Looking for a more unorthodox way to get some exercise? Try rock climbing. It’s an exhilarating experience that helps you test the limits of what your body can handle. There are plenty of great rock climbing gyms in NYC that can help you master the basics before you take on a real mountain. Whether you’re after a casual climb or an intensive workshop, you’ll find a spot and a trainer to help achieve your goals. Here’s our favorite spots to go rock climbing in NYC!
1. The Cliffs at LIC, LIC
The Cliffs at LIC is a rock climbing gym in Long Island City that features multiple climbing walls and a rappel tower. The Cliffs have various locations throughout NYC, but their LIC location is the most popular. The gym features over 100,000 square feet of climbing routes and walls lined with artwork from local creatives. They also host regular classes, workshops, and summer camp programs while partnering with leading community organizations in the city.
Where: 11-11 44th Dr, Queens
2. VITAL Climbing Gym, Williamsburg
VITAL Climbing Gym is a 24-hour rock climbing gym with two locations in NYC, one in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan. Their Brooklyn location is in Williamsburg, and their Manhattan location is in the Upper East Side. Members have 24/7 access to top-tier equipment including rock walls, fitness equipment, a sauna, a social area, and so much more. Visitors can take classes and workshops on aerial climbing, bouldering, fitness, cycling, or yoga, and they also offer youth groups and private training for those needing individual attention.
Where: 221 N 14th Street, Brooklyn
3. Brooklyn Boulders, LIC
Brooklyn Boulders is a rock climbing gym and lifestyle brand with locations in both NYC and Chicago. Despite the name, the NYC location is actually in Queens, after Seattle-based chain the Bouldering Project purchased their original Gowanus location. The facility features 25,000 square feet of climbing walls surrounded by graffiti and artwork from local creatives. Members have access to a state-of-the-art fitness space with classes on yoga, high-intensity interval training, and climbing. Their introductory program “Beginner to Badass” is a great way to go from a complete newbie to a seasoned climber in just a month!
Where: 23-10 41st Avenue, Queens, NY 11101
4. MetroRock, Bushwick
MetroRock is a Massachusetts-based chain of climbing gyms with a location in Bushwick. The facility features 23,000 square feet of climbing space, including rock walls, rope climbing, auto belays, and bouldering, making it one of the few rock climbing gyms in NYC able to facilitate all kinds of climbing. In addition to free climbing and classes, they host competitive events and fundraisers for those who want to put their skills to the test. So if you’re looking for a fun gym with a competitive spirit, MetroRock is the place to go.
Where: 321 Starr Street, Brooklyn
5. Chelsea Piers, Chelsea
Chelsea Piers has many awesome things. And one of them is their state-of-the-art fitness and recreational center situated along the water. They operate multiple facilities, including a field house, golf club, bowling alley, sky rink, event space, and more. This spot features numerous places where visitors can rock climb, including The Field House (23-foot rock wall) and the Pier 60 fitness center (10,000 square feet of rock walls and sculpted surfaces). They offer private lessons, group climbing schools, bouldering programs, belay certification, and open climbing for individuals and groups too!
Where: 62 Chelsea Piers
6. Manhattan Plaza Health Club Climbing Gym, Midtown
The Manhattan Plaza Health Club is a fully equipped fitness center in Hell’s Kitchen with many well-maintained facilities, including a swimming pool, spa, tennis court, sundeck, and rock climbing gym. Their 5,000-square-foot climbing gym features challenging walls and courses open to climbers. Here, members pay a low monthly fee for access to the indoor climbing gym, which includes help from a professionally trained staff who can show you how to improve your climbing technique. Plus, once you’re done climbing, you can relax in the sauna or cool off in the swimming pool.
Where: 482 W 43rd St
7. Central Rock Gym, Upper West Side
Central Rock Gym is a rock climbing gym on the Upper West Side located just a few blocks from Columbus Circle. The facility features over 225,000 square feet of climbable space and over 2,000 different boulder patterns for climbers to solve. The Central Rock chain started in Massachusetts but later spread to NYC, becoming one of Manhattan’s most popular destinations for indoor climbing. Members have access to the 40-foot-high climbing walls with over 30 rope routes and an adjacent fitness area where they can tone their muscles.
Where: 21 West End Ave
8. GP81, Greenpoint
GP 81 is an indoor climbing gym along the waterfront in Greenpoint. With over 7,000 square feet of climbing space and angled walls positioned at 15, 45, and 60 degrees, the rock walls at GP81 are among the most unique and challenging in NYC. The gym was designed to be training-focused and community-driven, offering an all-inclusive experience to residents of Greenpoint. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a beginner without experience, you’ll get something new and exciting out of their expertly designed course.
Where: 81 Quay St, Brooklyn
9. Bouldering Project Brooklyn, Gowanus
This brand new rock climbing gym in Gowanus, Brooklyn is one of our favorites, and it perfectly captures the essence of NYC’s climbing scene! The 16,000+ square ft facility is home to not only massive rock climbing walls, but also a heated yoga studio, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, cold plunge, co-working spaces, and tons of youth programs! Learn more here.
Where: 575 Degraw St, Brooklyn
10. Movement Gowanus, Gowanus
Formerly known as The Cliffs at Gowanus, this spot is the largest climbing gym in New York City. Their 36,000 square foot facility has over 300 different top ropes, as well as climbing and bouldering problems spread out on three massive floors. Plus, their center also offers other non-climbing activities like yoga, acro, HIT, pilates, and more. Learn more here.
Where: 242 Butler St, Brooklyn