{"id":11084,"date":"2022-12-30T00:12:21","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T00:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/7-best-rock-climbing-gyms-in-new-york-city-local-adventurer\/"},"modified":"2022-12-30T00:12:21","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T00:12:21","slug":"7-best-rock-climbing-gyms-in-new-york-city-local-adventurer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/7-best-rock-climbing-gyms-in-new-york-city-local-adventurer\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Best Rock Climbing Gyms in New York City \u00bb Local Adventurer"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Looking for the best rock climbing gyms in New York City?<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been to over 25 climbing gyms all over the US, and some cities have better gyms. NY is one of them.<\/p>\n

Climbing in NYC has changed so much since we lived here pre-pandemic. When we moved to NYC, Brooklyn Boulders was where the cool kids go, and we picked our apartment based on it being within walking distance from BKB Queensbridge and Cliffs LIC.<\/p>\n

On our most recent visit, we got the help of our friends, Jay and Vi, who still live in the area but left BKB for other gyms to help put together this list. Here\u2019s what we learned.<\/p>\n

<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure\u00a0for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.<\/em><\/p>\n

Last Updated: <\/em>December 29, 2022<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Most climbers at gyms fall in the beginner or intermediate category. If you\u2019re climbing in the advanced to the pro range, we assume you don\u2019t need to google gyms, and already have a network of climbing friends telling you where to climb (but let us know if we\u2019re wrong, and you happen to be reading this!).<\/p>\n

Things to Keep in Mind when Visiting Climbing Gyms in NYC<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
  • The climbing scene will continue to change.<\/strong> We\u2019ll revisit and continually update this post, but I have yet to see the gym scene change as drastically as it has in NY.<\/li>\n
  • Corporate vs. Independent Gyms <\/strong>\u2013 If they hire a new setter, the setting can vary and is usually more drastic at smaller, independent gyms vs. corporate ones.<\/li>\n
  • Setting<\/strong> \u2013 The setting includes how fun the climbs are and the variety of holds. Typically, when they invest more in the variety of holds, they\u2019re also investing in better setters. Each gym has a different philosophy, and it all depends on what you are personally looking for. I\u2019ve noticed my outdoor friends like gyms with lots of \u2018tensiony\u2019 moves that train them for the outdoors, but many of our indoor-only climbing friends are looking for something entirely different (i.e., comp-style). Gym climbing has evolved and has become its own sport.<\/li>\n
  • Grading<\/strong> \u2013 We\u2019re primarily looking at interesting movement and fun setting over how they grade their problems. Some climbers prefer a grade range, while others prefer them broken up. Some gyms are stiffer than others, and some grades are all over the place, which we make a note of. What\u2019s most important is that you have fun.<\/li>\n
  • Community <\/strong>\u2013 This is always hard to compare on one-off visits. We got some insight from friends, but instead of doing a rating on community, we included any notes on whether a gym was beginner friendly or more catered towards advanced climbers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    The Best Rock Climbing Gyms in New York City<\/span><\/h2>\n

    These are the average of our ratings.<\/p>\n

    1. Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge \u2013 Our Old Home Gym<\/h3>\n

    23-10 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11101, map<\/em><\/p>\n

    Setting:<\/strong> 3\/5
    Facility:<\/strong> 3\/5 (25,000 sq ft)
    Rates:<\/strong> $25 Day Pass | Memberships Starting at $90.83\/month
    Types of Climbing:<\/strong> Bouldering, Lead, Top Rope (TR)
    Busiest Times:<\/strong> Weekdays after work
    Training Boards:<\/strong> Training Board, Campus Board<\/p>\n

    We had to start our list with our former home gym in NYC. Unfortunately, all our friends tell us it\u2019s not the gym it used to be.<\/p>\n

    When Brooklyn Boulders first opened in 2009, it was the largest climbing gym in NYC and the only one in Brooklyn. They used to be a fun gym and nice workspace with a lot of comp-style setting mixed in. We\u2019d often see Ashima sweeping at the comps.<\/p>\n

    Since then, they\u2019ve sold three gyms, and Gowanus was one of them. The only location left is Queensbridge, which the climbers from Gowanus called the yuppy gym. All our friends who used to climb at the BKB gyms have left and told us the setting has gone downhill because the other gyms poached the better setters.<\/p>\n

