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Best Outdoor Bouldering Destinations Near The UAE
Rock climbing in the Middle East is nascent with just a handful of indoor climbing gyms coming up across the region. Keen to visit one? Here is our list of rock climbing gyms in the Middle East.
When it comes to venturing outdoors, there is also growing potential with the establishment of a few local crags (list coming soon).
Beyond these areas, being in the UAE has the advantage of easy access to many world class bouldering destinations less than 10 hours flight away.
Top Picks Based On Your Needs
Since each area has different characteristics, here are our recommendations based on their strengths. To see the full list, skip on to 'Top Destinations'.
Best for new outdoor climbers
- Fontainebleau
- Albarracin
- Val Di Mello
Make no mistake, some of the hardest boulder problems in the world are in Fontainebleau and the climbing style takes getting used to.
The area is notorious for listing challenging routes at lower than usual grades which can be frustrating for climbers new to outdoor bouldering.
Why is it great for outdoor bouldering beginners then? It's a low investment to visit.
Fontainebleau is close to many attractions in France, the boulder sectors are easily accessible even for families, the landings are safe, and there are enough problems for a lifetime.
Albarracin is similar in this regard except that getting there requires more time and there are lesser alternatives to bail from a climbing trip.
In versatility, Val Di Mello wins as there is sport, trad, and bouldering within two side-by-side valleys. The granite boulders are in lush meadows with simple approaches and good landings.
Best for advanced and expert climbers
- Magic Wood
- Fontainebleau
- Rocklands
Magic Wood has the highest concentration of hard boulder problems in a small area. The best routes here are in expert (V9) range with about 100 at V11 (8A).
Fontainebleau and Rocklands also have fantastic climbs at the expert grade though many of the top classics are advanced (V8).
From the whole list, Magic Wood is better suited for experienced outdoor climbers as it has the worst landings which need multiple well-positioned crash pads to feel secure.
Best escape from summer
- Rocklands
- Magic Wood
- Val Di Mello
When Europe is experiencing summer from June to September, the Southern Hemisphere has winter. In Rocklands, temperatures of 10-18 celsius are ideal bouldering conditions.
Nestled in the Swiss mountains, Magic Wood is an alpine zone that comes to life in May after the snow melts. It stays cool enough in summer for bouldering.
Val Di Mello is in Italy across the Swiss border and also has an alpine climate that is suitable for summer climbing.
Most scenic
All the locations but one are forests. They are truly amazing in their way especially the 'magical' tranquility of Fontainebleau.
For unique raw beauty, the red sandstone formations of Rocklands in Cederberg National Park and vibrant sunsets are really something to behold.
Top Destinations
Fontainebleau, France
About the area
Considered the birthplace of bouldering, Fontainebleau has more than 30,000 problems spread on beautiful sandstone blocs across a magical forest in France.
The problems can feel harder here and require learning a different style from indoor gym climbing. However, the sheer number of routes makes it easy for anyone to get started.
Distance
7 hour flight from UAE to Paris followed by a 2 hour drive.
Approaching the boulders
Many of the biggest sectors in this area have simple flat paths which are friendly for prams and young children.
Food & other activities
Given how close it is to Paris and the historical town of Fontainebleau, combining this bouldering destination with other touristic activities is very easy.
This proximity to other small towns and bakeries also allows you to savor french food, bread, and pastries whenever you want.
Plan a trip
See our Fontainebleau trip guide.
Rocklands, South Africa
About the area
Known for its raw stunning scenery, amazing sunsets, and unique sandstone formations, Rocklands offers some of the most challenging and aesthetic boulder problems in the world.
The problems here are good for intermediate to advanced climbers especially those in the V8 (7B) range.
Distance
9 hour flight from UAE to Cape Town followed by a 3.5 hour drive.
Approaching the boulders
Compared to Fontainebleau, getting to the boulders in Rocklands takes much more work. Some sectors are overgrown with bushes and 30-40 minute walks with some scrambling is common.
Food & other activities
Located 3.5 hours from Cape Town, driving from Rocklands to popular tourist sites takes proper planning. Good hiking and other outdoor activities are close by though.
There isn't a wide variety of restaurants here or in the town of Clanwilliam so buying groceries to cook is the norm.
Plan a trip
See our Rocklands trip guide.
Magic Wood, Switzerland
About the area
Perfect granite boulders sitting on a talus slope high in the mountains, Magic Wood is the perfect summer destination for hard bouldering.
The problems here push the standards of bouldering with many high quality routes in the V11 (8A) range.
Distance
7 hour flight from UAE to Zurich followed by a 2 hour drive.
Approaching the boulders
Situated on a slope of old rock debris, the steep rugged terrain is tiring and difficult to navigate. One upside is how compact the area is so all the boulder problems are near to one another.
Food & other activities
Two small Swiss towns of Andeer and Splugen are less than 20km (30 mins) for food, groceries, and thermal baths.
Across the Italian border, Chiavenna is 60km (1.5 hours) away which opens up more options including Italian gelato!
Plan a trip
See our Magic Wood trip guide.
Albarracin, Spain
About the area
Albarracin is a picturesque medieval village in Spain home to both technical and physical boulder problems on steep roofs.
The problems here are good for beginner and intermediate climbers with V4 (6A) to V8 (7B) being the most well represented.
Distance
8h hour flight from UAE to Madrid followed by a 3.5 hour drive.
Approaching the boulders
Generally flat and compact, the approaches in Albarracin sectors are simple making it accessible for families with young children.
Food & other activities
This UNESCO heritage town is one of the most beautiful in Spain. Besides this, the major cities of Valencia or Madrid are relatively far.
For food and groceries, there are good restaurants and a small supermarket. To get a wider assortment of items, stop by Teruel.
Plan a trip
Here's a useful Albarracin trip guide.
Val Di Mello, Italy
About the area
Home to the annual Melloblocco bouldering festival since 2004, this granite valley is often referred to as 'Little Yosemite' and attracts world class climbers each year.
Distance
7h hour flight from UAE to Milan followed by a 2 hour drive.
Approaching the boulders
The boulders sit in both an alpine meadow and a forest with good paths that are easy to navigate. Val Di Mello is very friendly for families.
Food & other activities
In the valley, there are a few restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of small Italian towns such as Sondrio and Valtellina which have great wineries.
Plan a trip
Here's a useful Val Di Mello video.
Written By
Lucas Neo
Product and boulder guy and in Dubai powered by good coffee.
