History is marked by the greats who climbed mountains. Whether we are religious or not, we can watch Charlton Heston climb a mountain in The Ten Commandments. We can watch those with physical limitations, over come them through the tenacity of clever problem solving skills when climbing mountains. Even Reba McEntire used it as a symbol of overcoming great odds. In 2020, I sought to make this destination I frequented regularly. This was early in the year, before everything shut down and mountains were too dangerous again. However, I'll always have the good times forged climbing multicolored stones. This has been a place of enlightenment, of humbling, and a rebirth of capabilities. This enormous location, is an endless playground. There are all the challenges that excite nearly every kind of climber. Nearly any age can participate. Then the cherry on top, of a mountain of cream, is that the trainers/leaders are eager to encourage excitement in first time climbers. That is what separates this location from others, the kindness and willingness to teach others to be a good belay. It's clear that they want to spread the excitement over such a transformative hobby. It was so affective, I married the last person I took there on our first official date. It was a Covid wedding in 2021, but that only added to the excitement of climbing this mountain, we call marriage. Thank you for this location and its people. read more

Overall, Climb Kalamazoo is a fantastic climbing gym. There are a ton of types of routes and all sorts of technical climbs to challenge a climber in a variety of ways. The gear for sale and for rent is really convenient, and the online waiver process is a snap. The only thing holding the stars back to 5 is that a couple of the staff have been pretty grumpy when the gym is busy. Most of the staff have been great, but it would be nice for all staff to make guests feel welcomed joyfully. read more

Climb Kalamazoo - My little dude feeling real proud - Rock Climbing Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

I enjoy this location. It was a great, and friendly, first climbing experience. The initial instruction is easy to follow. There tends to be a lot of devoted and new climbers throughout the gym. Pretty awesome environment. read more

This is a fabulous climbing facility. Better than the pictures. We live 75 minutes away and it was worth the drive. Our 8 year old grandson loved it. Be prepared to spend 45 minutes learning ropes and knots before you can actually climb. My husband had to handle the ropes. I suggest giving yourself an hour break after 90 minutes of climbing. A pass is $16 for a full day plus the cost of renting gear. We will surely do that next time. The helping parent or grandparent must also pay for the harness too. That wasn't clear to me when I called. That being said it's a great place. Highly recommend. read more

I've taken my Boy Scout troop there at least 6-7 times in the past 10 years. They have always treated the boys with respect and helped them with every question. We are going again this weekend. They teach the Climbing Merit badge in an overnight experience. It's one of the boys favorite things to do. Highly recommend Climb Kalamazoo! read more

Really just a bad climbing gym. Smelled really bad and they have ridiculous safety regulations which assist in nothing but making your visit insufferable. read more

Hate to say this because it sucks that it's true: this is the dirtiest, most disgusting gym I've ever been to. Layers of skin and chalk coat the holds, it smells, and the bathrooms-everyone wore their climbing shoes in the stalls. So, you guessed it, piss-shoes touch those holds where your hands go:) Have a seat in the waiting room if you're looking for a treat...pealed fabric, candy stuck inside, looks like it came off a porch from the student ghetto, a real gem. Please clean the place and change the routes this year. read more

Kalamazoo is lucky to have this little gym right downtown. Some of the new megagyms popping up around the country could take a few lessons from this place. First, the staff were super friendly. They struck the right balance between being chill and being strict about the rules. While you want a welcoming environment, you can get hurt climbing, so you have to be serious too. Overall, great vibe. The gym isn't super tall, but the setters make up for it with thoughtful, bouldery routes. I got spit off a 5.10b only to realize I was messing up the sequence. I feel like that's rare for the grade, but is a sign of good setting. The place also has some cool novelty holds made of real stone. The place is older but clean for a climbing gym, has anchors for pairs of climbers with big weight differentials, auto belays for solo climbers, a nice training area, and a section to learn crack climbing. Basically everything you need to have fun, and if you want to be serious, get strong. Lastly, the price is right. A month eft costs the same as 2 day passes in some big cities. Classes are reasonably priced as well. I got a membership, so I'll be going back. read more

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If you're looking to try rock climbing, I've got the place for you. Maybe you were already a fan of it and just didn't know where to go. This is the place, with lessons, paid of course, for newbies. If you have your own equipment, bring it, or rent from the source. Inside the main facility, the climbing surface ranges from novice to expert. With over 10,000 square feet of area to climb, you can rest assured you're gonna get a good workout - especially as some of the starting points end in an angle. Those are definitely for some of the more advanced climbers. This is also a kid-friendly activity. So if you feel like they're ready to climb, make it a family day or night activity, and come down for a climb. If this is something you can find yourself doing a lot, I'd recommend getting a punch card, or even a membership - that way you can save money and have fun. read more

