Mountain Project is the largest crowd-sourced rock climbing route database, providing detailed route information, ratings, photos, and user reviews for climbing areas across North America and beyond. Owned by REI, it serves as the go-to reference for outdoor climbers planning trips and finding new routes.
Mountain Project dominates the climbing route database space with the most comprehensive collection of routes and community contributions. Competitors include theCrag (international focus), 27 Crags (European), and guidebook publishers going digital. The app is free, monetizing through REI's broader outdoor ecosystem.
Stronger international route coverage, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Community-driven with detailed climbing area management tools.
Premium digital guidebooks for European climbing areas. Partnerships with local guidebook authors ensure quality and accuracy in covered areas.
Largest trail platform covering hiking, which some climbers use for approach trails. Broader outdoor scope but no climbing-specific route data.
Mountain Project's database represents decades of community contributions that cannot be quickly replicated. Route beta, condition reports, and local knowledge from active climbers create a self-reinforcing information advantage.
REI ownership provides sustainable funding without aggressive monetization. Integration with REI's gear recommendations and outdoor education could enhance value while supporting the cooperative's broader mission.
The rapid growth of indoor climbing gyms creates new climbers who eventually seek outdoor routes. Mountain Project could serve as the bridge from gym to crag, capturing users at the transition point.
Mountain Project competes with theCrag (global climbing), 27 Crags (European), and digital guidebook publishers. For approach information, AllTrails and Gaia GPS also overlap. No competitor matches its North American depth.
Yes, Mountain Project is free to use, supported by REI. The route database, community features, and basic offline capabilities are available without subscription.
Route data is community-contributed and generally reliable for popular areas. Less-trafficked routes may have outdated or incomplete information. Always cross-reference with local knowledge and current conditions.