I have never felt so alive as when I'm holding onto a ledge on the side of a mountain hundreds of feet above the ground surrounded by nothing but rock and clear blue sky.

Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport that has had a presence in the California Sierra Nevada mountains since the 1950's. California is home to several of the most famous climbing locals in the world such as Yosemite and Bishop and Joshua Tree in southern California. But you don't have to travel that far to enjoy beautiful outdoor scenes and high class climbing routes.

Sacramento is a central location to many excellent climbing spots for any level from first-time beginners, to professional-rate advanced climbers.

Beginners typically feel more comfortable learning in a rock climbing gym and the Sacramento area has 3 such gyms- Pipeworks in midtown Sacramento, Rocknasium in Davis, and Granite Arch in Rancho Cordova. Detailed information can be found at their websites.

Gyms offer the challenge and fun of rock climbing in a controlled and safe environment complete with knowledgable staff and padded flooring. All necessary equipment can be rented and lessons are available to learn to belay (hold the rope while a partner scales the wall) and get a handle on basic climbing techniques.

While climbing gyms are a great place to learn and practice newfound climbing skills, the excitement of rock climbing is not fully experienced until you get outside on a real rock. Outdoor Adventures, based out of UC Davis, and Peak Adventures, based out of Sacramento State University offer beginning climbing trips for a low cost.

Once you've learned the skills and aquired the gear (or acquired climbing friends who have gear) you can head out to one of several beautiful locations nearby. Directions and routes can be found in climbing guide books (which can be purchased at any of the gyms mentioned or at REI) or online with a simple search. Online climbing communities also abound, information can be found and questions answered by fellow climbers.

Below is a rundown of the primary climbing styles that can be found in the area.

Climbing Styles

Top Rope- A rope is fixed to an anchor at the top of a rock climb. One person climbs with a partner belays them up the wall. This is the safest and most basic climbing style. The primary climbing style in gyms.

Bouldering- Climbing without ropes on short routes (less than 15-20 ft. high) that require more strength than roped climbing. Beginners can learn to boulder and many prefer this style to top-rope. This is also prevalent in climbing gyms.

Lead- Advanced climbing. A rope is attached to the climber's harness and as he/she climbs he runs the rope through clips attached to the wall/rock. This takes practice and experience. Not recommended for beginners.

Traditional- There are no clips attached to the rock, but rather the climber carries equipment to slip into cracks in the rock, then runs the rope through it. The most enviromentally friendly style of climbing. Very advanced skills required.