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5 Finest San Francisco Climbing Gyms + Bay Space » Native Adventurer

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Searching for the most effective San Francisco climbing gyms? Begin right here.

San Francisco is one in all our favourite cities, nevertheless it wasn’t till lately that we began including climbing gyms as a part of our journey itinerary. Fortunately, a few of our native associates pointed us towards the most effective climbing gyms in SF bay space. With so many choices, we put collectively this checklist that will help you determine which fitness center to go as to whether you’re visiting or wish to change into a member.

We’ve been to over 25 gyms everywhere in the US, and San Francisco has a few of our favourite gyms within the nation. Right here’s what we discovered.

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Final Up to date: January 17, 2023

Issues to Preserve in Thoughts

  • The climbing scene will proceed to alter. After we revisit, we’ll regularly replace this submit. Over the pandemic, we seen many gyms closing or getting purchased out by bigger gyms.
  • Company vs. Impartial Gyms – In the event that they rent a brand new setter, the setting can differ and is normally extra drastic at smaller, impartial gyms vs. company ones.
  • Gymnasium climbing has developed and has change into its personal sport. Some gyms cater towards coaching for out of doors climbing, whereas others wish to create a climbing expertise just for fitness center climbers. I’ve seen my out of doors associates like gyms with a lot of ‘tensiony’ strikes that practice them for the outside, however lots of our indoor-only climbing associates are on the lookout for one thing completely completely different (i.e., comp-style).
  • Setting – The setting contains how enjoyable the climbs are and the number of holds. Though there are exceptions, sometimes, we’ve discovered that after they make investments extra in maintain selection, additionally they spend money on setters.
  • Grading – We’re primarily taking a look at fascinating and enjoyable motion 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 everywhere, which may be irritating, so we be aware it.
  • Group – That is at all times exhausting to match on one-off visits. We bought some perception from associates, however as an alternative of ranking the group, we included notes on whether or not a fitness center was beginner-friendly. Some gyms can really feel extra intimidating than others should you’re new.

The Finest Rock Climbing Gyms in San Francisco Bay Space

1. Benchmark Climbing – Finest Setting and Finest Overallㅤ→

1414 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109, map

Setting: 5/5
Facility: 4.5/5
Charges: $30 Day Go | Memberships Beginning at $107.54/month
Setting Routine: 1-3 Days Per Set. Resets begin on Mondays.
Sorts of Climbing: Bouldering
Busiest Instances: Weekdays after Work
Coaching Boards: Moon Board, Campus Board
Different Places: North Berkeley

Strolling into Benchmark Climbing, we instantly seen all of the pure gentle and wooden tones. We appreciated their clear, trendy aesthetics. However on the finish of the day, the setting determines how lengthy we wish to climb or if we wish to come again.

Our different climber associates additionally talked about that this fitness center had the most effective setting. As soon as we began climbing, we noticed how thoughtfully they set every downside. Even the decrease grades had been fascinating and enjoyable, which is commonly an afterthought for setters, particularly at impartial gyms that don’t have an enormous price range. After we requested them how lengthy they spend on a set, they instructed us 1-3 days per set. What a dream!

We had solely deliberate to remain a few hours however stayed for much longer. Since visiting, they opened a a lot bigger fitness center in North Berkeley that we’ll be testing on our subsequent go to.

Room to Enhance: They don’t have an enormous exercise part, and the world suits perhaps 1-2 folks comfortably.

Native Tip: Avenue parking is cheaper, however should you can’t discover any, there are just a few parking decks close by. The setting is usually a little stiff in comparison with the opposite gyms within the space however will get you stronger. And there’s ample seating and wifi if you wish to work remotely – Paulina

See Associated – The Final SF Bucket Checklist

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benchmark climbing gymPin

2. Pacific Pipe (Touchstone) – Finest Facilitiesㅤ→

2140 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA 94607, map

Setting: 4/5
Facility: 4.5/5
Charges: $30 Day Go | Memberships Beginning at $87.08/month
Setting Routine: 5 Week Flip Round
Sorts of Climbing: Prime Rope, Lead, and Bouldering
Sq. Footage of the Amenities: 46,000 sq ft
Sq. Footage of Climbing Partitions: 33,000 sq ft (13,000 sq ft of bouldering)
Busiest Instances: Weekdays after Work, Weekends
Coaching Boards: Moon Board, Pressure Board, Kilter Board, Campus Board

Pacific Pipe, one of many latest Touchstone gyms, is the biggest climbing fitness center within the US as of 2023. It’s a large facility with 55-foot-high lead partitions and an enormous bouldering space that spans two flooring. It has nearly every little thing you can ask for in a climbing fitness center. I haven’t seen every other fitness center with all three: Moon, Pressure, and Kilter boards.

