Two decades ago, having a rock climbing gym near you was rare. If there was one, it was likely unmarketed and frequented by hard-core rock climbers who started the sport outside and used the gym to train during off-seasons or lousy weather.
A decade ago, if you lived in a suburban or urban area, you likely had a climbing facility within a 45-minute drive. More climbers were starting the sport inside rather than migrating from outdoor climbing.
Today, a quick Google search will likely give suburban or urban dwellers three to four climbing gyms to choose from within a 45-minute commute. Even in rural areas, there’s a strong chance at least one climbing gym is within driving distance.
The moral of the story is that the sport of indoor rock climbing is exploding, and with it, more rock gyms are opening up. This is great but can also leave you with analysis paralysis. Which is the best gym to go to? How do they compare? In the past, you would’ve had one, maybe two, options, making your decision much more straightforward. But if you’ve found yourself in a mecca of facilities, choosing the right gym can be challenging.
Analysis paralysis shouldn’t delay you from getting to a gym and getting your climb on. Here are five tips to help you decide which climbing gym near you is the best fit!
5 Tips to Choosing the Right Rock Climbing Gym Near Me
1. Choose what type of climbing you want to do.
First, decide whether to boulder, rope climb, or do both. Some gyms are boulder-only facilities, while others offer sport climbing (using a rope) and boulders. You won’t find any sport-only gyms, but if you prefer rope climbing, look for the facility near you advertising the most roped climbing terrain. Once you decide what type(s) of climbing you are interested in, see which gyms near you offer that discipline and move on to tip #2 to continue narrowing the options down.
2. Set your budget and commute radius.
Rock gym day passes, punch passes, and memberships can be expensive. While prices are unlikely to fluctuate significantly, consider the pricing and decide if you’d prefer the cheaper option. Additionally, some rock gyms may have seasonal promotions or discounts available. If you are trying to be aware of spending, consider going to the most affordable gym.
If multiple rock climbing gyms are nearby, check the distance from your residence. At first glance, you may prefer the largest facility. But, if it’s a 40-minute drive away while another gym is only a 15-minute commute, you may choose the closer facility (less time in the car = more time climbing).
3. Pick the time(s) of day you want to climb.
Another factor to consider is when you’ll climb. Mornings? Evenings? Weekends? While it’s standard for rock gyms to stay open until 10 or 11 pm on weeknights, opening times vary. Busy facilities or those with robust fitness areas or fitness and yoga classes tend to open as early as 6 am, while others open at 9 am or even as late as noon. Once you determine the times you want to be able to climb, check facility hours to help narrow down your options.
4. Consider if you want access to fitness and yoga classes.
As mentioned in tip #3, many rock climbing gyms have started offering fitness and yoga classes with fully equipped gym areas and studio spaces. If these interest you, look for a rock gym advertising these options. It’s worth noting that the membership and day pass pricing may be higher at these facilities, which have offerings beyond climbing, but they can serve as a traditional gym, too. For those who want to balance your climbing with strength training or cardio, these all-encompassing facilities may suit your needs best.
5. Decide if community events are important to you.
Climbing is as much about the community as it is about the climbing. At a climbing gym, you will meet many wonderful and encouraging people who can become fast friends inside and outside the gym. Rock climbing gyms recognize this, and many host community or member events that mix socialization and climbing. If you want to meet new people, make new friends, and immerse yourself in the climbing community, look for a gym that offers these events. Some gyms may post their events on their websites, but a great place to browse is the social media pages. They’ve likely recapped past community events in a social media post and shared upcoming events.
Ultimately, choosing the right rock climbing gym near you is a matter of personal preference. Understanding the differences and various offerings available can help you narrow down your search and find the best fit. Remember, there’s no need to feel pressured to make the perfect choice right away. Many experienced climbers have a ‘home base’ gym but also enjoy visiting other local gyms for a change of scenery and new climbing challenges. The most important thing is to get started, so armed with these five tips, pick a gym and start climbing!
