A Guide To Indoor Rock Climbing In Los Angeles
Rock climbing, bouldering, belaying -- you don't need to hit the great outdoors to find the perfect slab of rock to scale. There are plenty of facilities in the Los Angeles area that offer climbing enthusiasts (and novices) the perfect environment to enjoy this challenging sport. Whether you've been climbing for years, are curious about starting out, plan to work out solo or in a group -- there are plenty of options to choose from. All you'll need is yourself, some determination and a bit of cash. -- Nicola A. Menzie
Know Before You Go:
- Every facility requires climbers to sign a waiver before getting their rock on
- Most facilities are kid-friendly, but you want to call ahead
- Don't worry about gear like shoes, harness or chalk -- these are available for rent at the facilities
- Trained staff provide instruction and supervision to maintain a fun and safe environment
- Wear comfortable clothes since you'll be doing a lot of stretching and sweating
- Classes for every aspect of climbing are available and can be done in private in many cases
- Most facilities make a day pass available if you're not interested in membership
Hangar 18 South Bay
4926 West Rosecrans Avenue
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 973-3388
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Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Previously named Beach City Rock, Hangar 18's LA location offers climbing enthusiasts over 12,000 square feet of textured terrain, two huge free-standing bouldering areas, lead climbing, auto-belays, crack climbs, a huge training section. The gym is greatly equipped and the preliminary instruction is spot-on for those new at the sport or need a quick refresher course. Private lessons are also available, and the facilities are kid-friendly, too. Adult Day Passes start at $16, but if you need equipment and a refresher lesson then you may want to consider the $30 package. Rental equipment ranges in price from $2 - $10. There's also a $50 monthly deal that offers unlimited access to the gym, rental equipment, monthly passes and more. Private lessons start at $45.
Rock City Climbing
5100 Eeast La Palma Aveneu, Suite 108
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 777-4884
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Hours: Monday through Friday: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Rock City Climbing is no joke. With dozens of classes (some of them free) ranging from climbing fundamentals ($35) to basic knots ($10) and traditional anchor setting ($60), there's something for everyone of all levels at Rock City. Monthly passes are available for $40, day passes for $14 or a purchase a 10-visit punch card for $100. Equipment rental fees range from $1 - $3 and require a $20 deposit. Rock City offers an affordable and challenging experience.
The Rock Gym Indoor Climbing Center
2599 East Willow Street
Signal Hill, CA 90755
(562) 981-3200
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Hours: Monday through Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Rock Gym features over 12,000 square feet of climbing, an extensive bouldering area, and a 24' roof for lead climbing. The Rock Gym offers a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for hardcore b climbers and aspiring boulderers. There are also deals for youth climbers, so feel free to bring the kids along. Adult daily admission rates are $16 and rental equipment ranges from $1 - $6. If you need an introduction to rock climbing, it will cost you $37 for two hours of training and all the necessary equipment. Complete newbies can get all of that plus a one-month pass for $99. Personal training is also available for $40.
Arcadia Rock Climbing
305 North Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 294-9111
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Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Arcadia Rock Climbing, or the Arc, is a full service indoor climbing gym with lead climbing, top roping and bouldering. The folks at the Arc make an effort to update the routes to keep things interesting for climbers. Lead rope climbing walls are also available. Prices start at $15 for adult day passes, but multiple day passes are also available starting at $39. If you're looking for membership that will cost you $55 plus a start up fee. Equipment rental costs $5. Lessons start at $35. Students, seniors, civil officials and teachers can get discounted rates.
Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing
880 Hampshire Road, Suite A
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
(805) 557-1300
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Hours: Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Boulderdash houses a climbing area that spans over 10,000 square feet of sculpted climbing surface, a dedicated rappel ledge and 1, 500 square feet of bouldering, among other features. The folks at this business are very family friendly and encourage young climbers to take advantage of Boulderdash's occasional open climb time, which costs $20 per session and requires no previous experience. Membership fees start at $50 and daily climbing fees at $12. Rental equipment ranges from $2 - $6.
Rockreation
11866 La Grange Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 207-7199
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Hours: Monday and Wednesday: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. ; Friday: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Rockreation has 9000 square feet of sculpted climbing terrain, lead climbing terrain with an arch, a bouldering cave and more. Annual membership at Rockreation starts at $57 and monthly access costs $60. If you just want to swing by for one day to experience Rockreation, a $12 one-day pass is also available. Rental equipment prices range from $3 - $8 for non-members. Instructional classes start at $50 and personal coaching begins at $45 per hour.
Torrance-South Bay YMCA
2900 W. Sepulveda Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 325-5885
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Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This YMCA location has a climbing wall available for open climbing most days of the week under the supervision of staff members who will instruct newbies on lead climbing, belaying, advanced knots, anchoring and how to set a top rope. Visitors can try out the climbing wall at the Torrance-South Bay YMCA facility for free with a seven-day pass.