We visited after that they had a residents comp, so there have been many extra comp issues. The fitness center felt extra inviting to new climbers in comparison with different gyms.

Room for Enchancment: They lacked a hangboard space (it’s within the works). Additionally, should you don’t like busy gyms, you might wish to think about one other fitness center.

Native Tip: There’s free parking across the constructing.

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3. Dogpatch Boulders (Touchstone) – The Largest Bouldering Gymㅤ→

2573 third St, San Francisco, CA 94107, map

Setting: 3.5/5
Facility: 3.5/5
Charges: $30 Day Go | Memberships Beginning at $107.54/month
Setting Routine: 1-2 Instances a Week
Sorts of Climbing: Bouldering
Busiest Instances: Weekdays after Work
Coaching Boards: Kilter Board, Spray Wall, Campus Board

That is one other fitness center owned by Touchstone, so you’ll be able to entry it in case you are a Touchstone member. It’s SF’s first bouldering-only fitness center and is big (the biggest in California). They’ve some tall partitions and top-outs. The Touchstone gyms additionally share setters, so that you’ll discover a related setting fashion right here.

We went proper after they opened, so there have been few folks there, however our associates instructed us throughout peak hours, it will get crowded.

Room to Enhance: The fitness center is older, so it feels grungy, and the holds are gross. Grades are everywhere in the board, they usually maintain elevating membership costs with out bettering the amenities – Paulina.

Native Tip: It’s simple to entry from CalTrain – Paulina

See Associated – 25 Free Issues to Do in San Francisco California

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bouldering dogpatchPin

4. Motion Sunnyvaleㅤ→

815 Stewart Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, map

Setting: 4/5
Facility: 3/5
Charges: $30 Day Go | Memberships Beginning at $91/month
Sorts of Climbing: Bouldering, Prime Rope, Lead
Sq. Footage of Climbing Partitions: 28,000 sq ft
Variety of Issues Up: 120+ Issues / 150+ Routes
Different Places: Belmont + San Francisco

We went to the Sunnyvale Location in 2016 and had numerous enjoyable climbing again then, however had Paulina assist us with the way it has been since then. Though the amenities are older, they’ve been doing work to improve them. The employees is pleasant.

Room to Enhance: The wifi is dangerous, which makes it exhausting to work from – Paulina

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These had been the 4 gyms we visited previously, and we’ll let our associates, Paulina and Austin, offer you perception into the opposite gyms beneath.

5. Mission Cliffs (Touchstone)ㅤ→

2295 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110, map

Setting: 3/5
Facility: 2/5
Charges: $30 Day Go | Memberships Beginning at $107.54/month
Sorts of Climbing: Prime Rope, Lead, and Bouldering
Sq. Footage of the Amenities: 23,000 sq ft
Sq. Footage of Climbing Partitions: 23,000 sq ft (2,000 sq ft of bouldering)
Variety of Issues Up: 160+ Routes
Busiest Instances: Weekdays after Work
Coaching Boards: Campus Board

Mission Cliffs is San Francisco’s oldest climbing fitness center, and though they’ve gone by renovations and updates, the age exhibits. The roped space is way greater, with 50-foot lead partitions, so it’s nice for rope climbers. The bouldering space is small, however they’ve bouldering top-outs. Our buddy Austin nonetheless goes right here to work out, primarily out of comfort.

