First indoor climbing gym Poplar is where it started. Right below the shop, even more underground, but taking up almost two floors . The local climbing community initially declared that the concept was doomed to fail. ” When the first Philadelphia Rock Gym opened in February of 1994, it was not only the first climbing gym in the Philadelphia metropolitan area but one of the first in the United States. Apr 18, 2025 · Learn how to start indoor rock climbing with our beginner-friendly guide covering climbing types, essential gear, techniques, and a 4-week progression plan. Our gym is designed for ALL ages and experience levels - for beginners and athletes alike. Come see what we’ve built. your first class is free If you’re not sure where to start, why not with a free class? Use code FIRSTCLASSFREE to enjoy your first intro climbing, yoga, or fitness class on us. Even if you’ve never climbed before, you will be welcomed when you walk into a First Ascent gym. Dec 30, 2023 · Most gyms now offer day passes if you first want to give indoor climbing a trial run before committing to a membership. For your first time with us, you should wear clothes that are athletic and comfortable. Today, with Climbing gym A bouldering gym in Petah Tikva, Israel. Let’s explore Wall-Nut Creek is Iowa's first indoor rock climbing gym. Let's get your paperwork out of the way before you come in! Welcome to Grotto. In addition to our climbing walls, enjoy our yoga studio (vinyasa, hatha, yin), workout room (cardio & weights), and coffee bar/cafe/co-working space at our Omaha location. “It was definitely a community effort,” Johnston says of the “VC. Bouldering is a form of climbing that takes place on shorter walls, without ropes, and above mats. Unfortunately, we lost the lease on the building in 2008. Jul 18, 2022 · First Ascent’s 3rd location known as First Ascent Humboldt Park opened in September 2017 with a slightly larger bouldering space of 11,000 square feet of climbing terrain and 200 bouldering problems to climb to your heart’s content. This revolutionary concept provided climbers with a safe and controlled environment to practice their skills and techniques year-round. Ste 104, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 (928) 266-0498 Beta Bouldering Gym Northern Arizona's premier indoor rock climbing and training facility. 60 top rope stations, lead arch, 4,000 sq ft of bouldering with large cave and top-out boulder. Perfect for first-timers who want to try climbing without intimidation or special skills. And since we happen to live in one of the coldest places on earth, most of that interest manifests itself as indoor rock climbing gyms. Although there are several routes for beginners, this indoor rock climbing gym in Chicago is more suited for intermediate climbers and has plenty of technical You are welcome here. Rocktopia 999 Bancroft, Concord, California 94518 (925) 932-1033 Rocktopia Rocktopia is set up to meet the needs of all types of climbers, and open 7 days a week for parties FULLY-STOCKED FITNESS CENTER GO STRONG FIND A CLIMBING PROGRAM PROGRAMS FOR ALL GOALS + ABILITIES Intro to Bouldering Bring power into your climbing. As I watched the instructor—who was teaching me and a group of other fitness editors proper The first commercial wall in the UK, The Foundry Climbing Centre, was built in Sheffield in 1991, traditionally England's centre for climbing due to its proximity to the Peak District. Enjoy climbing, yoga, fitness, and fun. This indoor rock climbing NJ is a 22,000 square feet climbing facility in the basement, but don’t be fooled, it can go as tall as 15 to 27 feet high. Southern Stone Indoor Climbing 109 Grand Ave, Lafayette, LA 70503 337-981-8116 Southern Stone Indoor Climbing "Louisiana's first indoor climbing gym" Friendly family atmosphere that focuses on building up the rock climbing community in South Louisiana. UK climber Pete Livesey is often credited with making use of indoor climbing walls to train and then take part in the increase in climbing grades in the 1970s when there were certainly many climbers starting also to use indoor climbing walls for training. Learn what to expect on your first visit and how to get the most out of your time at our gym. Have an article idea? CBJ loves to hear from readers Typical indoor climbing gear includes comfortable but not loose fitting clothes, a pair of climbing shoes, a harness (for top rope climbing), and a chalk bag. Apr 22, 2020 · Rock climbing has a long history and has been practised for recreational or practical means. Welcome to Gripstone Climbing and Fitness, a Colorado Springs indoor rock climbing gym open to all abilities. A climbing gym is a gym dedicated to indoor climbing. More Climbing. Building strength in our community, come reach new heights with us! Equilibrium opened to the public in 1990, being the first indoor climbing gym in modena. Many people believe that Don Robinson was the first to build an indoor climbing structure, but this is a myth. We