If you’re a climber living in San Francisco or planning to visit, you must check out this city’s best climbing gyms! Forget spending your days stuck indoors–there’s no excuse not to get outside and explore some of the most rad indoor walls in town. From brand-new facilities with state-of-the-art climbing equipment and challenges to long-standing community favourites, these are the top eight most popular climbing gyms and bouldering centres in San Francisco worth checking out. Read on for all our picks!
Mission Cliffs (2295 Harrison St.)
Mission Cliffs is the classic go-to climbing gym in San Francisco and offers top ropes climbing and bouldering walls. With over 14,000 square feet of terrain and plenty of routes set for all levels of climbers, this gym has something for everyone. Mission Cliffs also hosts various events, including yoga classes, slacklining and workshops.
Facilities: Over 14,000 square feet of climbing space, including top-rope and lead climbing walls, bouldering areas, and fitness equipment.
Classes: Yoga and fitness classes are available for an additional fee.
Hours: Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.
Membership: Monthly memberships start at $105 per month.
URL: https://touchstoneclimbing.com/mission-cliffs/
Dogpatch Boulders (2573 Third St.)
Located in the trendy Dogpatch neighbourhood of San Francisco, this bouldering gym is an excellent spot for climbers of all levels. Its top-notch facilities and friendly staff make it an ideal option for climbers looking to improve their skills. With over 14,000 square feet of terrain and plenty of routes set for every level, this gym has something for everyone.
Facilities: Over 14,000 square feet of bouldering terrain with varying degrees of difficulty.
Classes: Yoga and fitness classes are available for an additional fee.
Hours: Open daily from 6 am to midnight.
Membership: Monthly memberships start at $105 per month.
URL: https://touchstoneclimbing.com/dogpatch-boulders/
Touchstone Climbing – The Studio (933 Parker St.)
The Studio is one of Touchstone Climbing’s five locations in San Francisco, offering a fantastic indoor rock climbing experience. With 11,000 square feet of terrain and plenty of routes set for all levels, this gym is perfect for anyone looking to improve their climbing skills. It also hosts events such as yoga classes, slacklining and workshops.
Facilities: Over 11,000 square feet of climbing space featuring top-rope and lead climbing walls and a large bouldering area.
Classes: Yoga and fitness classes are available for an additional fee.
Hours: Open daily from 6 am to midnight.
Membership: Monthly memberships start at $99 per month.
URL: https://touchstoneclimbing.com/the-studio/
Planet Granite – San Francisco (924 Mason St.)
Planet Granite is a well-known climbing gym in San Francisco and offers an impressive indoor rock climbing experience. With over 25,000 square feet of terrain and plenty of routes set for all levels, including everything from beginner to expert climbers, this gym will challenge you and keep you coming back for more. It also hosts events such as yoga classes and workshops.
Facilities: Over 25,000 square feet of climbing terrain with top rope, lead climbing walls, and a large bouldering area.
Classes: Yoga and fitness classes are available for an additional fee.
Hours: Open daily from 6 am to midnight
Membership: Monthly memberships start at $125 per month
URL: https://planetgranite.com/san-francisco/
Bridges Rock Gym (5635 San Diego St.)
Bridges Rock Gym is a great choice for climbers of all levels and offers an excellent indoor rock climbing experience. Bridges Rock Gym has something for everyone, with over 7500 square feet of terrain featuring top-rope and lead climbing walls and a large bouldering area. It also hosts events such as yoga classes and workshops.
Facilities: over 7.5k sqft facility includes top rope walls up to 36 feet high, bouldering area.
Classes: Youth programs are available for children ages 7-17 for an additional fee.
Hours: Monday-Friday from noon to 10 pm; Saturday-Sunday from noon to 8 pm Membership: Monthly memberships start at $97 per month
URL : http://www.bridgesrockgym.com/
Mission Cliffs – Potrero Hill (2295 Harrison St.)
Mission Cliffs is one of San Francisco’s most popular climbing gyms and features an impressive indoor rock climbing experience. With 20,000 square feet of terrain and plenty of routes set for all levels, this gym has something for everyone. It also hosts events such as yoga classes, slacklining and workshops.
Facilities: Over 20k sqft of indoor rock-climbing terrain, including up to 60 feet high top-rope walls and a large bouldering area.
Classes; yoga & fitness classes are available for an additional fee
Hours: Open daily from noon to midnight
Membership: Monthly memberships start at $105 per month
URL: https://touchstoneclimbing.com/mission-cliffs-potrero-hill/
Vertex Climbing Center (3352-A Mission St.)
Vertex Climbing Center is a fantastic climbing gym in San Francisco that offers an excellent indoor rock climbing experience. With over 10,000 square feet of terrain and plenty of routes set for all levels, this gym will challenge you and keep you coming back for more. It also hosts events such as yoga classes, slacklining and workshops.
Facilities: Over 12k sqft facility includes dedicated training areas like campus boards & systems boards & hang boards, top rope routes ranging from beginner through advanced levels, and lead routes starting at a moderate level and progressing into the upper grades.
Classes: Personal training services are also provided by certified trainers on request Hours: Mon-Fri(12 pm-10 pm), Sat-Sun(9 am-7 pm)
Membership: Starting price is around $60/month
URL: https://www.vertexclimbing.com
Crunch Fitness – Union Street(1725 Union Street)
Crunch Fitness is an excellent option for those looking to get fit and stay active while enjoying the indoor rock climbing experience. With over 15,000 square feet of terrain and plenty of routes set for all levels, this gym will challenge you and keep you coming back for more. Besides primary climbing routes, it also offers yoga classes and workshops.
Facilities: Roof-top outdoor pool, yoga studio, sauna & steam room, cardio machines, and weight lifting equipment.
Classes include yoga & Pilates, cycling, muscle endurance training, etc.
Hours: Mon-Thurs(5 am -11 pm), Fri(5 am-10 pm), Sat-Sun(7 am-8 pm)
Membership: cost starts around $80/month
URL; https://www.crunch.com/locations/san-francisco/union-street
Check out our articles about the best climbing gyms in Arizona!
FAQ
Q: What is a climbing gym?
A climbing gym is an indoor facility designed for rock climbing and bouldering. Climbing gyms feature walls of varying heights and difficulty levels, with routes marked by coloured tape or holds.
Q: Do I need the experience to go to a climbing gym?
No experience is required to go to a climbing gym! Most climbing gyms offer classes and instruction for beginners and equipment rental.
Q: What should I wear to a climbing gym?
Wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid baggy clothing that can get caught on holds or other climbers. Closed-toe shoes are required.
Q: Can kids climb at a climbing gym?
Yes! Many climbing gyms offer programs and classes designed for children, youth teams and competitions.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for using the facilities?
Most climbing gyms allow children as young as 5 to climb with adult supervision. However, some facilities may have age restrictions for specific areas or activities.
Q: Is it safe to climb at an indoor gym?
Climbing at an indoor gym is generally considered safe when proper safety protocols are followed. All climbers must complete a safety orientation before using the facilities, and staff members are always available to assist with questions or concerns.
Q: How much does climbing at a San Francisco gym cost?
Prices vary depending on the facility and type of membership or day pass purchased. Expect to pay anywhere from $20-30 per day for access or $80-120 monthly for a membership. Many gyms also offer discounts for students, military personnel, and first-time visitors.
Q: Can I bring my equipment?
Yes! Most facilities allow climbers to bring equipment, including shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags. However, all equipment must meet safety standards set by the facility.
Q: Are there any outdoor climbing options in San Francisco?
While San Francisco doesn’t offer many outdoor climbing options, nearby areas such as Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe are popular destinations for climbers.