    Even before we left, the AC and heat were constantly breaking, and the downstairs area was often stuffy. It was also very crowded during peak hours. Our friend who visited both the BKBs said if you\u2019re looking for harder climbs, he couldn\u2019t find anything V9 or above at the gym.<\/p>\n

    More: 15 Clever Rock Climbing Hacks, Tips, Tricks, and Proper Etiquette<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \"Brooklyn<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n
    \"ashima<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    2. Vital Climbing Gym Brooklyn \u2013 Best Facilities and 24 Hr Access<\/h3>\n

    221 N 14th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, map<\/em><\/p>\n

    Setting:<\/strong> 4\/5
    Facility:<\/strong> 5\/5
    Rates:<\/strong> $35 Day Pass | Memberships Starting at $120.83\/month
    Setting Routine: <\/strong>Sets Monday through Thursday. A team of 7 setters with two core setters.
    Types of Climbing:<\/strong> Bouldering
    Busiest Times:<\/strong> Weekdays after 4:30 PM, Weekends after 10:30 AM
    Training Boards:<\/strong> Tension Board, Spray Wall, Adjustable Kilter Board, Campus Board, Tread Wall
    Other Locations:<\/strong> Upper Eastside + West Harlem<\/p>\n

    We were most excited to check out Vital on our recent visit because of the rooftop city views, and they have everything you could ask for in a gym. It\u2019s one of the best climbing gyms in New York, if not the best. The rooftop isn\u2019t always open, but we lucked out with the weather. The rest of the gym is massive, with the most variety of holds and many different wall features and angles.<\/p>\n

    In addition, they have a huge yoga studio, cycling, aerial silks classes, tons of workout equipment, and more. It\u2019s hard to beat.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s the most beginner-friendly gym, whereas MetroRock and GP81 might feel more intimidating if you\u2019re starting out.<\/p>\n

    Note:<\/strong><\/span> The rooftop doesn\u2019t get reset as often as the rest of the gym, it\u2019s also open based on the weather.<\/p>\n

    More: 15 Games and Exercises to Improve Rock Climbing<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"vital<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n
    \"vital<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    3. Central Rock \u2013 In the City + Petite-Friendly<\/h3>\n

    21 West End Ave, New York, NY 10069, map<\/em><\/p>\n

    Setting:<\/strong> 4\/5
    Facility:<\/strong> 3\/5 (10,000 sq ft, watch the gym tour)
    Rates:<\/strong> $33 Day Pass | Memberships Starting at $129\/month
    Setting Routine: <\/strong>3-4 days out of the week on one set
    Types of Climbing: <\/strong>Mostly bouldering, there are ten anchors for Top Rope
    Busiest Times:<\/strong> Weekdays after work, Weekends before 4 PM
    Training Boards:<\/strong> Tension Board, Campus Board<\/p>\n

    Overall a solid gym. There are some straightforward climbs and some trickier ones. The gym is on the smaller side, but still packs in a good range of setting. I may be partial because Ady is a petite setter and instructor here, and it\u2019s hard to find gyms that employ a diverse setting staff in a world of mostly tall, white male setters (and maybe that\u2019s great if you\u2019re a tall, white man).<\/p>\n

    Cons <\/strong>\u2013 It\u2019s pricier for a smaller facility, and it gets very crowded during peak hours. It also takes a 10-15 min walk from the nearest subway station.<\/p>\n

    Central Rock has multiple locations in CT, NY, MA, RI, but currently, only one in the city. A Chelsea location is in the works though!<\/p>\n

    Note:<\/strong><\/span> They have community chalk stations around the gym which is something we rarely see.<\/p>\n

    \"central<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    4. The Cliffs at LIC \u2013 Best Sport Climbing<\/h3>\n

    11-11 44th Dr, Queens, NY 11101, map<\/em><\/p>\n

    Setting:<\/strong> 3.5\/5
    Facility:<\/strong> 3\/5
    Rates:<\/strong> $32 Day Pass | Memberships Starting at $95\/month
    Types of Climbing:<\/strong> Bouldering, Lead, TR
    Busiest Times:<\/strong> Weekdays after work
    Training Boards:<\/strong> Spray Wall, Campus Board
    Other Locations:<\/strong> Harlem + Gowanus + DUMBO<\/p>\n