Room to Enhance: Grades are everywhere, holds and partitions are gross, it’s crowded throughout peak hours, they usually have horrible customer support. Their workers take without end to acknowledge you exist. – Paulina

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OTHER Partitions and Rock Climbing Gyms in San Francisco Bay Space

  • Berkeley Ironworks (Touchstone) – 45-foot-high lead partitions and an enormous bouldering space. The amenities are older, although.
  • Bladium’s Rock Wall and Bouldering Gymnasium
  • ClubSport Pleasanton
  • Diablo Rock Gymnasium (Touchstone)
  • Glen Park Recreation Heart – has a climbing wall.
  • Nice Western Energy Co (Touchstone) – 48-foot-high lead partitions and 1,500 sq toes of bouldering. It’s positioned in Uptown Oakland and handy should you stay within the space.
  • Motion San Francisco – this location is correct within the coronary heart of the Presidio by the Golden Gate Bridge. They’ve 40-foot climbing partitions, loads of house, and exquisite views.
  • Motion Belmont – This was the unique Planet Granite fitness center, now Motion Belmont. It’s small, and the wall angles aren’t nice. It’s not a vacation spot fitness center, and it’s solely good should you’ve climbed in every single place else or it’s probably the most handy location. It additionally will get crowded, particularly on bouldering league nights.
  • Session Climbing – There’s a lot hype round Kevin Jorgensen’s new fitness center in Santa Rosa. It was a lot smaller than I anticipated, however the amenities had been good, with seating and consuming areas (5/5). The setting was everywhere (3.5/5), and the bouldering space was sparse.
  • The Studio Climbing, South Bay (Touchstone) – keep away from in any respect prices. The amenities are a 1/5. Even Belmont is small, however this one feels even smaller. The setting is simply okay, the bouldering space is just not pleasant, and a few partitions are arrange in a little bit hallway. You’re feeling like you’ll be able to’t climb with out falling on another person.

In Conclusion

As guests, we’ll most definitely try all of the gyms we haven’t been to earlier than returning to those above, however I do know we’ll be again at Benchmark. If it had been as much as us and we lived within the Bay space, we might get a membership at Touchstone to take pleasure in the advantages throughout all of the gyms in norcal (Mission Cliffs, Berkeley Ironworks, Diablo Rock Gymnasium, Pacific Pipe, Dogpatch Boulders, Nice Western Energy Co) and SoCal after which get a punch go at Benchmark.

Map of Climbing Gyms in San Francisco Bay Space

What to Pack – Climber’s Packing Checklist

First Timer’s What to Deliver

You possibly can lease footwear, chalk, and a harness if it’s your first time. All you might want to convey is the next:

Established Climbers Packing Checklist

For individuals who already climb, don’t neglect this stuff too! Examine this submit for our favourite of every.

Extras

Lastly, listed here are some miscellaneous gadgets you’ll be able to convey for warming up, coaching, and extra.

Be taught Extra About Paulina

Paulina Dao is an journey photographer and blogger who loves cats, climbing, snacks, and Taylor Swift, in that order. You could find her on the boulders falling off probably the most heinous crimp traces or laying and complaining on her Taylor Swift crash pad. She prefers bouldering (on granite) above all issues, however any climbing is climbing, and rocks are higher than no rocks.

Extra About Our CLimbing Journey

  • We’ve climbed since 2013 and climb within the intermediate V4-6 vary indoors and outside. Most climbers we’ve seen at gyms are both newbie or intermediate climbers. Should you’re climbing within the superior to the professional vary, we assume you don’t must google gyms and have already got a community of climbing associates telling you the place to climb (however who is aware of… we could possibly be incorrect).
  • I used to route-set at our previous fitness center in Vegas, so I’ve a fundamental understanding of what the setting needs to be and have met many climbers on the lookout for several types of setting types.
  • We’ve climbed at over 25 gyms everywhere in the US and have a good suggestion of what cities have respectable climbing gyms. 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 outside year-round have instructed us that usually, 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.
  • Additionally, since we’re not professional or double-digit climbers, folks don’t give us particular therapy. As an Asian man, Jacob can get learn on whether or not the fitness center group is pleasant.

The place to remain in San Francisco

Some other mountain climbing gyms in San Francisco that we missed?? Should you at the moment go to any of those gyms above, is there something you disagree with or wish to add?

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“Discovery consists not of searching for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They consider that journey may be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover regionally. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at the moment base themselves in Las Vegas.

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