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My favorite part about this gym is how the space is utilized. It has a unique structure, and unlike most indoor rock gyms, Climb Kalamazoo has hand painted walls that simulate natural mountain colors, making it easy on the eyes. The changing rooms have lockers and showers, and are spacious and comfortable. Often times I come here to workout, then shower and get ready for a night out on the town, without having to go home. The upstairs has overlook sections, and dumbbells that you can work out with when your hands are sore from climbing. This gym also offers a lot of indoor and outdoor rock climbing gear, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and can help choose what equipment is right for you. Place is clean, provides WiFi, and offer snacks, drinks, and candy if you get hungry/need a boost of energy. read more

Always appreciate having a climbing gym available in a small city like Kalamazoo. I also enjoy the turnover rates for the routes (not too fast so that I can't master them) and the variety of ratings available as I challenge myself to become a better climber. My SO and I bought annual passes at the beginning of the year, and we really appreciated the ability to freeze our memberships while the gym was closed so that we can continue to utilize the climbing gym until we move in the spring. Keep up the good work! read more

Awesome place to climb, plan to park and walk in though. Located in the middle of a street mall, I imagine it gets busy during the day. Came here at night, lots of routes to climb, very helpful and knowledgeable staff, two small bouldering walls but they prove to be very challenging with lots of overhang. Lockers, gear for sale, pretty awesome place! read more

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. A good selection of equipment to rent or purchase. A wide variety of climbing routes ranging from easily approachable to "maybe on the best day of Spider-Man's life". And a more ideal location would be difficult to imagine. read more

Climb Kalamazoo - Climb Kalamazoo - Rock Climbing Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

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We decided to bring our whole family over the holidays, and we had novice through intermediate climbers, both kids and adults. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and keep a close eye on safety. There are fun routes for all skill levels. I especially liked the 5.10 routes along the flake and the corner routes. Great route setting! We all had a blast and will definitely return. The booking process was easy, and they have different price points depending on how much gear and training you need. Best part of our holiday! read more

My sisters and assorted relatives are big into climbing and spend a lot of time at Climb Kalamazoo. After a fair amount of prodding, they finally convinced me to go and actually partake instead of simply watching. My sisters also managed to get my parents and my spry, but 84 year old grandfather on the climbing walls. We had a blast! The facilities were wonderful. There were ample routes to challenge my sister, the competent climber with her own gear. There were also plenty of opportunities for my novice grandfather and somewhat reluctant parents. A few of us rented gear. My cousin, who climbs regularly, and myself learned how to belay so we could take our tour hoisting the family up the walls. The staff were helpful and professional and the facilities were quite nice with a locker room and good spots for bouldering in addition to all of the wall space. I know for a fact that they switch up the routes, add, remove, modify so that the regulars don't get bored. One of the things I liked best though, was the camaraderie of the climbing community. It seems as though whether you know folks or not, there's not much of cliquishness of those who major climbers and those who aren't. Everyone seems to work together, help each other up the routes, and belay their neighbors. The whole place just has a chill, down to earth vibe, full of good people. read more

Wow, super impressed! I work on the road, so i'm away from my home gym most of the time. Had the afternoon off so thought I'd try the place out. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The routes were excellent: great variety, super fun to climb, and there are TONS of both top rope and boulder routes for all ages and skill levels. I was wore out before i could climb half of just the top ropes. To top it off, the atmosphere was chill and accommodating. Overall, I give Climb Kalamazoo an A++! Can't wait to come back next time i'm in town! read more

Kalamazoo is lucky to have this quality of a climbing gym! What sets this gym apart is the features: the cave has tons of horizontal roof, the dihedrals are fun, and the chimney is fun. Not most gyms have these. It's also fairly big, with a good mix of bouldering and top roping. The routes were well graded - not conservative or easy. Just about right based on my admittedly limited experience in climbing for about 5 months but having visited about 11 gyms across the country and a variety of California outdoor crags. The prices are also fair. So that makes up for some occasionally old, slick holds. I thought the setting was fun and clever as well. Can't speak to how often they change routes as I've only been once, but next time in Kalamazoo, I'll be back! read more

