A really great little bouldering location! Cost is much better than the Bay Area chain by…read moreTouchstone Climbing, especially for my first visit (slight discount). The cost's like half of that of other climbing gyms! I love that the vibes are unpretentious, facilities are thoughtfully laid out and accessible for all levels, and staff are friendly and kind. I'm quite a beginner but found that there were still ~8-10 problems of the lowest challenge level for me to tackle, which was nice because sometimes there aren't as many beginner friendly routes available. My climbing partner is of moderate skill level and he found that there were plenty of routes to interest and challenge him too, and we even saw some high level climbers enjoying routes at Mosaic as well. When we went, the little gym (just two long walls) was pretty full with ~20 people climbing, but the layout allowed for not too much waiting. Courses are fairly clearly marked. Shoe and chalk bag rentals are also available. Probably will be my go-to climbing spot in the area, and even more so if I lived closer!

Place is a vibe, not as expensive as other gyms as well. Cool place to climb and also just hang…read moreout. Staff has no problem answering all the questions you have and people who climb there are super chill and welcoming. 10/10

I brought my son here for his first time with his friend that has been coming for awhile. I am…read moreamazed at how big this place is and how they fit so many things into the space! From rock climbing, to the gym, to the saunas in the bathrooms! Definitely enjoyed coming and was happy they have some seating for us parents who just hang out and wait for their teens to rock climb. I may need to try my own day pass next time just for the sauna!

This gym is really great in terms of the scale and options you have to choose from. The gym is big…read moreand the facilities are well kept. Points deducted because although some of the staff are super sweet, the others are literally the worst touchstone staff I have ever had to interact with. The catty tone that a majority of the staff have at this location is insane. You can walk in with a smile on your face and be as polite as possible and 2/3 I have been treated like I just walked into the DMV. It's especially demoralizing when me as a calfresh user has to do this interaction each time and can't just walk in. What other reviewers have stated about the customer service here is exactly on par with what I've experienced. Obligatory complaining about touchstone in general that isn't specific to Pac Pipe: touchstone sucks. The performative compassion and wokeness that the company has for both its employees and their visitors is ironic when they charge insane monthly memberships and day pass prices ($30 for a day pass plus additional if you need gear). They'll claim these prices are to pay their staff (it's not - their setters are still underpaid for their work). The student monthly discount is also so laughable compared to their normal fee. They're greedy and heavily corporatized, which is really reflected in a lot of their gyms and can lead to some locations' sets feeling stale and uninspired.

The service was helpful and polite. The environment was really nice and beginner friendly. The gym…read morewas scattered with plenty of different options. The only confusing part is understanding the levels, since the colored tags were a range of what level it may have been.

Been here a few times & had fun. This gym is queer friendly & the staff are nice and friendly. And…read morea little walk over is the Ranch 99 plaza to get some good food or snacks. They also have a room for beginners climbers if the climbing projects are a little tough. If you get tired of rock climbing they have loads of other activities to do from using their extensive gym equipment. If you're tired of rock climbing they have a little area upstairs to take a breather. This place has slack line as one of their gym equipments. Really fun & definitely give it a try when you visit.

Was introduced to bouldering here. Very accessible location. Super hectic on weekends and at…read moresunset. Great for families and solo projects as well. The rock (volcanic rhyolite) offers good grip but hard on the hands. Remember to bring a crash pad!

Indian Rock Park offers a serene escape, perfect for quiet reflection or quality time with family…read more The views are nothing short of breathtaking.

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more OK, there's got to be at least a dozen of these so-called rock parks in the Berkeley Hills, most of which apparently present "challenges to early-level rock climbing" according to the city parks website. I don't know what that means to no-level rock climbing types like myself except a palpable fear of slipping on the rock stairs they carve in some of the smoother boulders. The most famous rock park is Indian Rock due to the sheer size of the outcroppings, and just up the block is its smaller and most discreet sister, probably overlooked except by those who presumably introduce themselves as early-level rock climbers at social mixers. It's still quite pleasing in its modest way. If Indian Rock is Marcia Brady, then Mortar Rock surely is Jan who claims to be dating advanced-level rock climber George Glass. "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!" "Sure, Jan." RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CbVh8u

Mortar Rock Park is the middle of three interesting rhyolite outcroppings here in the Berkeley…read moreHills. most people find Indian Rock Park on Google maps and come to see it. But be sure to also check out mortar Rock Park and grotto Rock. What makes Mortar Rock Park special, there are deep divots in the rock said to have been created by the ancient people of the area as they were grinding nuts using the stones.

Touchstone gym located in downtown Oakland…read more This is a more small and intimate gym in comparison to Pacific Pipe. There is a small Boulder section, top roping, work area, weights, and workout area. The staff here is super friendly. My friends took the intro to climbing class here and they really enjoyed it. The staff was really helpful in teaching them the ins and outs

I love the structure. Super fun, climbing competition. Great stuff. Super fun…read more I came for the 2024 climbing competition. I had such a great time so glad I came. This building is gorgeous and so fun so aesthetic. The staff was super friendly. When I made a joke about my chalk, they were receptive and fun. Their store was pretty well stocked. Grab myself an adorable, red crop sweatshirt. They're set up was very organized. Literally zero drama. Highly recommend, and I'll be back.

Took the sea kayaking class and it was fun. Learned valuable tools to survive when capsized l. Then…read moretook sailing class and the experience was opposite. David, the main instructor, kept yelling at us while we were sailing. We are noobs. There is a better way teaching us than screaming at us. Afterall, it was new to us to control the flimsy boat and learning to adjust to the wind. Horrible experience. They really need to retire him and find a teacher who enjoys teaching.

Me and five other friends were looking for something fun to do on a random Monday and Arlin and…read moreTyler completely took care of us! They were so sweet, patient, and friendly.. and this was all an hour and a half before closing. Such an amazing first time experience, thank you both so much!

Good place for all levels of climbers. Very quiet witch is nice highly recommended..‍read more

A local friend introduced me to this spot. You might wonder what all those chalk smudges are all…read morealong the wall ..... this is a popular place to practice rock climbing moves and not have to be too far off the ground. This wall I hear has been popular for at least 30 years! You can traverse up hill or down, it's not like there's a big crowd here like a some parks in Berkeley. You do clime here at you own risk, and accidents do happen, my friend years ago broke her ankle falling off the wall, just 2 feet off the sidewalk. If you're a local climber, you prob know about this place already.