Unveiling the Thrill: Austin’s Top Rock Climbing Destinations in Austin, Texas - Monster Rock

Greetings, fellow adventurers! As a seasoned rock climber and former resident of Austin, Texas, I have the privilege of sharing some of my favorite climbing walls and routes from around the United States with you. Today, I'm excited to continue sharing some of my insights about the best rock climbing areas from my home of 8 years Austin, Texas. We will continue diving into the Austin climbing scene with my favorite summer time wall, Monster Rock. Strap on your harness and chalk up your hands as we delve into the heart-pounding world of rock climbing in the Lone Star State.

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Monster Rock

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The Hidden Gem

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Tucked 45 minutes outside of Austin in Spicewood, Texas is a summer paradise for Austin climbers called Monster Rock. A majority of the climbs sit in between two different walls which provides a ton of natural shade during those brutally hot Texas summers. This area also offers a much different climbing experience than other walls around Austin because there is rarely many people there so you can truly connect with what you're doing and the nature around you. The climbs here range from beginner-friendly to tough moderates that surely won't disappoint you.

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*** Please note that this is not the full list of available climbs at any of these walls or the total list of climbs I have done here. However, these are all routes that I have climbed and would recommend to someone else.

***Check out Mountain Project to view a full list of all the available climbs at Monster Rock.

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a. Dungeons and Dragons Wall

          1. Green Slime vs. Bag of Devouring (5.10b)

                              - Description: This was easily my favorite route on this wall. It's extremely well protected (maybe even too much) making it a great route for climbers trying to break into the mid 5.10's. Nonetheless, this is a very fun climb and also a pretty tricky onsight for many climbers if you haven't figured out the beta yet. It has a total of two cruxes - one at the bottom and one at the top of the route leading to a sustained 5.10b throughout the entire climb. Enjoy it!

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 40 feet, 7 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           2. Herman Munster (5.9+)                             

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 30 feet, 5 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           3. Sky Full of Dementors (5.9+)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 30 feet, 7 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           4. Mindflayer's Tentacles (5.10a/b)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 50 feet, 8 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           5. Dwarven Berserker/Lich (5.10b)

                              - Description: This route is known as the red headed step child due to it being right next to two more popular climbs in the area. Regardless, of the

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 50 feet, 8 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

b. Horror Movie Wall

          1. Goblin Mutant (5.11a)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 35 feet, 4 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           2. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (5.11b)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 30 feet, 4 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           3. Freddie vs. Jason (5.10a)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 25 feet, 3 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           4. Trollkind (5.9+)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 20 feet, 5 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

c. Lovecraftian Madness Wall

           1. Insane Whispering from a Yuggothian Braincase (5.11b)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 55 feet, 9 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           2. Nyarlathotep Arises from the Blackness of 27 Centuries (5.11b)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 35 feet, 6 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           3. Hideous Insanity (5.10c)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 45 feet, 7 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

           4. Cosmic Encounter (5.9)

                              - Description:

                              - Climb Information: 1 pitch, 35 feet, 4 bolts, and 2 mussy hooks

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Conclusion

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Pack your gear, gather your climbing buddies, and embark on an adventure that will test your limits and leave you craving for more. Austin's rock climbing scene is thriving, and there's no better time than now to become a part of this exciting journey.

Austin, Texas, might not be synonymous with rock climbing, but the climbing community here knows the hidden treasures that await. From limestone cliffs to granite boulders, the diversity of climbing experiences in and around Austin is truly remarkable. Whether you're a beginner seeking your first ascent or an experienced climber looking for a new challenge, these rock climbing areas will not disappoint.

So, climb on and embrace the thrill of the ascent in the heart of Texas!

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Keep sending, Austin Wolff

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