Warning for Climbers! Popular Climbing Destinations Becoming Dangerously Crowded

Imagine reaching the top of a mountain and cheering as you look upon the rest of the world, proud of your achievement. Unfortunately, you might have some people waiting for you to stop screaming. Crowded climbs have hindered travel, forcing people to change their vacation plans. Here’s a climber’s guide to popular destinations in 2024. 

How Crowded Are the Most Popular Climbs?

Earlier this year, climbers were horrified as images of climbers stranded on the side of Yandang Mountain on a via ferrata course for over an hour began to go viral. Yandang Mountain is one of many climbing locations becoming dangerously filled in peak climbing times. As outdoor adventuring becomes increasingly popular, more people want a piece of the mountain pie. Just how crowded are the most famous climbs? Here’s the data you need to know. 

Mount Everest

Despite being the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest has difficulty turning away visitors. The Himalayan peak saw 667 climbers in the spring of 2023, the most popular climbing time. The heavy foot traffic required more staff to support the climbers in these two months. 

Unfortunately, the crowds have affected Mount Everest. Experts have seen increased wrappers and trash as people discard their food containers on the trail. Pollution is only the start of the problem though, as mountain crowds are making it difficult for people to continue climbing in dangerous places, resulting in continuously increasing climber deaths on the mountain.

Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains peak around 6,600 feet and provide numerous outdoor activities. Fontana Lake has swimming and kayaking, so what more could you ask for? While the activities are fun, the crowds and traffic could be a nuisance. 

This recreational area has become more crowded in recent years. The National Park Service (NPS) says the Great Smoky Mountains had 13.3 million visitors in 2023 — a 42% increase over the last decade.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a must-see destination when traveling to Japan. Not far from Tokyo, this active volcano attracts climbers who want a challenge but not an impossible feat. The popularity has led Japanese officials to make necessary changes. 

In May 2024, the Yamanashi Prefecture announced only 4,000 climbers daily are allowed to trek the mountain. Crowding, trash and safety led the government to implement these rules. 

Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains start in Alabama and stretch as far north as Newfoundland and Labrador. In total, the mountain range sees 3 million annual visitors to make climbs more crowded. 

The easier climbs in the Shenandoah Valley can become cramped, considering its proximity to Washington, D.C. Due to Appalachia’s popularity, you may also run into crowds in the Carolinas and West Virginia. 

How Can You Avoid the Crowded Climbs?

When you go to the famous mountains, it’s hard to be alone. That said, there are a few parks where you can find more solitude. Here are a few ways to avoid the most crowded climbs.

Find the Underrated Spots

While easier said than done, go out of your way to find the most underrated climbs. These destinations might not appear on postcards or calendars, but they’re just as fun. Plus, you can take your family for some much-needed quiet time. 

One way to beat the tourists is to find less-crowded areas of popular mountain ranges. For instance, the Vermont section of Appalachia sees less foot traffic than the Great Smoky Mountains. Find a trail that meets your expertise level and start climbing!

Find the Most Rural Parks

Some U.S. cities have the luxury of being close to national parks and popular recreational areas. These destinations are inherently more crowded because city slickers — in addition to the tourists — might come here on their off days. Here are a couple of examples of these towns:

• Los Angeles: The City of Angels is already infamous for parking, making it a tougher tourist destination. If you come here to climb, you’ll likely run into crowds.
• Denver: The Mile High City is full of young, athletic professionals enjoying the fresh mountain air. You’ll have to fend them off for a spot at nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Find parks far from major cities because they’re less likely to have huge crowds. 

Visit During the Shoulder Seasons

When the weather is warm, climbing is more prominent in cold-weather areas. Wintertime means you might see more climbers in southern regions. So, how can you find a happy medium and avoid the crowded climbs? 

Find the shoulder season of the mountain you want to trek. If May through September are the most popular months, try going in April or October. The weather might not be perfect, but it’s a minor sacrifice. 

Try the Weekdays

If a climbing destination is popular, you may see tourists year-round. In this situation, there might not be a shoulder season or another cheat code to avoid the worst. Your next best option is to try the weekdays and avoid the holidays. 

Memorial Day, Labor Day and Independence Day are famous spring and summer holidays for outdoors enthusiasts. Avoid these occasions — even on a weekday — because of the crowds. If the peak season is your only option, try a random Tuesday to evade the worst traffic. 

Navigating the World’s Crowded Climbs

If you enjoy climbing and being outdoors, you’re not alone. People worldwide visit Mount Everest, the Rocky Mountains, and other famous destinations. Meticulously plan your 

trip to avoid the crowded climbs and enjoy your vacation.