Is There Any Outdoor Rock Climbing in Florida

Florida is known for sunshine, oranges, the beach, and…climbing? No, Florida is not known for its outdoor rock climbing. For a place known for its picturesque beaches and abundant nightlife, they need to be lacking in some aspect, right?

While Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of outdoor climbing, it's a hidden gem for those who are passionate about the sport. Join us as we explore the unique and unexpected opportunities that Florida's climbing scene has to offer.

What Kind of Outdoor Climbing is There in Florida?

According to the Mountain Project, Florida has approximately 1% traditional climbing, 1% sport climbing, 10% top roping, and 88% bouldering. Don’t ask about ice climbing routes.

Bouldering reigns supreme as the outdoor climbing option in Florida. But the most popular rock type in this state may surprise you: concrete.

Instead of bouldering, buildering is the form of outdoor climbing in Florida. Buildering is climbing artificial structures using crash pads. Essentially, it is urban bouldering.

Statues, brick buildings, bridges, and anything that could be climbed fall into the buildering category.

Where is Outdoor Rock Climbing in Florida?

Southern Florida has many artificial boulders, but if you’re looking for real rock, check out Citrus Wildlife Management Area.

The limestone caves at the Citrus Wildlife Management Area are filled with graffiti, litter, and brittle holds. Floridian climbers plead to others only to climb the caves when they’re dry to maintain what little natural climbing the Sunshine State offers.

The majority of rock climbing in Florida isn’t on rock. Climbers use artificial structures, from statues to random concrete blocks to bridges and artificial boulders.

Popular Outdoor Rock Climbing in Florida

Mountain Project details a collection of climbs called ‘Artificial Boulders,’ in which climbers have exhausted areas around South Florida with bouldering potential. The area with the most documented climbs is Broken Glass Bridge Bouldering.

This area is an underpass filled with concrete lines maxing out at V3. While it isn’t a boulderers’ paradise, plenty of fun can be had traversing the walls or topping out on the bridge. Just be mindful of the broken glass strewn about.

Florida’s Unique Outdoor Climbing

The most unique route in Florida must be Taladro de Carne. According to J.E. in Mountain Project, “This is the best sport route in South Florida. 1 star.” While a single-star sport route isn’t usually sought after, Floridians must make do with what they can.

Taladro de Carne is a three-bolt masterpiece nestled on the side of a bridge. To follow the actual 5.8 ascent, one must climb straight up the bolted column using only cracks on each side. There is nothing else quite like it in Florida.

A few top-rope routes climb the bridge to the left and right on this single sport route in Florida. Panels on Panels is a classic 40-foot 5.9-foot bridge. Sling a tree at the top by the highway for your anchor and belay. The highlight of this area, Bertha – Cross Seminole Trail Climbing, is the 500 ft long traverse. While no move is supposedly harder than V3, 500 ft will surely give you a great workout. This traverse is a great endurance test with Florida’s sunny weather and often mild temperatures.

Should I Rock Climb Outdoors in Florida?

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out, Florida's diverse climbing options offer a refreshing change of pace from the gym. From limestone cave climbs to artificial boulders to bridge scaling, there’s something for everyone who's ready to take on the challenge.

While Florida isn’t known for its outdoor rock climbing, it boasts many high-quality rock climbing gyms. If the glass at Broken Glass Bridge is annoying you or the graffiti at the limestone caves in the Citrus Wildlife Management Area has you feeling unmotivated, hop into some air conditioning and pull on some plastic.

Florida’s Rock Climbing Future

While Florida won’t magically develop new rocks, there is an entire subset of climbing. Buildering is a great way to get your climbing fix without leaving the city. All you need is a cool-looking wall or an underpass, and you have your climbing area.

The future of Florida’s climbing is found in the gyms. Many climbers in this state can compete at the highest level, showing that access to outdoor rock climbing isn’t a barrier to creating a strong community of climbers.