This place is not kid friendly. Took my 7 year old here and very few walls are ones that kids his age could climb. My wife couldn't understand the instruction. We spent 86 dollars and ended up leaving after 5 minutes of "climbing." Staff didn't seem to care and no refund was given. read more

Solid gym... I've been living in California where climbing is a lot more popular so I expected way less, but was pleasantly surprised. There is a good balance of bouldering and top-roping, the routes are well varied, the holds are nice and grippy, the staff is nice, and the front desk has the typical snacks/energy bars. read more

We enjoy climbing here and think most of the staff members are absolutely fantastic. It seems to be hit or miss whether routes get changed regularly and that's always a catch-22 anyway (if you've been working on a particular route, you don't want it to be changed until you hit that last tricky hold, but it's always nice to have variety, too). There's a bit of a cool-kids club vibe that impinges on the experience of lesser climbers (if someone wants to lead climb in a given area, regular climbers won't have access to it, and if a group is playing add-a-hold in a section of the gym, they won't necessarily notice if someone else is waiting to use a particular route, etc.). They've added more auto-belays throughout the last few years, which is really nice when you come with an odd number of climbers or have a short amount of time and want to just climb as many walls as possible. They have punch-cards, which gets you 10 climbs for $100 or memberships which are roughly $40 a month plus a start-up-fee, etc. and none of their plans really syncs with my husband and my schedule and budget, which is frustrating, because we'd really like to spend more time there in the winter. Members do get to bring a friend for free once per month, which is awesome, but it can only be a guest who hasn't been there before, which is less ideal. It's also tricky to figure the right time to go -- if there's a kid's birthday party the place is a zoo and it's really quite dangerous (they'll walk between the belayer and the wall all the time, etc). If you plan to bring children there, please ensure that there's an adult per child and that the adults are actually watching the children not checking facebook on their phones. I know it's a "gym" and it's all nerfy-type material, but it is absurdly dangerous for children to run around in there willy-nilly. They could knock over a belayer and cause injury or death. Freaks me out! read more

My daughter and 2 friends completed the Summer Camp today! They all loved it! My daughter can't wait to come back and climb some more! The finale of watching the instructors climb some crazy difficult courses was breathtaking! We can't wait to come climb as a family with friends! read more

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Went here once when I went to visit back home. Have climbed all over the country and this was one of my lesser enjoyed places. Really hard to smear and scum given the plywood covering. Holds were old and broken and in some cases I would just skip and make the route much harder to avoid them. Route rating is not always accurate. If you live in the area and this is your only option then this place should work. read more

Absolutely horrible-do not recommend to ANYONE. Extremely overpriced, not worth your time. The staff are nice but owner is a complete tool and was very rude to me and my group. One of the absolute worst gyms I have been to. AVOID AT ALL COST. read more

VERY disappointing party experience! We chose to have one of my kid's birthday parties here. (It was VERY expensive, but seemed like it could be memorable) The young staff just kind of ignored us while folks arrived. I was forced to pay right when I got there, which was weird! I went to counter after awhile, & asked if they could start getting some of the kid's harnessed up. I was told 'Ya, we'll do it all at once' (clock is ticking away allotted 'party time', by now) There was NO direction, or presentation of how to climb, to the kids. (I am a former climbing instructor of a class for children) Many kids there had never been rock climbing. I worked hard to make the best of it- and did my own instructing. Then, when it came time for cake- I had to clear stinky backpacks off of one of the picnic tables there! (ME) I had to find some Clorox wipes and wipe down the table and benches. When the cake appeared there was no way to slice it, AND no drinks! (I would've brought some soda & cups, had I been informed that my $300+ fee did not even include a cup of water for party goers!) I was mortified with embarrassment! I carry dental floss, and I cut the cake with that. I was apologizing to the other Mom's, it REALLY became awkward! Upon leaving I asked to talk to the manager; he wasn't in- but, they gave me his phone number. I called him with my concerns & complaints, that Monday. He listened and agreed that I shouldn't have to clean the tables at my own party. He asked what he could do for me, I said I'd like a $50 credit back to my card. He said "I'll have to think about it". Then weeks later, JUST when I was about to call him back- a postcard with a handwritten 'offer' on it arrived. I was like "What?" It basically said that it was a $90 value- my choice of 1) Two adults getting a private session of rock climbing training (By WHOM? The snotty younglings that I had to tolerate during the party- no thanks!) -OR- A one time climbing session for Four people (Okay, I could do a play date with another Mom possibly) BUT- the Four people have to be immediate family relations! I was livid. The pure nerve of this guy. This was not worth the postcard it was printed on! A minor $50 credit might have brought me back someday. But, I guess he THOUGHT about it and my business wasn't worth it! (Or, the 12 other Parents who left with a bad impression of the place) Ugh, they'll be out of business soon with practices like that! read more

