Looking for the perfect mountaineering gyms in New York City?
We’ve been to over 25 climbing gyms all around the US, and a few cities have higher gyms. NY is considered one of them.
Climbing in NYC has modified a lot since we lived right here pre-pandemic. When we moved to NYC, Brooklyn Boulders was the place the cool children go, and we picked our house primarily based on it being inside strolling distance from BKB Queensbridge and Cliffs LIC.
On our most up-to-date go to, we bought the assistance of our associates, Jay and Vi, who nonetheless stay within the space however left BKB for different gyms to assist put collectively this checklist. Here’s what we discovered.
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Last Updated: December 29, 2022
Things to Keep in Mind when Visiting Climbing Gyms in NYC
- The climbing scene will proceed to vary. We’ll revisit and frequently replace this put up, however I’ve but to see the health club scene change as drastically because it has in NY.
- Corporate vs. Independent Gyms – If they rent a brand new setter, the setting can range and is often extra drastic at smaller, impartial gyms vs. company ones.
- Setting – The setting consists of how enjoyable the climbs are and the number of holds. Typically, once they make investments extra within the number of holds, they’re additionally investing in higher setters. Each health club has a unique philosophy, and all of it will depend on what you’re personally searching for. I’ve observed my out of doors associates like gyms with plenty of ‘tensiony’ strikes that prepare them for the outside, however lots of our indoor-only climbing associates are searching for one thing totally completely different (i.e., comp-style). Gym climbing has developed and has develop into its personal sport.
- Grading – We’re primarily taking a look at fascinating motion and enjoyable setting over how they grade their issues. Some climbers choose a grade vary, whereas others choose them damaged up. Some gyms are stiffer than others, and a few grades are far and wide, which we make a remark of. What’s most vital is that you’ve got enjoyable.
- Community – This is at all times arduous to match on one-off visits. We bought some perception from associates, however as an alternative of doing a ranking on neighborhood, we included any notes on whether or not a health club was newbie pleasant or extra catered in direction of superior climbers.
The Best Rock Climbing Gyms in New York City
These are the common of our scores.
1. Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge – Our Old Home Gym
23-10 forty first Ave, Queens, NY 11101, map
Setting: 3/5
Facility: 3/5 (25000 sq ft)
Types of Climbing: Bouldering, Leading, Top Rope (TR)
Busiest Times: Weekdays after work
Training Boards: Training Board, Campus Board
We needed to begin our checklist with our former house health club in NYC. Unfortunately, all our associates inform us it’s not the health club it was once.
When Brooklyn Boulders first opened in 2009, it was the most important climbing health club in NYC and the one one in Brooklyn. They was once a enjoyable health club and good workspace with quite a lot of comp-style setting blended in. We’d usually see Ashima sweeping on the comps.
Since then, they’ve bought three gyms, and Gowanus was considered one of them. The solely location left is Queensbridge, which the climbers from Gowanus known as the yuppy health club. All our associates who used to climb on the BKB gyms have left and advised us the setting has gone downhill as a result of the opposite gyms poached the higher setters. We’ll in all probability give it one other go to on our subsequent journey to verify, however we might love to listen to your ideas for those who’ve been these days!
Even earlier than we left, the AC and warmth had been continuously breaking, and the downstairs space was usually stuffy. It was additionally very crowded throughout peak hours.
More: 15 Clever Rock Climbing Hacks, Tips, Tricks, and Proper Etiquette
2. Vital Climbing Gym Brooklyn – Best Facilities and 24 Hr Access
221 N 14th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, map
Setting: 4/5
Facility: 5/5
Setting Routine: Sets Monday by Thursday. A crew of seven setters with two core setters.
Types of Climbing: Bouldering
Busiest Times: Weekdays after 4:30 PM, Weekends after 10:30 AM
Training Boards: Tension Board, Spray Wall, Adjustable Kilter Board, Campus Board, Tread Wall
Other Locations: Upper Eastside + West Harlem
We had been most excited to take a look at Vital on our latest go to due to the rooftop metropolis views, they usually have every thing you would ask for in a health club. It’s among the finest climbing gyms in New York, if not the perfect. The rooftop isn’t at all times open, however we lucked out with the climate. The remainder of the health club is very large, with essentially the most number of holds and many alternative wall options and angles.
In addition, they’ve an enormous yoga studio, biking, aerial silks lessons, tons of exercise gear, and extra. It’s arduous to beat.
It’s essentially the most beginner-friendly health club, whereas MetroRock and GP81 may really feel extra intimidating for those who’re beginning out.
Note: The rooftop doesn’t get reset as usually as the remainder of the health club, it’s additionally open primarily based on the climate.
More: 15 Games and Exercises to Improve Rock Climbing
3. Central Rock – In the City + Petite-Friendly
21 West End Ave, New York, NY 10069, map
Setting: 4/5
Facility: 3/5 (10,000 sq ft, watch the health club tour)
Setting Routine: 3-4 days out of the week on one set
Types of Climbing: Mostly bouldering, there are ten anchors for TR
Busiest Times: Weekdays after work, Weekends earlier than 4 PM
Training Boards: Tension Board, Campus Board
Overall a stable health club. There are some easy climbs and a few trickier ones. The health club is on the smaller aspect, however nonetheless packs in a superb vary of setting. I could also be partial as a result of Ady is a petite setter and teacher right here, and it’s arduous to seek out gyms that make use of a various setting workers in a world of largely tall, white male setters (and possibly that’s nice for those who’re a tall, white man).
Cons – It’s pricier for a smaller facility, and it will get very crowded throughout peak hours. It additionally takes a 10-15 min stroll from the closest subway station.
