Want More From Your Climbing Gym? These 7 US Facilities Are Getting Creative.
The rock climbing gym boom continues, with more than 600 gyms and counting around the US. For many, there is certainly an element of copy-and-paste when it comes to what to expect: a bouldering area and a rope canyon with a handful of auto belays. However, a handful of gyms and other facilities are offering unique ways to elevate the experience. From built-in dog parks to infrastructure for climbers who also mountain bike or surf, the world of climbing facilities is creatively expanding.
Here’s a look at some of the most unique climbing facilities in the US, from Colorado to Florida.
1. Mountain Bike and BMX Tracks: Riveter – Mills River, NC
Located just south of Asheville, NC, Riveter is a massive complex at 16,000 square feet. However, it’s what visitors find outside that makes this gym a popular destination. For riders of all ages, a massive bike park consists of multiple lines running behind the building. Tacks include pump lines and different obstacles for mountain bikers and BMX riders to improve their cycling abilities. Western North Carolina sees plenty of rain, so fortunately, part of the bike park is covered to keep at least some areas open in weather. Last year’s Hurricane Helene hit Riveter hard, but they are working to reopen soon.
2. Dry Tooling: The Ice Coop – Boulder, CO
It’s fair to say that many new climbers start off bouldering or top roping. From there, gyms offer plenty of training to become proficient in sport climbing. But one thing you won’t see at many gyms is a focus on ice climbing. The nonprofit Ice Coop is a year-round destination aimed at ice climbers and dry toolers. It’s one of the few gyms where you’ll catch people holding axes. The facility is exclusive for dry tooling only, so visitors will need extra gear. That includes helmets, gloves and ice tools. Fortunately, the facility rents out gear and has beginner classes for those new to this side of the sport.
3. Deep Water Soloing: U.S. Whitewater Center – Charlotte, NC
Most know the U.S. Whitewater Center for its human-made river rapids for rafting and kayaking. But the destination also provides the chance to deep water solo some massive walls that tower 45 feet over a swimming pool. This may be one of the only non-natural outdoor climbing destinations where the ability to swim is a requirement (though there are lifeguards nearby). Visitors pay for 30-minute sessions.
4. Explore a Cave: CityROCK – Colorado Springs, CO
Rock climbing has plenty of adjacent sports, like spelunking. CityROCK in Colorado Springs kept that in mind when it built a cave inside its gym. The cave allows people to experience small passageways where they can move through replica cave formations. Inside the realistic-looking cave, visitors will find formations, artifacts, and even critters mimicking what you’d find in a real cave. No additional gear is required, and you can elevate the experience and find a tighter squeeze by checking out a section titled “The Fissure of Doom.”
5. A Dog Park: The Front Climbing Club – Salt Lake City, UT
Not every amenity at a climbing gym is big and attention-grabbing. Sometimes, it’s just a thoughtful convenience, like a dog park. Well-behaved dogs can be dropped off at The Front’s Archie’s dog park, while their owners climb inside. A dog park isn’t the only cool amenity at this Salt Lake destination gym—the Front offers saunas Rumsy’s, a food spot that serves food, coffee, and beer. And a new ceramics studio will soon be a “sister” destination for Front Climbing Club visitors that can be accessed with a membership to the gym. The facility is located just two doors down from the gym.
6. Surfing: The Knot – Gainesville, FL (Coming Soon)
Surfing and climbing have long gone hand in hand. On flat days, plenty of surfers seek out new heights to keep their stoke high. Florida’s The Knot is well aware of this, which is why they’re planning to build a wave pool. The surfing facility will be located on-site, but outside of the climbing area. The company is working through the zoning process to build a new location to replace the existing gym. The new destination will include more climbing and a standing wave for climber-surfers to practice and perfect their techniques. The project is expected to take a few years.
7. Big Views: Basecamp Reno – Reno, NV
If you reach the top of the world’s largest artificial climbing wall at Basecamp Reno, you can catch some great views just like you reliably can at the crag. The 165-foot outdoor wall is actually part of the Whitney Peak Hotel structure, which is right next to the gym. Climbers can take in the nearby mountains and downtown Reno, including the arch with the famous sign that reads “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Visitors can lead the route in two pitches or buy a top rope package to go for it in a single push.
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