climate of this area are treacherous in itself, so you'll need to be prepared for winter emergencies. Your first aid kit should include everything from matches to moleskin to EMT sheers, just in case something goes wrong.

Before you decide to climb Eiger, make sure that you've chosen the most ideal weather conditions for your trek, preferably a high-pressure system with little chance for precipitation. If you don't live in the area, you can use the Internet for research, or you can contact a local outfitter to keep you posted.

Eiger is certainly one of the most exciting climbs in the world, despite the fact that there are numerous peaks far more technically difficult. If you attempt this climb, it is always best to do so with someone more experienced than yourself.

Mountains and canyons, much like anything else, can be deceiving. Some climbs look as though they should be easy, but prove very difficult, while others look like monstrosities and are fairly easy to scale. This is the case with the Stolen Chimney route in Utah's canyon country. The Stolen Chimney looks just like its name, a 250-foot rocky protrusion in the land, and it looks as treacherous as they come.

In actuality, the Stolen Chimney is only classified as a II climb, but since it looks like it might topple at any moment, and because of its craggy face, many climbers are scared to death of it. I know that I have no interest in climbing it any time in the future, and this is a classic example of why climbers shouldn't rely on ratings to choose their next targets.

When climbing the Stolen Chimney, it's important to make sure you have a healthy supply of nuts and at least one aider. Don't underestimate the possibility that the rocky surface will crumble underneath your fingers, so make sure you have plenty of grip before you try any ascensions on this climb.

To get there, you'll wind down a fairly good mile-long trail from the parking lot, but beware that this can take a while. You might want to wear tennis shoes or a different pair of comfortable hiking boots, such as the SalomonExit Peak Mid GTXs, from the ones you wear for the actual climb up the tower. This may prevent blisters and will keep your feet fresh and your circulation pumping.

The best part of climbing Stolen Chimney, of course, is the summit. Standing atop the tower, regardless of the time of day, gives you a beautifully unobstructed view of Utah canyon country. This is a fantastic reward after you've heaved yourself up the giant corkscrew tower, and many say it's worth the nerves you experience beforehand.

Stolen Chimney is located in the Fisher Towers area, approximately 20 miles northeast of Moab. And if this tower doesn't satisfy your thirst for treacherous climbs, you can also try the Titan, which is the largest of the towers in this area.

If a mountaineering or a cliff-climbing course is penciled into your calendar this year, you'll need to plan ahead with the basic gear and supplies. Rock climbing is a great way to experience the great outdoors from a fresh perspective; whether you're climbing the Rockies or taking a trip across the Grand Canyon, be prepared for breathtaking views and a total body workout as you reach new heights. Make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable with these rock climbing necessities:

1. Carabiners

You'll need a sturdy set of carabiners to keep your ropes and pulleys working at their full potential. Look for wire gate, lightweight carabiners that reduce 'gate lash' and make it easy to change out ropes and coordinate pulleys on your climb.

2. Rock climbing shoes

The necessary footwear for a rock climbing adventure is a far cry from the standard hiking boot or cross-country trekking shoe. A pair of quality rock climbing shoes can either be lace-up or Velcro style, and you'll get the most out of your climb with a pair of leather uppers designed with flexible soles. They're also designed with extra grips on the base, and are super lightweight for better performance.

3. Climbing harnesses

Making sure you have the best-fitting harness can help you stay comfortable and well-protected during even the most challenging climbs. The right harness will help distribute your weight evenly without pinching or cinching your skin as the pressure increases; look for extra features such as vents in the waistbelt and flexible plastic inserts for extra spine and muscle support.

4. Climbing helmet

Protect yourself from falling rocks and boulders, and keep that scalp as dry as possible with a well-fitting helmet. Helmets designed with air vents and an adjustable strap can offer the best fitting, and these are also a lightweight accessory. Look for helmets with detachable headlamps or clips to hold a lamp in place for adventures at sunset that lead into the night.

5. Camming device

As you make your way up the steepest climbs and challenging rock formations, you'll need the right holding device to keep you on course. Camming devices made with an interlocking design can make each move smooth and flexible. Look for lightweight camming devices made with stainless steel for maximum durability and versatility.