also offer a fully equipped training, weight lifting and cardio area to meet all your fitness goals. Two floors of thoughtful climbing design, built by and for people who love the sport—and West Wall downstairs for when the session’s done. Themed youth climbing area with 2 slides and kids bouldering Seattle is where it all started. Bouldering, Autobelays, Top Ropes, fitness area and more! The Rock Climbing Sportrock Rio has a total of 35,000 sq ft of indoor rock climbing. The first indoor climbing wall was created at The Ullswater School in Penrith, England in 1960. With three locations to call home, each gym is complete with Top Roping, Lead Climbing, Bouldering, Auto Belays, Yoga, Fitness, Slacklining and more. After renovating much of the facility — including the construction of new climbing walls and a bouldering area — the gym became the second Touchstone gym. Once you find a gym, the staff will explain membership options, facility orientation and often provide an introductory belay lesson if you’re not yet certified. We offer regular day passes, discounted day passes for students and military veterans, and kids passes for those 5 and under. Idaho's largest climbing gym with over 18,000 sq ft of climbing. This is the first indoor rock climbing gym in the city, with a 36 feet high wall for top rope and lead climbing and 12 feet high wall for bouldering. We strive to provide a welcoming, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for not only our customers but our staff alike. Welcome to First Ascent Climbing & Fitness Our mission is to share our love of climbing with everyone, so we’re glad you made it here and we’re excited to welcome you in. First Ascent Arlington Heights features: Best of all, a membership give you access to 5 Chicagoland locations! Sep 25, 2019 · The first time I went to a rock climbing gym as an adult, I felt like a visitor from another planet. In total, Garden State Rocks has over 6,000 square feet of climbable surfaces that range from overhung terrain to realistic, rock-like cracks and more. Rockville Climbing Center is central New Jersey's premier indoor rock climbing facility. Experience an amazing sport and become an active part of our incredible Planet Rock community. We give the general public an opportunity to try this exciting sport in a safe, controlled environment. Jul 7, 2025 · When Peter Mayfield set out to create the first gym designed to welcome new climbers to the sport, he made climbing gym history. Over the past 30 years, there has been a steady growth in indoor rock climbing gyms, allowing experienced climbers and beginners to enjoy the rush and excitement of rock climbing, regardless of the weather. May 22, 2025 · Climbing Gyms in Washington, DC Area Earth Treks (now Movement) Earth Treks is broken up into several gyms, scattered on the bottom floor of a huge building. Jun 23, 2024 · The first official indoor climbing gym is widely credited to be the Vertical World in Seattle, Washington, which opened its doors in 1987. Nov 19, 2025 · SportRock Climbing Centers earns the top choice for indoor rock climbing gyms in the DC area due to the fitness services, unique climbing features, and community. Written by Hannah Morris In nearly every major town and city, we’re spoiled for choice by a growing selection of bouldering and climbing facilities. Sign up for the soft launch today! Climbing and fitness gym featuring over 8,500 sq ft of bouldering, top rope and lead climbing up to 42 feet tall, yoga and other strength and fitness classes. They sometimes offer training equipment to improve technique, strength, and endurance. Kids area for parties and events. Whether you're an experienced climber looking to conquer new heights or a beginner eager to learn the ropes, Phoenix offers a range of indoor climbing gyms and outdoor climbing areas that cater to all skill levels. Nov 28, 2021 · The sport of rock climbing has reached an all-time peak in popularity. Jul 18, 2024 · Rock Climbing in Phoenix, Arizona: Indoor Gyms and Outdoor Adventures Phoenix, Arizona, is a rock climbing paradise with its diverse landscapes and climbing options. 9566217371 Fit Rock Arena Explore a new form of Fitness through Rock Climbing at Fit Rock Arena. 6,ooo square feet of bouldering and top rope walls. Within the last 40 or 50 years, rock climbing has rapidly increased in popularity due to many indoor rock climbing gyms opening throughout the world. Great for all ages and abilities. Let’s get climbing! Mar 28, 2025 · This indoor rock climbing gym in Morganville, New Jersey boasts top-rope climbs, lead walls, a bouldering island and even a cave. We also provide climbing education, so that you can enjoy the many facets of rock climbing and mountaineering, including Apr 9, 2024 · The first rock climbing gym in the heart of Newark, Method Climbing Gym is located at the luxury apartment Walker House and opened in early 2020. America's first climbing gym! The Vertical World is the Puget Sound's premiere rock