Best Of

A Rock Climber's Guide To South Florida

July 10, 2014 / 7:55 AM EDT / CBS Miami

When you think of rock climbing, you usually think of large, skyscraper rock formations along mountainous terrain. Since Florida's terrain is decidedly flat, indoor rock climbing gyms are usually the only available option. Surprisingly, there is a number of outdoor rock climbing options in and around South Florida. Whether you test your strength in the great outdoors or recreate the experience of climbing a 30-foot peak, this rock climber's guide will detail that quality outdoor climbing in Florida does exist.

Blowing Rocks Preserve

574 S. Beach Road
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
(561) 744-6668
www.nature.org

Located on Jupiter Island, this natural rock formation of fossilized limestone ranges in height and has lots of holes and crater-like openings. Ideal for bouldering, climbers can engage in a full-body experience with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean behind them. Sturdy shoes and gloves would be beneficial. From Miami-Dade or Broward Counties, climbers can get to this location by taking I-95 northbound to Exit 79A – PGA Boulevard and then connect to State Road A1A. Travel time is about two hours depending on where you're driving from. The difficulty level falls into a Class 3.

Alice Wainwright Park

2845 Brickell Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 856-6794

This concentrated formation of limestone makes for a great interactive climb. While the level of physical exertion may not match that of a typical peak, Alice Wainwright Park is still large and tall enough to get in a good workout. No major equipment or gear is required for this short yet fun climb. This would fall in Class 3 in level of difficulty. Getting to Wainwright Park is as easy as taking I-95 southbound to the Rickenbacker Causeway exit. Travel time is about 15 to 20 minutes from any part of Miami-Dade County. Climbers traveling from Broward should add about 15 minutes in driving time.

Perrine Wayside Park

16425 S. Dixie Highway
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
(305) 259-1234
www.palmettobay-fl.gov

Climbers looking for a more intense physical challenge will be satisfied with the level of difficulty in the wall climb here. The climbing wall features two bouldering traverses. They stand at around 50 feet in height, which is quite uncommon in South Florida. Additionally, one of the traverses has an overhang. Some of the gear you may need includes climbing ropes and gloves. Located in Palmetto Bay, climbers can find the park by connecting to U.S. 1/South Dixie Highway from other local thoroughfares. Travel time is between 30 and 60 minutes depending on which part of South Florida you're driving from. The level of difficulty rates at a Class 3.

Deering Canal

Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 S.W. 72nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33157
(305) 235-1668
www.deeringestate.com

Deering Canal is located near the esteemed Deering Estate at Cutler in Palmetto Bay. The site is accessible from South Dixie Highway (U.S. 1) and would take about 30 minutes from Miami. From Ft. Lauderdale, the drive may take closer to 50 minutes. This climb is multi-faceted, making it a Class 3 or 4 in level of difficulty. The fossilized limestone varies in height from 12 to 15 feet.

Chapel by the Lake

1101 S. Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
www.rockclimbing.com

To get to Chapel by the Lake, climbers would travel northbound on I-05 and connect to U.S. 1 North, to Okeechobee Boulevard. Travel time ranges from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, depending on the locations of origin in Broward or Miami-Dade Counties. The rock climbing wall is near the water, offering great ocean views and breezes during the climb. It's a great location for climbing virtually any time of the year. The level of difficulty ranks a Class 3.

For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

South Florida