Rock climbing is a quintessential Boulder activity: it’s a way to explore the outdoors while being physically active. Before you start climbing some of the best outdoor spots around, it’s important to learn the basics and grow your skills in a climbing gym. Thankfully, there are lots of climbing gyms in and around the Boulder, Colorado area. Here are the best spots where you can lace up your shoes and spend a few hours bouldering with friends.
Where: 2829 Mapleton Ave, Boulder CO
Voted Best of Boulder thirteen years running, the Boulder Rock Club is a family-friendly location that offers something for everyone. There are courses for beginners and teams for the more advanced. Families with little ones can take advantage of their youth programming, from the Tiny Tots classes to birthday parties and competitive teams. Boulder Rock Club also offers yoga, personal training, group fitness classes, and more. This is the place to go to in Boulder for a welcoming atmosphere that supports climbers of all abilities.
Where: 3240 Prairie Ave, Boulder CO
The Spot is recognized as the first dedicated indoor bouldering facility in the United States, so you know that it is all about the innovation. With over 15,000 square feet, The Spot offers climbers hundreds of problems to work through with friends or by themselves. New routes are set weekly here, making it a great spot for those looking to be constantly challenged. The routes are based off of actual climbing locations, making it a great practice spot for those who want to take their skills out to the real world. The Spot has a bouldering league with weekly celebrations that feature trivia and beer; and, as an added bonus, The Spot has partnered with lots of local businesses for exclusive members-only discounts. All in all, this is a hopping location meant for those whose climbing is as much of a social activity as a sport.
Where: 2845 Valmont Rd, Boulder CO
Movement is about more than climbing; it’s about fitness and community in all its forms. Members here can try out circuit training, yoga, and cycling in addition to bouldering and top-rope climbing. Movement frequently hosts events designed to create lasting friendships that go beyond the belay, like their happy hours, women’s courses, and meet-up events. Members can sign up for personal coaching along the bouldering or top-rope routes in addition to personal training so they can be ready for whatever challenges they want to tackle on outdoor rock faces.
Where: 1960 32nd St, Boulder CO
ABC Climbing focuses on fostering a love for the rock wall in kids ages 2.5 to 19. The gym features aged and leveled classes so your little ones will always find a place to belong. Owners Robyn Erbesfield and Didier Raboutou are dedicated to the community, as seen with offerings like a climbing class specifically for homeschooled children, and Parents Night Out–a monthly event with active, engaging childcare so mom and dad can have a night to themselves. ABC Climbing also has a team, summer camps, outdoor climbing trips, and open gym hours, making it a must-visit location for families that love to be active and adventurous.
Rock climbing is an excellent way to lengthen and strengthen your muscles while exploring the great outdoors, but if you’re not yet comfortable on the rocks of the Rocky Mountains, or the weather is too cold to go outside, don’t fret. There are lots of bouldering gyms in and around Boulder, Colorado that provide ample opportunities to get off the ground and get moving.