From Climbing · Brian Stevens · · 2m
Hardest Roped Climbs by State
See the most difficult roped climbs in each U.S. state, from 5.9 to 5.15d.
In brief
See the most difficult roped climbs in each U.S. state, from 5.9 to 5.15d. The U.S. has 50 states, each with one of the hardest documented roped climbs ranging from 5.9 in Florida to 5.15d in New Mexico. Originally reported by Climbing.
Quick answers
- What is the hardest climb in each state?
- The article lists the hardest documented roped climbs in each U.S. state, ranging from 5.9 in Florida to 5.15d in New Mexico.
- How was the list created?
- Brian Stevens compiled the list using Mountain Project, 8a.nu, climbing news, guidebooks, and local experts from each state.
- Why is declaring the hardest route complicated?
- Not every route has been documented, and grades change as new routes go up or old ones get rediscovered.
- What is the key takeaway from Hardest Roped Climbs by State?
- The U.S. has 50 states, each with one of the hardest documented roped climbs ranging from 5.9 in Florida to 5.15d in New Mexico.
What is the hardest climb in each state?
The article lists the hardest documented roped climbs in each U.S. state, ranging from 5.9 in Florida to 5.15d in New Mexico.
How was the list created?
Brian Stevens compiled the list using Mountain Project, 8a.nu, climbing news, guidebooks, and local experts from each state.
Why is declaring the hardest route complicated?
Not every route has been documented, and grades change as new routes go up or old ones get rediscovered.
Alabama’s hardest climb
Man of the South (5.14b) at Little River Canyon has yet to see a repeat, making it Alabama’s hardest documented route.
Alaska’s hardest climb
Howl of the Damned (5.14a) and Spotted Dick (5.14a) are two contenders for Alaska’s hardest documented route.
Arizona’s hardest climb
Duality of Man (5.15d) at Dry Canyon is the hardest route in Arizona and possibly one of the hardest in the world.
Arkansas’s hardest climb
Fever Dream (5.14b/c) at Haunt Hollow is Arkansas’s hardest documented route, though a harder route on private land exists.
California’s hardest climb
Suprême Jumbo Love (5.15c) at Clark Mountain is one of the hardest endurance challenges in sport climbing.
Colorado’s hardest climb
Wind Up Bird (5.15b) at Fortress of Solitude is Colorado’s hardest documented route, though grades remain murky.
Connecticut’s hardest climb
The Anarchist (5.13b) at Chatfield Hollow is Connecticut’s hardest documented completed route.
Delaware’s hardest climb
Rambo (5.12a) at Alapocas Run State Park is Delaware’s hardest documented roped climb.
Florida’s hardest climb
Ants in My Pants (5.9) at Vortex is Florida’s only documented 5.9 route, with no natural cliffs for climbing.
Georgia’s hardest climb
Temporary Permanence (5.13a) at Mt. Yonah is Georgia’s most popular and frequently repeated route.
Hawaii’s hardest climb
Mission Tortilla Chips (5.13b/c) at Mokule’ia Wall is Hawaii’s hardest documented route.
Idaho’s hardest climb
Algorithm (5.14d) and Mala Leche (5.14d) at The Fins share Idaho’s top spot, with Skyfall (5.14d) joining the list in 2025.
Illinois’s hardest climb
Southern Belle (5.14) at Jackson Falls is Illinois’s hardest documented route, with several close contenders.
At a glance
The U.S. has 50 states, each with one of the hardest documented roped climbs ranging from 5.9 in Florida to 5.15d in New Mexico.