I visited there yesterday with 4 girls from our American Heritage Girls troop from Indiana. Leo got us all setup and did an incredible job of training us all and teaching quite a bit about what we need to know to climb. He was very patient with the girls. Leo was awesome. The whole place is incredible and has so much to offer for climbers ranging from beginners to experts. It's very well run and is in a great location downtown. We will be going back with a 2nd group of girls next month. I highly recommend Climb Kalamazoo! read more

Giving this place a five-star rating was a no-brainer. For a MidWest college town, Kalamazoo has a great climbing studio. Good variety in climbing intensity. Beginners to Pros can enjoy. Groups events work very well also. Staff is relaxed and friendly. Prices are reasonable and there are various memberships and programs you can sign up for for a better deal. All around great place. read more

Great place to climb for Michigan. It has a phone atmosphere and is super affordable compared to other climbing gyms I have been to. The staff is super nice and it has all the amenities that you could need at a climbing gym. Great place to go. read more

As far as sports go, I am primarily a cyclist (with some kayking now and again), both road and mountain with some racing now and again, and about 2 years ago, some work friends asked if I wanted to join them at Climb Kalamazoo during lunch (we work within walking distance). All it took was that first visit and I was hooked! I am well into my second year of membership and while I am not the most natural of climbers, I find the challenge to both my body and spirit just incredible. The camradarie of friends, the employees/owners, and even complete strangers is another wonderful part of Climb Kalamazoo. Folks are always willing to offer tips and a helping hand, the owners are welcoming of feedback to the types of climbs people might want, and the overall atmosphere is both fun and laid back. Over the past 2 years, I have seen the gym take on a whole new life with cool, newly painted walls, new pad flooring, and an awesome mix of routes (top rope, lead, and boulder) that are ever changing and for every level of climber. And I am always learning something new, how to move, how to focus my mind, how to balance. The biggest personal benefit I have noticed outside of the climbing gym is an overall increase of core strength that has had two major positives. One, my once constantly aching lower back is almost no more. My core has become strong enough to support my back in ways I have not been able to do in the past. The second, I noticed this year, is an incredible increase in strength/power while cycling. In past years, I weight lifted over the winter, however skipped this year to climb more. While my endurance on the bike is still a bit lacking as I have not been putting in lots of miles, the few races I have competed in this year have been very successful and cycling friends have noticed the increase of power on rides. My husband and I recently paddled an epic 22 miles up north in one day and my paddle strokes were strong, efficient, and fast, I had to wait for him. :-) The only contributing factor overall that I can think of is climbing 3 days a week. Amazing sport for anyone (athlete or not), even my 66 year old mom loves it when she visits. Kids at the gym seem to always have smiles plastered to their faces. Amazing gym with incredible people, I highly recommend a visit. Thanks Climb Kalamazoo! read more

Do I have to give this place a star? This is the first review I have ever written on any business and also the first time I have ever asked for my money back. I am usually quite patient and forgiving of poor service, but this place was well beyond poor. DO NOT GO HERE! We were the first people in the door right at noon, and a half hour after paying, our family (with 2 excited children) was still waiting in the lobby to get our rental equipment and take our mandatory climbing lesson. Apparently selling a harness to somebody who walked in twenty minutes after us was more important. I mean, they already have our money, maybe we should wait until closing time for rental gear. I was just about to make a fuss when another employee walked in and I thought we would be saved. But what does he do? He doesn't even acknowledge that there are people waiting in the lobby, says hi to the other worker, and proceeds to stand behind the counter with his head down. When he finally raises his head it is only to tell my kids they are not allowed to run in the lobby. Really? They wouldn't be running in the lobby if they were actually climbing walls by now, ya putz! I am so sorry my energetic children took away from your zen moment of staring at the countertop. It is abundantly clear that this business does not want children on the premises even if they advertise age 3 and up on their website. In the end I had to take my dejected kids out of the store without the climbing experience we had gotten them excited for. This business will never get another dime from me and hopefully after you read this review, they won't get your money either. Luckily I got my $58 back. That's right, $58 for two kids to go rock climbing. It's not glorious, but we hit up the McDonalds play land on way home and they had a great time for free. I would implore you to find other entertainment alternatives as well. read more