I haven’t climbed since grade school (unless you count a few trees and more fences than I’d care to confess). But as far as rock climbing or bouldering is concerned, I’m green as grass.
This summer, I promised myself I’d give it a shot. I’ve hiked to my heart’s content, biked occasionally and I’m ready to add a new activity to my toolbelt. I’ve been told it’s a sport that requires sufficient practice and training, so, before I free solo the Diamond of Longs Peak, I figure I’ll need a gym to learn the ropes.
Boulder County is bursting at the seams with climbing/bouldering sanctuaries, all offering slightly different perks and prices. Here’s what I found — and whether you’re a first-timer or avid climber, there’s something in here for you.
Boulder Rock Club
2829 Mapleton Ave., Boulder
BRC is an OG in the indoor climbing game, having opened its doors in 1991 to the Boulder County community. Boasting a 10,000-square-foot facility, you can get lost in their endless routes. Adults and kids can take a range of classes or joining skill-building groups based on their experience level: Intro to Climbing, Learn to Lead and Climbing Technique, just to name a few. They also offer a summer special — $220 gets you three months of wall-time, a selection of free clinics and group fitness classes and a pair of guest passes each month, among other benefits.
For climbers looking to up their game, BRC sports 15 TruBlue auto belays, as well as a Moonboard — a standardized, interactive climbing wall that allows you to compete on climbs accessible to folks using the same technology around the world.
The Spot
3240 Prairie Ave., Boulder
1754 Dogwood St., Louisville
Additional locations in Denver, Golden and Thornton
When Dan Howley opened The Spot in Boulder in 2002 — one of America’s first two bouldering-focused gyms — he changed the game, allowing climbers an opportunity to zero in on shorter, more intense climbs without ropes or harnesses. Twenty years and four additional gyms later, with nearly a quarter-million climbers having traversed The Spot, it’s safe to say a community has been built. Their class system operates on a five-level basis, offering everything from Intro to Bouldering and Intro to Ropes at level one, to multi-pitch and technical rescue training at level five. What may be most impressive, however, is their litany of events. Adaptive climbing nights, queer climbing night, low sensory Sundays, Cruxing in Color meetups, trivia and more, ensure that everyone feels comfortable on their climbs. And while it’s a ways away, how could we forget Psychedelia, an annual blacklight climbing event held each October.
The Spot has a membership supersale going on right now through June 30, offering a three-month membership for $239.
Longmont Climbing Collective
155 Pinnacle St., Longmont
Additional locations in Loveland and Greeley
It doesn’t take more than a look at Longmont Climbing Collective’s massive facility from the outside to know there’s wonders within. You may have heard about LCC through the Ice Climbing and Dry Tooling World Cup, which they brought back to Colorado for the first time since 2019 in a partnership that will continue for the next five years.
Their facilities are expansive — the Longmont location is 27,000 square feet, with 60+ foot walls, 10 auto belays and outdoor climbing at the compound, perfect for the summer. There’s bouldering and climbing and a full fitness center as well, offering traditional machines as well as yoga, both of which have classes that are free with your membership. LCC boasts a parent’s night out, monthly meetups for members and non-members and women’s climbing meetups. Their summer membership sale is a three-month offer: $269 for adults, $239 for students, $169 for ages 3-11, and a number of package options, including standard monthly memberships at a discount.
ABC Kids Climbing
1960 32nd St., Boulder
This 7,200-square-foot facility in East Boulder caters specifically to ages 2.5-19, with a laundry list of classes, teams, clubs and camps. Like any great youth facility, they host birthday parties and events, too. No experience? No problem. Their open gym sessions — Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. — are offered for just $20. Looking for a private lesson? They’ll pair your kiddo up with one of ABC Kids Climbing’s skilled instructors for a one-on-one.
G1 Climbing + Fitness
8845 W. 116th Circle, Broomfield
Sporting over 100 climbing routes and 30 group fitness classes (per week!), G1 Climbing + Fitness is holding it down in Broomfield. Their sleek, modern facility is located roughly 15 minutes from Boulder. Founders Jason and Erin Haas have cultivated a top-tier team, responsible for some of the most unique classes on this list: “Self Rescue,” “Gym to Crag” and “The Art of Falling” — an invaluable four-hour crash course on committing to a fall, confidence in catching falls and assessing risk. Even if you aren’t a climber, G1 could very easily serve as your go-to fitness center: yoga, traditional fitness classes, personal training and physical therapy are all available.
Movement Climbing, Yoga & Fitness
2845 Valmont Road, Boulder
Additional locations in Denver, Golden and Centennial
Of all the options on this list, Movement sports the biggest network, with six outposts in Colorado, and another 28 locations across the country. It’s not hard to understand why they’ve become such a hit — they make getting involved in the sport incredibly easy. Get a load of their Beginner Rock Climbing Package: For $125, you’re granted four 90-minute classes (Intro to Rope Climbing, Intro to Bouldering and two days of Intro to Technique), unlimited access to Movement for a month and all the rental gear you need. Don’t sleep on their summer deal: unlimited climbing, yoga and fitness for $245 through Aug. 31.
The Campus Climbing & Training
4699 Nautilus Court S., Suite 404, Boulder
The newest member of Boulder County’s rich climbing community, The Campus is intended for serious climbers looking to hone their craft in a smaller, more intimate space. An elite, dedicated team and in-house routesetters work with over 650 square feet of climbing walls featuring top-tier holds and macros. Daycare services (for present climbers), a conditioning area and even a cozy co-working space make this a spot you’ll want to spend some time.