The 17 best places go rock climbing in New York City
Ready for an urban adventure? Consider going rock climbing in NYC! This exciting activity offers a unique way to experience the city, providing both a physical challenge and a chance to connect with nature amidst the skyscrapers. With multiple climbing gyms and outdoor options, there's no shortage of opportunities to go rock climbing in NYC.
- 1. Central Rock Gym 537 W 27th St
- 2. MetroRock Bushwick
- 3. The Cliffs at DUMBO
- 4. The Cliffs at LIC
- 5. Manhattan Plaza Health Club
- 6. VITAL Climbing Gym - Brooklyn
- 7. Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge
- 8. VITAL Climbing Gym - West Harlem
- 9. The Cliffs At Harlem
- 10. Hapik Yonkers
- 11. The Gravity Vault Hoboken, NJ
- 12. The Cliffs at Gowanus
- 13. MetroRock Bushwick
- 14. VITAL Climbing Gym - Upper East
- 15. Central Rock Gym 21 West End Ave
- 16. GP81
- 17. Bouldering Project
1. Central Rock Gym 537 W 27th St

A very enjoyable climbing gym is conveniently located near Hudson Yards, to the south. Remarkably, a bouldering facility was established there in March of this year. The staff is courteous and offers various setups and climbing challenges.
Upon entering the rock climbing gym, I was immediately struck by its pristine condition and attractive appearance. The front desk staff was welcoming and swift in their service. Touring the facility before starting was a great opportunity, and I had to try it out before proceeding to the top rope area. I highly endorse this establishment for any out-of-town visitors seeking to drop in and climb.
2. MetroRock Bushwick
Active community with regular events and workshops

MetroRock is a rock climbing gym that, while not large in size, provides all the necessary equipment and resources for climbers. The gym features multiple auto belays and a dedicated bouldering area, making it a great option for climbers of all skill levels.
The gym is known for its wide variety of bouldering routes, which are regularly updated to keep things interesting for climbers. MetroRock also hosts community-oriented events on a weekly basis and offers a range of membership plans to accommodate various schedules. The staff is friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
3. The Cliffs at DUMBO
Unique location next to Brooklyn's picturesque waterfront

This climbing destination boasts a friendly and welcoming staff, ensuring a great visitor experience. The challenging routes attract both novice and experienced climbers seeking to improve their skills.
Located directly behind a dog park, the rock climbing spot offers a perfect combination of nature and recreation. Its convenient position allows for a fun-filled day of climbing and playing with dogs, making it an ideal destination for adventure-seeking individuals and their furry friends.
4. The Cliffs at LIC
Brand new residential development with a unique combination of modern design and natural landscaping in Long Island City, Queens

Escape Room Hobby provides a regularly updated and engaging experience for its visitors, with complete route updates occurring approximately once a month. This consistent refreshing of the challenges ensures that each visit is unique and exciting, avoiding any risk of monotony.
During a visit in late August, the author can attest to the provision of a fun and effective workout alternative by Escape Room Hobby. The immersive and interactive nature of the activities offers a stimulating and entertaining alternative to traditional exercise methods, making it an excellent option for those seeking a unique and enjoyable physical challenge.
5. Manhattan Plaza Health Club
Iconic gym with a rooftop track and stunning city views

The climbing gym is a fantastic place that offers a great experience at a much more affordable price than Chelsea Piers. The staff is friendly and the routes are frequently changed to keep things interesting and challenging for climbers. Despite being relatively small in size, the gym is well-equipped with good routes and excellent instructors.
Visitors to the climbing gym appreciate its affordable pricing and enjoyable atmosphere. The routes are regularly updated, and the staff is known for their friendliness and approachability. The gym may be on the smaller side, but it boasts high-quality routes and top-notch instructors, making it an excellent choice for climbers of all skill levels.
6. VITAL Climbing Gym - Brooklyn
VITAL Climbing Gym in Brooklyn offers a variety of climbing options and community events in a modern and welcoming space.

This gym offers a variety of interesting and frequently updated routes, making it a great option for climbers of all skill levels. The atmosphere is positive, with a friendly and respectful community of climbers. The rooftop climb is a particularly memorable experience, providing a stunning view that is not to be missed. The amenities that come with a membership also appear to be high-quality, adding further value to the membership option.
Overall, this gym is a standout choice for anyone looking to get into climbing or to improve their skills. The staff and fellow climbers create a welcoming and supportive environment, and the facilities and routes are top-notch. Whether you're looking to join a gym for the long-term or just want to try out climbing for the first time, this gym is definitely worth considering.
7. Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge
Integrates fitness, community, and workspace in a unique and engaging way

The climbing gym offers a wide range of activities for enthusiasts. There are top roping routes that are great for both beginners and experienced climbers. Additionally, there are auto belays available, with around four at the moment, providing a convenient and efficient way to climb without a partner. Furthermore, the gym boasts a substantial amount of bouldering problems, ensuring that there is something for everyone to try.
Apart from the climbing activities, the gym also features a full gym for working out and staying in shape. The welcoming and friendly environment makes it an ideal place to socialize and hang out with like-minded people. The space is well-equipped with ample boulders and hang-out space, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of climbing. The reviewer looks forward to returning to the gym.
8. VITAL Climbing Gym - West Harlem
Offers adaptive climbing programs for individuals with disabilities

