No! 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. For more information about your first visit, click here.

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 group 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 are. 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. For more information about your first visit, click here.

Downtown is exclusively bouldering. Bouldering is a form of climbing in which ropes are not used. 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.

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.

In order to keep all climbers safe in the gym, we require that any climbers under the age of 16 are actively supervised by an adult.