Austin is one of the best cities in the United States for outdoor rock climbing. It’s awesome for experienced climbers, but what if you’re just getting started? We’ve combed through the biggest and best rock climbing gyms in Austin and ranked them for you. Most of the gyms on our list include a well-rounded assortment of gym services (such as yoga/fitness classes and other amenities), but a few of them specialize in climbing. Read on to figure out which gym is going to best fit your rock climbing needs.
The Best Climbing Gyms in Austin
Best Budget Climbing Gym: Austin Bouldering Project
Best Bouldering Gym: Power Spot Climbing
Best Rope Climbing Gym: Mesa Rim Climbing Center
Best Climbing Gym for Families: Crux Climbing Center
Best Multipurpose Gym: Life Time
Best Budget Climbing Gym
1. Austin Bouldering Project
Climbing Types: bouldering
Price: $20/day pass, $85/month, $850/year
Location(s): Springdale, Westgate
Other Activities: yoga/fitness classes, cardio, weight training, youth programs
Bouldering Project has 11 climbing gyms scattered across the United States, and two climbing gyms in Austin. Their success is not a surprise, as they offer everything you might expect from a rock climbing gym – and more! They offer climbing, fitness, and yoga classes on a weekly basis, and their youth climbing program is extensive. You can explore their calendar online before you visit to see what they have going on each day of the week. They also have really great pricing – the best prices out of all of the mainstream climbing gyms in Austin. They even have an “access membership” that you can apply for online – which provides a 25-40% price reduction if you qualify.
Note: Although Power Spot Climbing (next on the list) does have a cheaper monthly fee, it is ONLY a bouldering gym. There are no free fitness classes or any other activities available at the gym. In addition, you must book your climbing sessions ahead of time, every time you go to Power Spot. Because of these reasons, I did not list Power Spot as the best budget climbing gym in Austin.
Best Bouldering Gym
2. Power Spot Climbing
Climbing Types: bouldering
Price: $65/month
Location: Central Austin
Other Activities: youth climbing team
Power Spot Climbing is a very small and specialized rock climbing gym in Central Austin. Unlike most rock climbing gyms, Power Spot is designed for climbers who really want to focus on becoming stronger, smarter, and more successful climbers. Anyone can sign up for a membership, but only 10 people can climb during each 2-hour session. Ideally, this environment allows dedicated climbers the time and space needed to improve their skills without unnecessary interruptions or distractions. The community is small and tightly connected – if you’re looking for a group of serious climbers, this is the place to go.
Memberships range from $50/month to $65/month (depending on the hours you choose to climb). If you have children, consider signing them up to join the youth climbing team as well! The A-Team ($50) meets Monday and Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and the B-Team ($25) meets every Monday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Your child will get to join a competitive climbing team with weekly (or biweekly) practice sessions. While some of the other climbing gyms in the area also have youth climbing teams, Power Spot seems to have the best prices as well as the most tight-knit community.
Best Rope Climbing Gym
3. Mesa Rim Climbing Center
Climbing Types: bouldering, top rope, lead
Price: $27/day pass, $95/month, $1045/year
Location: North Austin
Other Activities: yoga/fitness classes, cardio, weight training, sauna, youth programs
When it comes to developing your rope climbing skills, Mesa Rim has every class you will ever need. From beginner belay lessons to advanced lead climbing, the Austin location offers four different courses on a monthly basis. The beginner belay courses are available daily and free to members. In the belay course, you’ll learn how to use assisted braking devices, how to tie the rope correctly, and also how to safely belay a climbing partner. The “learn to lead” course teaches you everything you need to start lead climbing indoors. They are available every week and cost $65 for members. You’ll learn how to lead belay, how clipping works, and how to fall safely.
The technique series includes four 2-hour classes that occur within the span of one month and costs $110 in all. Participants learn effective warm-up and cooldown routines for climbing. They also learn many specific climbing techniques, such as smearing (footwork) and flagging (balance). The course will challenge you to push your comfort levels with both static and dynamic movement as well. The last course available at Mesa Rim is the advanced lead climbing course. It is available once each month, and includes three 3-hour classes for the cost of $245. The advanced class will help you perfect the skills needed to be a successful lead climber and climbing partner. You can learn more about these courses on the Mesa Rim website!
Best Climbing Gym for Families
4. Crux Climbing Center
Climbing Types: bouldering, top rope, lead
Price: $22/day, $85/month, $900/year
Location(s): Central Austin, South Austin
Other Activities: yoga/fitness classes, cardio, weight training, sauna, climbing events, summer camp
There are two Crux Climbing locations in Austin. One is in central Austin, and the other is located about 20 minutes south. When I think of a classic American climbing gym, there’s not only great climbing but also a fantastic community setting. Crux is designed to provide more than just climbing routes. They put on tons of social events each month, so it’s a great place to bring your friends and family. From ladies climbing meet-ups to daily yoga class, there’s an endless list of activities available to you (other than just climbing).
If you are interested in getting your children into rock climbing, then Crux offers three amazing options. You can get them started in the summer with Crux Crushers Camp (ages 6 to 12). They’ll learn about rock climbing, practice yoga, and participate in fun crafts and games as well. You can also sign your child up for the recreational climbing teams at Crux (ages 8-18). They meet up twice each week – but keep in mind that your child needs to try out for the team first. If your child is a serious climber, you can also encourage them to try out for the competitive team! The competitive team is for any youth who wants to compete in the USA competition circuit. They’ll also need to try out before joining, and practices occur 2-3 times each week.
Best Multipurpose Gym
5. Life Time
Climbing Types: top rope
Price: $50/day, $199/month, $2400/year
Location(s): Downtown, South, Arboretum, North
Other Activities: almost any other sport activity that could be done in a gym, as well as youth programs. In addition – a spa, personal trainers, a cafe, etc.
Life Time Fitness is absolutely the most versatile gym on this list. Most locations have a wide array of basketball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, squash courts, pickleball areas, free weights and strength training machines, as well as a cardio area. They provide a variety of classes, including cycle, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, barre, and dance. They have tons of kids classes, sports teams, camps, and more.
If you want to rock climb, but also want (literally) dozens of other workout options, Life Time might be the best pick for you. It’s the most expensive gym on this list for good reason, but only if you care about having the variety of choice. When it comes to rock climbing on its own, Life Time is NOT going to be your best choice. Yes, they provide climbing gear, but their routes will be set much less often than the other climbing gyms in Austin. You will also be less likely to meet other rock climbers, as most Life Time fitness members prefer to participate in many types of exercise rather than focusing on their rock climbing abilities.
