If you love to mountain climb, then you should make plans spend your summer vacation at one of the country's great climbing spots. The list below is going to focus on climbing locations that offer expert level climbs and are situated near really nice hotels and resorts. While it can be fun to camp out and hike in to a remote climb spot, sometimes you want to relax at the end of a day in a comfortable hotel. So, with that in mind, here are 3 of the best vacation spots for your next climbing excursion.

Zion National Park, Utah

Without a doubt, Zion National Park is a must visit destination for avid climbers. It has all of the hallmarks of an amazing climbing location: amazing scenery, huge sandstone walls, difficult climbs, and it is well mapped out. If you're an expert climber, then you will love the huge sheer wall climbs. They are some of the most technically difficult climbs in the country.The park provides downloadable climb maps so you can plan out your routes in advance.

If you're going with a group of friends, some of whom might not be expert climbers, then they can take advantage of the cool bouldering areas in the park. These are perfect for anyone who is not up for the huge walls.

Slade, Kentucky

Deep inside Kentucky is one of the East Coast's best sport climbing spots. Many of the best climbs have permanent anchors and bolts in, so you don't have to worry about creating a new line each climb.

The Red River Gorge area has dozens of great climbing spots. Some of them are located on private land, while others are located on public lands, such as the Daniel Boone National Forest. Because the area is so spread out, the best thing to do is hook up with a climbing guide. They can arrange the best climbing spots for you and your group. Sometimes they can arrange for your group to climb on private land.

There are lots of small hotels and B&B's in Slade.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is famous for El Capitan. This mountain attracts climbers from all over the world. There are two main ascents of the mountain, as well as the infamous "nose" ascent in the middle. The mountain is also popular with base jumpers.

Another great mountain in the park is Half Dome. It is popular with both hikers and free climbers. While there are hiking trails up the mountain, don't be mistaken--it's not a leisurely hike. It is a super-challenging hike where cables and guide rails are used.

There are lots of hotels surrounding the park. There are also hotels located inside of the park that you might want to take advantage of. The park is huge, so it might be better to stay close to the climbs so you don't have to hike in quite as far in the morning.