Central Rock has a number of areas in CT, NY, MA, RI, however at the moment, just one within the metropolis. A Chelsea location is within the works although!
Note: They have neighborhood chalk stations across the health club which is one thing we hardly ever see.
4. The Cliffs at LIC – Best Sport Climbing
11-11 forty fourth Dr, Queens, NY 11101, map
Setting: 3.5/5
Facility: 3/5
Types of Climbing: Bouldering, Lead, TR
Busiest Times: Weekdays after work
Training Boards: Spray Wall, Campus Board
Other Locations: Harlem + Gowanus + DUMBO
We haven’t visited since we moved away, however that is nonetheless among the finest gyms in NYC if you wish to lead or high rope. They have a large lead-climbing cave! From what we keep in mind, the bouldering wasn’t all that particular, however the ropes had been quite a lot of enjoyable. Our pal who climbs right here says the ropes get a 4/5, however the bouldering will get a 2/5.
5. GP81 – For the Climbing Community
81 Quay St, Brooklyn, NY 11222, map
Setting: 3.5/5
Facility: 3/5
Types of Climbing: Bouldering
Busiest Times: Weekdays after work, weekends earlier than 4 PM
Training Boards: Moon Board, Decoy Board, Campus Board, + 15, 30, 45, and 60-degree partitions
GP81 has the popularity of being the place the robust climbers go to coach and climb arduous. Even the primary bouldering partitions are simply flat at varied angles, and it’s considered one of few gyms which have double-digit climbs. Now that we climb outdoors, we see the attraction of coaching gyms like this.
It was once very crowded, however many individuals moved over to the brand new Cliffs Gowanus and MetroRock.
Cons: If you’re a newbie, I wouldn’t suggest this health club. It’s stiffer and could also be intimidating. Also, it’s a smaller house.
More: 17 Practical Gifts for Rock Climbers They’ll Love and Use
6. MetroRock Bushwick – To Practice Your Top Outs
321 Starr St, Brooklyn, NY 11237, map
Setting: 3/5
Facility: 4/5
Types of Climbing: Bouldering, Lead, TR
Busiest Times: Weekdays after work
We’ve solely visited MetroRock as soon as whereas dwelling in New York. The distinctive characteristic of this health club is that there are top-out issues. Otherwise, our impression of the setting wasn’t too memorable aside from it being stiffer (together with GP81) than another gyms within the space. No main complaints with the setting, however nothing stood out both. If you’ve been these days, tell us how it’s now!
They produce other areas in MA and VT.
7. Method Climbing Gym – For Comp Style Setting
1423 Clinton St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, map
Setting: 5/5
Facility: 5/5
Types of Climbing: Mostly bouldering, some TR
Busiest Times: Weekdays after work, weekends earlier than 4 PM
Training Boards: Tension Board, Moon Board, Spray Wall, Campus Board
When speaking to our associates and setters within the space, their favourite health club is Method. Though it’s not within the metropolis, it’s price making the trek to climb right here. Everyone says the setting right here is pretty much as good because it will get and by far essentially the most artistic and enjoyable for those who like comp-style issues. All the issues are high quality, even right down to the V0s and V1s, usually an afterthought for setters. The amenities are clear, fashionable, and it’s well-ventilated.
The health club was began by the Chis, a household of children who compete on the nationwide stage. We used to see them crush on the NYC comps. We didn’t make it to Jersey on our final go to, however this can be a high precedence subsequent time!
Map of the Best Climbing Gyms in New York City
Other Rock Climbing Gyms in New York City and Nearby
Here are some honorable mentions.
Other Things People Look for
There is not any good health club. There are many issues folks search for in a climbing health club. When I requested the petite climbing crew, folks talked about value, giant/clear amenities, enjoyable setting, number of holds, particular coaching wall, pleasant neighborhood, not being too crowded, exercise gear, 24/7 entry, lessons like yoga or aerial silks, good parking, security, sauna, and being straightforward to get to call some.
What to Pack – Climber’s Packing List
What to Bring For First Timer’s
You can hire sneakers, chalk, and a harness if it’s your first time. All it is advisable to deliver is the next:
Established CLimbers Packing List
For those that already climb, don’t overlook these things too! Check this put up for our favourite of every.
Extras
Finally, listed here are some miscellaneous gadgets you possibly can deliver for warming up, coaching, and extra.
More About Our CLimbing Journey
- Jacob, Esther, and Vi climb within the intermediate V4-6 vary indoors and outdoor. Jay climbs within the V5-V7. Most climbers at gyms fall within the newbie or intermediate class. If you’re climbing within the superior to the professional vary, we assume you don’t have to google gyms, and have already got a community of climbing associates telling you the place to climb (however tell us for those who’re studying this!).
- We’ve climbed at over 25 gyms all around the US and have a good suggestion of comparability. Most of those have been in main cities (ABQ, Atlanta, Austin, Bishop, Chattanooga, NY, Portland, San Diego, SF, Seattle, and Vegas). Our associates who van life and journey to climb outdoor year-round have advised us that typically, climbing gyms have been worse at higher out of doors climbing locations, however that may be as a result of many are present in smaller communities.
- Between visiting quite a lot of gyms and Esther being a setter at our earlier health club in Vegas, we now have an honest understanding of what the setting needs to be.
- Since we’re not professional climbers, double-digit climbers, or TikTookay well-known, folks don’t give us particular therapy. As an Asian male, Jacob can get a superb really feel of whether or not the health club neighborhood is pleasant.
Any different mountaineering gyms in New York City that we missed? What are the stuff you search for in a health club?
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Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of many high 5 journey blogs within the US. They consider that journey might be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at the moment base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTookay, and Pinterest.