    We haven\u2019t visited since we moved away, but this is still one of the best gyms in NYC if you want to lead or top rope. They have a massive lead-climbing cave! From what we remember, the bouldering wasn\u2019t all that special, but the ropes were a lot of fun. Our friend who climbs here says the ropes get a 4\/5, but the bouldering gets a 2\/5.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    5. GP81 \u2013 For the Climbing Community<\/h3>\n

    81 Quay St, Brooklyn, NY 11222, map<\/em><\/p>\n

    Setting:<\/strong> 4\/5
    Facility:<\/strong> 3\/5
    Rates:<\/strong> $27 Day Pass | Memberships Starting at $108\/month
    Types of Climbing:<\/strong> Bouldering
    Busiest Times:<\/strong> Weekdays after work, weekends before 4 PM
    Training Boards:<\/strong> Moon Board, Decoy Board, Campus Board, + 15, 30, 45, and 60-degree walls<\/p>\n

    GP81 has the reputation of being where the strong climbers go to train and climb hard. Even the main bouldering walls are just flat at various angles, and it\u2019s one of few gyms that have double-digit climbs. Our friend, Alex, was saying he couldn\u2019t find anything over a V8 at any of the other gyms. If you\u2019re serious about climbing and want to find other climbers who are just as obsessed as you are, this is where you go. Now that we climb outside, we see the appeal of training gyms like this.<\/p>\n

    It used to be very crowded, but many people moved over to the new Cliffs Gowanus and MetroRock.<\/p>\n

    Cons:<\/strong><\/span> If you\u2019re a beginner, I wouldn\u2019t recommend this gym. It\u2019s stiffer and may be intimidating. Also, it\u2019s a smaller space.<\/p>\n

    More: 17 Practical Gifts for Rock Climbers They\u2019ll Love and Use<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"gp81<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    6. MetroRock Bushwick \u2013 To Practice Your Top Outs<\/h3>\n

    321 Starr St, Brooklyn, NY 11237, map<\/em><\/p>\n

    Setting:<\/strong> 3\/5
    Facility:<\/strong> 4\/5
    Rates:<\/strong> $30 Day Pass | Memberships Starting at $95\/month
    Types of Climbing:<\/strong> Bouldering, Lead, Top Rope
    Busiest Times:<\/strong> Weekdays after work<\/p>\n

    We\u2019ve only visited MetroRock once while living in New York. The unique feature of this gym is that there are top-out problems. Otherwise, our impression of the setting wasn\u2019t too memorable other than it being stiffer (along with GP81) than any other gyms in the area. No major complaints with the setting, but nothing stood out either. If you\u2019ve been lately, let us know how it is now!<\/p>\n

    They have other locations in MA and VT.<\/p>\n

    \"metrorock<\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    7. Method Climbing Gym \u2013 For Comp Style Setting<\/h3>\n

    1423 Clinton St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, map<\/em><\/p>\n

    Setting:<\/strong> 5\/5
    Facility:<\/strong> 5\/5
    Rates:<\/strong> $23 Day Pass | Memberships Starting at $84.17\/month
    Types of Climbing:<\/strong> Mostly Bouldering, Some Top Rope
    Busiest Times:<\/strong> Weekdays after work, weekends before 4 PM
    Training Boards:<\/strong> Tension Board, Moon Board, Spray Wall, Campus Board<\/p>\n

    When talking to our friends and setters in the area, their favorite gym is Method. Though it\u2019s not in the city, it\u2019s worth making the trek to climb here. Everyone says the setting here is as good as it gets and by far the most creative and fun if you like comp-style problems. All the problems are quality, even down to the V0s and V1s, often an afterthought for setters. The facilities are clean, modern, and it\u2019s well-ventilated.<\/p>\n

    The gym was started by the Chi\u2019s, a family of kids who compete at the national level. We used to see them crush at the NYC comps. We didn\u2019t make it to Jersey on our last visit, but this will be a top priority next time!<\/p>\n

    More: 10 Rock Climbing Tips for Beginners<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    Map of the Best Climbing Gyms in New York City<\/u><\/h2>\n