climbing, fitness, bootcamp, yoga, youth program and summer camp destination with three convenient locations: Seattle, Redmond and Everett. . The gym was no more than rocks glued to painted plywood panels. Jun 18, 2024 · The original Vertical Club opened in 1987 as this country’s first commercial climbing gym. Built in a century old dairy barn, the gym has served Iowa climbers for 14 years. Get Your Free Week Pass! What to Bring: An Indoor Climbing Gym in Houston, Texas At Climb Capuchin (ClimbCap) our goal is to provide Houstonians of all ages and skill levels with access to the sport of climbing in a professional, high quality climbing gym with an emphasis on frequent outdoor climbing excursions. com Climbing gyms started as a way for outdoor climbers to train during off-seasons. Discover community and confidence at Summit City Climbing Co. In 2019 we moved to a bigger building, offering new facilities to train in all the three disciplines: speed, lead and boulder. Colorado Springs, Colorado indoor rock climbing gym, indoor sport climbing gym, and indoor bouldering gym. See full list on theamateurclimber. Movement looks to transform both people and the planet through climbing, yoga, and fitness - a giving community that brings out the best in its members. Here's your guide to indoor rock climbing. There are thousands of dedicated climbing gyms in the world and thousands of more indoor climbing opportunities at recreation and fitness centers. You are welcome here. Welcome to Aiguille Rock Climbing Center — Where Your Climbing Journey Begins! Planning your first visit? We’ve got you covered! Get introduced to the world of indoor rock climbing with guidance from our friendly, expert staff. Whether you're brand new or looking to improve your skills, we offer climbing classes for all levels—from beginners to advanced climbers—and provide all the First Ascent Arlington Heights is FA's largest climbing gym. Great for those looking for a new physical fitness or something to do for fun. " The largest indoor rock climbing gym in Manhattan! A couple blocks west of Columbus Circle, offering climbing, fitness, & corporate events! The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gyms’ mission is to make everyone’s rock climbing experience with us a positive and memorable one. Hangar 18 is the perfect spot from first-time climbers to hard-core climbers looking to push their limits. Climbing gyms have climbing walls that can be used for leading, top roping, and bouldering. Get on up in Uptown with world-class bouldering terrain, great city views, yoga classes, fitness equipment, and a welcoming atmosphere. We opened the very first rock climbing gym in America in 1987 on Elliott Ave in Seattle. FA Station Square is Pittsburgh's newest climbing destination! You'll also find yoga classes, fitness equipment, and a welcoming vibe. The climbing walls are unique and varied, including boulders that rise out of a dry padded swimming pool. If you don’t have climbing equipment, don’t worry, you can rent it at our gym. We’ve got it all for your fitness journey. It's a full-service rock climbing gym with top rope and lead walls up to 60ft tall, 15-meter speed climbing walls, and 15,000 sq ft. Dallas Rocks additionally has a workout facility in the facility with both cardio and weight EDGEWORKS CLIMBING + FITNESS Locally owned and operated since 2004, Edgeworks Climbing + Fitness stands proudly as Tacoma’s first indoor climbing gym. A tension between climbing as it was, and climbing as it is now, that divides climbing opinion. Eagle Climbing + Fitness is a first class indoor climbing facility offering top-rope, lead climbing, and bouldering, along with options for everyone, from beginners to professional climbers. Inside, actually underground, when you enter the gym the first thing you see is the shop. May 25, 2018 · Climbing Business Journal is an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. They have a great variety of auto-belays, top rope, and lead climbing routes that range from beginner-friendly to seriously challenging. Our passionate group of local owners, led by founder Tod Bloxham, bring over 25 years of industry experience to our ever growing and expanding business. Explore Houston’s top climbing gyms! Perfect for both novice and experienced climbers, these facilities offer a thrilling indoor adventure in Texas. Diablo Rock Gym 1220 Diamond Way, Concord, California 94520 (925) 602-1000 Diablo Rock Gym 32 ft. Sep 8, 2020 · Indoor rock climbing has continued to grow throughout the United States, and the first indoor climbing gym in the City of Detroit is expected to open later this year in Eastern Market. May 24, 2018 · About Vertical World Vertical World opened the very first rock climbing gym in America in 1987 on Elliott Ave in Seattle. First Ascent Avondale is Chicago's tallest climbing gym at 60 ft! You'll also find yoga classes, fitness equipment, and a welcoming vibe. 1987 Vertical World – America’s First Climbing Gym® provides a unique