Ready to challenge your climbing smarts? Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just love a good quiz, this is for you.
We’ve gathered some fun, tricky questions all about rock climbing. Think you can ace them all?
Get your gear ready and your brain tuned—this trivia quiz will test your knowledge from beginner basics to expert facts.
Let’s climb right in and see how well you really know the ropes!
Climbing Basics: Gear and Techniques
First things first—let’s cover the essentials. Understanding the gear and fundamental techniques is crucial for any climber.
From ropes to holds, each piece of equipment plays a vital role in safety and success on the rock.
See how well you know the basics before moving on to the more advanced stuff.
1. What type of rope is most commonly used in sport climbing?
2. Which knot is most commonly used to tie the climbing rope to a harness?
3. What is the purpose of chalk in rock climbing?
4. Which climbing technique involves using your feet to push yourself upward while keeping your hands on holds for balance?
5. What does the term “belaying” mean in climbing?
6. Which piece of equipment is designed to protect a climber during a fall by locking automatically?
7. What is the name of the climbing hold shaped like a small ledge that you grip with your fingertips?
8. What does “top-rope climbing” refer to?
9. Which type of climbing shoe is best for edging on small footholds?
10. What is a “quickdraw” used for in climbing?
11. What does the climbing term “beta” mean?
12. Which climbing discipline involves ascending short routes without ropes?
13. What is the main difference between “sport” and “traditional” climbing?
14. What is a “mantle” in climbing?
15. Which part of the climbing harness supports most of your weight during a fall?
Now that you’ve warmed up with the basics, it’s time to tackle some climbing history and famous ascents.
History and Legendary Climbs
Climbing has a rich history filled with daring adventurers and groundbreaking achievements.
From early pioneers to modern legends, the sport has evolved dramatically over the decades.
Let’s test how much you know about climbing’s iconic moments and heroes.
16. Who is considered the “father of modern rock climbing” in the United States?
17. Which mountain is known as the “Savage Mountain” due to its difficulty and danger?
18. Who was the first person to free climb El Capitan’s “Freerider” route?
19. What year did Lynn Hill make the first free ascent of The Nose on El Capitan?
20. Which climber is famous for a free solo ascent of El Capitan?
21. What is the name of the famous Yosemite rock formation climbed by thousands each year?
22. Who pioneered the “clean climbing” movement to protect rock faces?
23. What was the first recognized 5.15a (9a+) route established by Chris Sharma?
24. Which climber completed the first ascent of “Action Directe,” considered the first 9a route?
25. What is the significance of “The Dawn Wall” climb?
26. When was the sport of indoor climbing invented?
27. What is the name of the first female climber to free climb El Capitan’s The Nose?
Feeling inspired by these climbing legends? Now let’s take on some advanced climbing knowledge and terminology.
Advanced Climbing Knowledge and Terms
Let’s dive deeper into specialized terms, climbing styles, and challenging concepts.
This section will push your understanding beyond the basics and history.
Ready to show off your expert climbing vocabulary?
28. What does “on-sighting” a route mean?
29. What is the “crux” of a climb?
30. What does “runout” refer to in traditional climbing?
That wraps up our challenging trivia quiz. How did you do with those advanced questions?
Whether you aced it or learned something new, keep exploring and climbing higher!
Thanks for testing your knowledge with The Rock Climbing Trivia Quiz: Test Your Climbing Knowledge.
Keep practicing, stay safe, and enjoy every climb—on rock, in gyms, or through quizzes like this one.
Don’t forget to share your score and challenge your friends to beat you!