The climbing gym is relatively small compared to others, but it makes efficient use of its space. I visited the gym on a Sunday around midday and found it to be a compact yet well-organized climbing facility.
The gym features a range of climbing walls, including bouldering and top-rope climbing sections. While it may lack the expansive size of some other gyms, it compensates with thoughtful layout and design, making it an effective training ground for climbers of various skill levels.
9. The Cliffs At Harlem
Newly constructed building with sustainable features in the heart of Harlem

The Cliffs, a well-known climbing gym, has recently opened its newest location in Harlem, New York. This new addition to their family of gyms, which already includes locations in Long Island City, Gowanus, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Westchester, and Philadelphia, is a 15,000-square-foot facility filled with state-of-the-art climbing training equipment and hundreds of climbs. The gym is located at 256 W 125th Street, right across the street from the iconic Apollo Theater, making it Manhattan's largest climbing facility.
The Cliffs at Harlem caters to climbers of all skill levels, including children. It is a kid-friendly gym where families can enjoy indoor rock climbing and take advantage of the various training equipment. The gym offers climbing walls with different difficulty levels, and the climbs are refreshed weekly to keep things interesting for regular visitors. The Cliffs is a great addition to the Harlem community, providing a fun and challenging activity for individuals and families alike.
10. Hapik Yonkers

Hapik in Yonkers is an ideal location for climbing walls and zip lining, boasting a high level of cleanliness and prioritizing the safety of its guests through quality equipment. However, while the staff is largely professional, there were instances of inappropriate language used.
11. The Gravity Vault Hoboken, NJ
Offers climbing lessons, camps, and parties, creating a community for climbing enthusiasts.

The Gravity Vault is an expansive climbing facility, offering 25,00
12. The Cliffs at Gowanus
Located near trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars

The Cliffs at Gowanus, a new location in Brooklyn, offers families a fresh and exciting destination for bouldering and other activities. This venue features a range of entertaining options, such as rope climbing, yoga classes, and a gym, ensuring something for everyone.
13. MetroRock Bushwick
Offers adaptive climbing programs for individuals with disabilities

MetroRock is a rock climbing gym known for its friendly and enjoyable atmosphere, where visitors are guaranteed to have a good time. The gym's staff are commendable for their excellent work and support for climbers of all levels. It is highly recommended to patronize this establishment to help continue providing a great space for climbing enthusiasts.
MetroRock is a favorite climbing gym among its patrons for its wide variety of bouldering routes and community-oriented activities. Its routes are regularly updated to keep things fresh and exciting for climbers. Moreover, MetroRock offers different membership plans to cater to the specific schedules of its patrons, making it a convenient choice for climbers. The gym has established a reputation for its supportive and engaging community of climbers.
14. VITAL Climbing Gym - Upper East
Indoor climbing gym with auto-belay devices and lead climbing

The climbing gym offers a great variety of climbs and difficulties, featuring a small cave section at the end. While it's not the largest facility, there is an abundance of climbing surfaces and unique challenges to explore.
During the past three months, I've discovered the joy of climbing after joining the gym, and I now make it a point to visit every week. The staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and create a wonderful atmosphere, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
15. Central Rock Gym 21 West End Ave
Indoor climbing gym with a community-focused atmosphere and a variety of climbing routes for all levels.

Central Rock Manhattan is an impressive climbing gym, offering great boulders, walls, and a welcoming community. During my visit there, I discovered a wide variety of routes and challenges that kept me engaged and excited. The gym, although not the largest, had a well-designed layout, making the most of the space available. Varied wall angles and a high density of holds and routes ensured an engaging and expansive climbing experience.
My first climbing experience at Central Rock Manhattan was unforgettable. Invited by a friend, I was immediately captivated by the setting and the supportive community. Large, inviting boulders and carefully crafted walls provided the perfect environment for both novice and experienced climbers. With ample routes and diverse difficulties, the gym fostered continuous growth and learning, making it an ideal location for anyone looking to explore the world of climbing.
16. GP81
Newly constructed building with luxury features and amenities

GP81, a rock climbing gym located in Greenpoint, has received high praise from experienced climbers and an online climbing magazine, establishing itself as a top destination for climbers in the city. The gym's success and reputation can be attributed to its dedicated community of supporters.
As the only remaining independent climbing gym in expensive Brooklyn, GP81 has had to rely on its community to stay afloat. The gym's resilience and determination have been met with enthusiasm from its supporters, with one Instagram comment reading 'GP81 will live on!'
17. Bouldering Project
Offers yoga and fitness classes

Brooklyn Boulders is an excellent climbing location with a wide variety of walls for different skill levels. It is an ideal place for both beginners and experienced climbers, with plenty of bouldering walls and a few autobelay machines for those climbing alone. The gym offers a great opportunity to engage in solo climbing or work on challenging puzzles that are 15 feet above the ground.
Bouldering is a popular activity at Brooklyn Boulders, and it's easy to see why. This gym provides a vast selection of bouldering walls, including dynamic and suspension varieties, making it an ideal location for climbers seeking mental and physical challenges. The gym is responsible for igniting a passion for bouldering, thanks to the unique and thrilling experience it provides. Overall, Brooklyn Boulders offers a fantastic environment for climbers to expand their skills and engage in a fun and rewarding activity.