The world is full of amazing natural wonders.  Here are 5 of the most stunning rock climbing spots in the world (including the Rocky Mountains) that you need to see to believe.

The world provides a whole host of natural adventures. For some, the rock formations and mountains found around the world are challenging obstacles to conquer. What awaits those who love such climbing journeys is a breath-taking experience – some of the best views can be found high up on the slopes and a lot can be learnt from these remote places. I’ve picked five of the most stunning climbing spots worth visiting some time.

Himachal Pradesh, India

Accurately described as a “mecca for adventure seekers,” Himachal Pradesh is high in the north of India, right near Kashmir and the disputed border with Pakistan. The landscape is unlike anywhere else in the world – soaring peeks and deep valleys make up the view each way you look. Not only can you try rock-climbing, you could do white-water rafting, trekking and skiing.

Indian Creek, Utah, USA

The red rock cliffs in Utah attract climbers from all around. There are striking sandstone desert towers, as well as splitter crack climbing – one for the experienced climbers out there. As one contributor says, if you get bored around these parts, you’re doing something wrong. After all, Utah is one of the US’s most underrated states. It also boasts the densest concentration of Jurassic-era dinosaur fossils ever discovered – start your exploration by hiking to 185-million-year-old dinosaur footprints in Kanab.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is Canada’s first and most famous National Park – and for good reason. It’s beautiful. But people don’t come just to sightsee. They come from all over to hike, raft, ski, scramble – and climb. Of course, the chance for alpine and ice climbing is a huge draw.

But if you’re after rock climbing, according to the Mountain Project, the best quality rock is found in the quartzite of Back of the Lake at Lake Louise. Looking for somewhere with a view? Big, aesthetic routes can be found in places like Castle Mountain, Mt. Louis and the Tower of Babel.

Rocky Mountains, Canada and USA

The Rocky Mountains, affectionately known as the Rockies, stretch from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada down to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico in the United States. According to National Geographic, the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is the best place for climbers to explorethis vast feat of nature.

There’s a climbing school, with classes on rock climbing, mountaineering, and ice climbing, or you can set off by yourself. Lumpy Ridge has climbs for all experience levels, while Longs Peak (the park’s highest point) has some challenging routes that require nerves of steel.

Top tip: Be sure your travel insurance includes adventure activities like climbing. A week in a US hospital can cost over $30,000, so travelling without cover isn’t a risk you’ll want to take!

The Frankenjura, Germany

Last but not least, is a climbing spot with loads of scenic appeal. The Frankenjura area is a dense forest – but head in and you’ll find limestone crags, cliffs and free-standing towers. It easily makes Buzzfeed’s list of places to go rock climbing around the world, but they might have been swayed by the potential German pint nearby. After all the fresh air, you deserve it.

For most adventure-seekers, part of their love of rock climbing comes from the connection with nature. With any route, be mindful not to cause damage to susceptible rocks. For example, by climbing on sandstone in wet conditions or using a wire brush to clean soft rocks.

Where are your favorite climbing spots? Share your recommendations with me in the comments below.