We welcome all experience levels. Our staff will be able to equip you with everything you need to climb safely and have a great time in our gym.

If you haven’t filled out a waiver yet, click here to save time!

Get familiar with our Rules and Policies.

What to do when you get here:

Check-in with a staff member at the front desk, let them know it’s your first time, and get a quick orientation.

If you paid for rentals, desk staff will help you find the correct size.

Head down the hallway to find a cubby for your things.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.

Throw on your shoes and chalk up!

Share the wall, make sure to give others a turn.

Check to make sure the route you want to climb doesn’t intersect with one someone else is already on.

Watch out for fall zones: avoid hanging out at the bottom of climbs.

Please respect people’s personal space

Respect the puzzle: don’t beta spray (offer unsolicited advice).

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to talk to staff!

No. Boulders is available without reservation throughout our open business hours, to members and the public walk-in.

If you are joining us with a group larger than six climbers (and particularly if your group will need additional staff assistance), please make an appointment through our groups page.

All climbers, belayers, and spectators are required to have current waivers on file. Electronic waivers expire a year after the last completed date. Paper waivers are only valid for one day. To fill out a waiver, you must register an account with us first. Fill one out here.

Absolutely! A fear of heights is a natural, safe and healthy response to being off the ground, and many climbers experience this feeling. In both bouldering and top-rope, you control how far off the ground you go. Climbing isn’t just about reaching the top- so never feel like you need to reach the top of the wall.

Check out our intro to bouldering or learn to belay classes to help you work on your skills and improve your climbing confidence.

Also, feel free to ask staff for tips on staying safe and feeling comfortable on the wall!

We have rentals for everything you need to safely climb in our gyms.

We additionally have a “pro-shop” at both locations where you can get some of your own gear for use inside and outside our gyms.

We recommend wearing comfortable gym clothes (ex. athletic shorts, tank tops, T-shirts, etc.).

Street shoes can be used to climb on top ropes, but climbing shoes will be required to boulder.

All climbers and spectators that are new to our gyms will be required to do an orientation. Orientations are short (5-15 minutes) lessons covering our rules, best bouldering practices, climbing, and belay techniques.

If you are new to bouldering, or auto-belays, this is where we’ll get you up to speed. Orientations are required for all new visitors regardless of previous gym/climbing experience.

Bouldering is climbing without ropes, when you fall your only “protection” is the soft mats on the ground. It is a simple form of climbing requiring minimal gear. At our gyms, any children 5 years old or younger are not allowed to boulder (climb without an attached safety rope). Minors from the ages of 6-14 years old require an active adult spotter/supervisor at all times while bouldering. Climbing shoes are required when bouldering. We recommend the use of a spotter regardless of age or experience level. In bouldering, it’s important to learn to fall correctly in order to avoid injury. Our staff will teach you proper falling techniques in your orientation.

If you’re new to climbing, feel free to use any color! If that’s too easy for you, try climbing “routes” by sticking to one hold color.

Routes are marked with tape that shows the beginning and end of climbs, with a “circuit” tag underneath the start hold.

Find a “circuit” by using the color-coordinated grading scale below.

Climbs generally get harder as the rainbow progresses, with pink being the easiest (a great starting point for beginners) and black being the hardest, although it is subjective and there is some overlap.

If you aren’t sure what to climb or need some tips, feel free to ask our staff!

Downtown is exclusively bouldering.

Eastside features a top-out bouldering wall in addition to many roped-climbing areas. Topping out is optional - as all boulder problems have a lower marked finish hold. All climbers will need to receive an orientation prior to topping out. Topping out comes with an added set of risks; only confident climbers are encouraged to top out.

While our Downtown location is strictly bouldering, our Eastside location offers both top rope and lead climbing. Climbers already proficient in top rope and lead climbing may ask desk staff to take a top rope or lead test. The test consists of a few questions followed by a demonstration of proficient climbing and belaying techniques. You will be required to have a partner to test with.

Here at Boulders, we believe in creating competent, informed belayers. If you would like to learn to top rope or lead climb but do not already know how to, look into taking one of our classes.

Otherwise, bouldering and Auto-belays only require a quick orientation to participate.

Boulders Climbing Gym is proud to announce the addition of TruBlue auto-belay systems to our Eastside location. These systems consist of a tri-locking steel carabiner attached to a secure machine that automatically controls rope slack and catches you if you fall, lowering you smoothly to the ground. During your orientation, we will teach you exactly how to use these simple systems. Any age may use auto belays, but youth under the age of 14 must be closely supervised at all times. The auto belay system has an operational weight minimum of 22lbs and a maximum of 330lbs.

Our TruBlue auto-belays have a weight minimum requirement of 22lbs and a maximum of 330lbs.

The suggested minimum age to get the full benefits of our facilities is 6 years old, although there is no age limit for participation.

We generally recommend younger climbers try out our Eastside location first as they may find the Auto-belay routes more accessible.

We totally understand the desire for a little break while your young climber explores the wall.

While our desk staff is fantastic at providing guidance and support, they’re not trained to be babysitters. So, remember to keep an eye on your little climbers! We kindly ask that climbers under 16 are always accompanied by an adult.

If you want to drop off your kid(s) so they can climb, check out our youth programs!