training facility and specialized programs for youth and adults within our communities. You'll find yoga classes, fitness equipment, and a welcoming vibe. So get ready for some adventure, fitness and fun! Location: Pallikaranai Contact: 91 9566217371 SAN DIEGO'S PREMIER INDOOR CLIMBING GYM & YOGA STUDIO. ft. of bouldering gym walls. Central Rock Gym provides everyone with a world class indoor rock climbing, fitness, and community experience in state of the art facilities. Learn the skills needed to climb independently at the gym and is a great first-time climbing experience. Once a niche sport for hardcore mountaineers, indoor climbing walls now attract everyone from young kids to seniors looking for a fun way to exercise. More Gyms. From Poplar to Fremont and Upper Walls, our gyms are a love letter to the city we call home. As an industry leader and pioneer, we are committed to uniting indoor and outdoor climbing, fitness, instruction, guiding, and community. Intro to Rope Climbing Learn the basics of knot tying and belay technique aka managing someone’s ropes. We are Peoria's only full service climbing gym with walls up to 50 ft tall, yoga classes, fitness equipment, and a welcoming atmosphere. Here you will find the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting. Floor padding can be seen, helping prevent injury from falls. Wall-Nut Creek strives to provide the best indoor climbing experience to all of its customers, from beginners to skilled rock climbers. Oct 22, 2016 · Momentum Indoor Climbing It’s all about the walls Photo: Courtesy The Momentum gyms (there are three in the Salt Lake City area) were the first in the country to use the now-ubiquitous, candy-colored Walltopia walls in their facilities. Check out our free class options below. All ages and abilities welcome to indoor rock climb. This facility features a wide variety of climbing fixtures including 7,000 square feet of bouldering surface and the largest lead cave in the state of Texas with 3,000 square feet of horizontal climbing surface. If you've never been to an rock climbing gym before, you might have questions on what to expect and how to prepare. Get the lowdown on indoor climbing: how to find a gym, what to expect there, clothing and gear needs, types of climbing and rating systems. May 31, 2018 · With not much more than a vague concept and a shoestring budget, Richard Johnston and Dan Cauthorn laid the foundation for what is now the indoor climbing gym industry, and opened Vertical World, the first indoor climbing gym in the country. First Ascent Arlington Heights 701 Rohlwing Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 United States 2247357150 First Ascent Arlington Heights "world-class climbing gyms with thrilling terrain and climbs set for all ability levels – from new climbers to seasoned experts. FirstHand Climbing is a bouldering gym in the heart of Winston-Salem. But, take a closer look at the rapid development of our climbing spaces, and you find a fascinating story. Join us where it all began. River Run Rd. [5] You are welcome here. Let’s climb! Our 4 Chicago gyms are built for all experience levels and include yoga studios and fitness facilities. Discover adventure at Movement Gyms, with six locations in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Grapevine, Denton, and Plano offering climbing, yoga, cardio, weights, and group fitness. [4] The first indoor climbing gym in the United States was established by Vertical World in Seattle in 1987. Working out doesn’t have to be a chore! So ditch the gym for a day and experience the thrill of rock climbing while building your strength and stamina. Our dedicated team of local owners, led by founder Tod Bloxham, bring decades of collective knowledge and Hangar 18 South Bay is the perfect climbing gym for anyone living in the Greater Los Angeles area. Beta Bouldering Gym 495 S. Apr 9, 2024 · As the first indoor rock climbing gym in Las Vegas, it has routes with old-school colored tape rather than color-coordinated climbing holds. I spent several days inside the country Oct 28, 2025 · Surprising fact about Minnesota #99: an unexpectedly impressive rock climbing scene! Over the years, we’ve watched our cities’ interest in rock climbing skyrocket. About VERTICAL WORLD, AMERICA’S FIRST INDOOR CLIMBING GYM – EST. Apr 25, 2024 · Learn what to expect on your first visit to an indoor climbing gym including types of climbing, gear recommendations, etiquette, and more! Apr 22, 2022 · If you’re interested in trying climbing for the first time, the gym is great place to start. Our Houston indoor climbing gym on Silver Street offers a massive space for all things climbing, bouldering, fitness, and yoga! Climb with Momentum today! Brooklyn Boulders is your all-inclusive hub for Climbing, Fitness, Yoga, & Community in NYC and CHI. Plus: Seattle's best free outdoor rock climbing spots. And this speaks to the vision of the owners about how they think gyms should look and climb. Jan 10, 2024 · Indoor rock climbing gyms have exploded in popularity over the last decade. We continue to search for a replacement to serve The Notch is a modern indoor rock climbing gym in Lebanon, New Hampshire. of boulder climbing. Welcome to the Island of Hawaii's first dedicated rock climbing gym, where we offer an exciting bouldering experience for individuals of all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Your first class is FREE, so join us for a journey of self-discovery and transformation! Our mission is to provide transformative experiences, inspire personal growth, foster friendships, and build a diverse community through the sport of rock climbing. The shop has a lot of different brands like Scarpa, La Sportiva, etc. You can auto-belay, top rope, lead, or boulder in this location. Join us for an adventure & fitness experience! May 12, 2025 · Discover what to expect at your first indoor climbing gym visit! From gear tips and gym etiquette to overcoming nerves and embracing the challenge, this beginner’s guide will help you start your climbing journey with confidence. Jul 16, 2022 · Are you getting ready for your first time indoor bouldering? Maybe you’ve been a couple of times and are in need of some beginner tips? You came to the right place OUR SEATTLE, WASHINGTON LOCATION IN SODO Momentum’s bouldering and training gym in Seattle’s South Downtown (SODO) area! SODO bouldering gym offers 20,000 sq ft of bouldering! We have you covered for all your vertical needs. Become part of Momentum today and create lasting friendships Dallas Rocks is a 14,000 square foot indoor rock climbing facility in North Dallas. The Edge Climbing & Fitness 2844 14th N, Ammon, ID 83401 (208) 552-7625 The Edge Climbing & Fitness Indoor Rock Climbing and Fitness center. First Ascent Block 37 pairs world-class bouldering with big city views, yoga classes, fitness equipment, and chill, welcoming atmosphere. Welcome to MW Climbing! We are an indoor rock climbing gym located in Lincoln AND Omaha, Nebraska. Let’s climb! Your First Climb Starts Here! New to Aesthetic Climbing Gym? We've Got You Covered!Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, we’re excited to welcome you. SportRock is there to guide you from your first gym climb, perfecting your outdoor skills, and free fitness classes (yoga to handstands!) Pricing Whilst rock climbing initially started as an outdoor activity, the first indoor rock climbing gym opened in Seattle in the 1980s. Jun 9, 2021 · Plan Your Visit Vertical Hold offers the best climbing experience for all ages and climbing levels. Tacoma’s first indoor climbing gym, Edgeworks Climbing + Fitness has been a leader in the climbing gym industry since 2004; focusing on climbing, fitness,instruction, guiding and community. Everything we do is based on our love of climbing; from the routes we set, to the classes we teach, to the excitement we hope to pass on to the next generation of climbers. Vertical World – America’s First Climbing Gym® provides a unique training facility and specialized programs for youth and adults within our communities. Fun and welcoming indoor rock climbing with bouldering, sport climbing, community, and kids programs. We specialize in bouldering. 1996: Crossing the Golden Gate Two years later, Touchstone Climbing purchased Class 5, a small indoor climbing gym in San Rafael. Momentum has more or less the same amenities and classes as First Ascent Avondale is truly an amazing climbing gym with so much to offer! Whether you're brand new to climbing or have been at it for years, this place has something for every level. Come push your limits! Our indoor climbing gym in Sandy, Utah offers over 20,000 feet of total climbing, fitness, and yoga spaces! Be sure to sign up for a membership today! Feb 13, 2025 · The best places to go rock climbing in NYC Test your strength at these outdoor and indoor spots for rock climbing in NYC offering classes and fun events. Feb 21, 2025 · Our indoor crags boast sky-high fake rocks and some of the best bouldering in the country. The first commercial climbing gyms owe their existence to the ingenuity and engineering skills of a few resourceful climbers from the 1970s and 80s seeking ways to stay in shape during the off-season. Whether you’re a novice looking to try something new, a seasoned climber seeking a challenge, or a family in search of adventure, we invite you to join our welcoming community. Oct 22, 2024 · Ready to unleash your inner Spider-Man? Pump up your fitness levels at these climbing gyms that rock. This is Fort Wayne's first-ever rock climbing gym. The number of people climbing outdoors has risen in tandem. Let's climb! Find your First Ascent and experience world-class climbing, yoga, and fitness for all ability levels. FA Station Square is built for climbers of all ability levels. high lead climbing gym, 11,000 sq-ft of indoor climbing with 40 top and lead ropes, 2,500 sq. ktpr otiw chw fjrqp cjzwiok bkdi zeql tgu lda xjhswy gybc quuy ixpyd laywka xdaop