Great, local, no-frills bouldering gym in Tacoma. My husband and I moved from the Bay Area to Seattle and have been checking out the local bouldering scene in the PNW - Climb Tacoma has been one of our favorite gyms to check out on a day pass since it's near my parents. FACILITIES For bouldering? Wide variety of routes for different levels and technical focus. For example, a lot of bouldering gyms we've been to have their routes go vertical to fit more climbing onto a set of panels. I like that Climb Tacoma has options where a route might go across, so I get to practice different climbing techniques. Some routes exercise grip strength, others may be more core or balance focused. It makes the experience more fun and rewarding when you complete the beta. I've only been climbing actively for a little over 7 months and can climb up to V2 routes; my husband can climb up to V5/V6. Climb Tacoma has been great because we're both able to keep busy with how many routes there are. There's even a small area for kids to practice climbing and a fun spray wall to test different holds. My only complaint with their bouldering is that their labeling system can be very confusing - you need to look at the tape color to indicate difficulty... not the color of the hold. For exercising? It's lacking - a very small fitness / workout area with little equipment compared to other climbing gyms in the area. I would say comparable to small fitness centers you get in hotels. That said... I don't come here for that, I come to boulder. LOCATION + PARKING Location is off S 38th ST so really close to Tacoma Mall or the Vietnamese area of S 38th ST... making it pretty convenient for finding food after a climbing session. In terms of crowds, it's never been a problem coming here on the weekends, the day before a holiday, or in the middle of a weekday (ex/ for their Monday special for "Femmes and Themes". Their parking seems a bit small but it's never been an issue for us as we're always able to find a spot. OVERALL Coming from the Bay Area, I appreciate how chill this climbing gym. It doesn't play loud music, people are respectful when it comes to climbing and there aren't "influencer" or gym bro vibea you get from Silicon Valley / SF gyms. If you are looking for a high end gym with the works like towel service, saunas, yoga classes, etc... then I would suggest looking elsewhere. If you're just looking to boulder in the area, this gym is great for that with extremely fair pricing. Other climbing gyms, pricing is understandably higher because there may rope courses with higher overhead. I like that what I pay here is for bouldering... and there are lots of options to choose from. Make sure to check their site for specials like Half Price First Fridays or the $15 "Femmes and Thems" discount (rentals included)! read more

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first time climbing in 2 years and I am at beginner-intermediate level, so up to you if you care to give power to this review while you decide on getting a membership or day pass. welcoming community, yes, but this gym had no music playing, not much gym equipment to work with (e.g. weightlifting platform), and the staff did not roam around for safety checks. I am used to the service from a climbing gym back in California, and there, they offer really good hospitality throughout your visit there...not just when you enter the doors to sign in. I will say that the front desk staff was indeed considerate when dealing with the finances so that people who qualify for the discount (i.e. healthcare worker, first responder, student, etc.) were covered. cute ping pong table to rest from the climbing and very clean bathroom. would be nice to have paper towels to really wipe off the chalk, though. wishing health and wellness for those who choose to climb! lots of kids here, too, so this is a cool family bonding activity for y'all to do, if you are into that read more

Located in downtown Tacoma, parking can be weird. But to the bouldering-- loads of problems to try out. It wasn't busy when I went, but it was later in the evening. Dog friendly, friendly staff. Difficulty is subjective to the gym, but as someone who has been traveling and trying out different gyms, the problems here seemed harder to me, which means a good challenge for yourself. read more

Last time I came here I had a ton of fun, but I struggled with some quality of life things. This time the front desk person told me that they made some upgrades and they were all awesome. The best upgrade is using tape only on starts and finish and using the same color holds all the way up. This was a huge game changer for me while on the wall. The main reason this is important is because sometimes you are on the wall you look down for your foot, when its different colored holds marked by tape you cant quite tell what you are looking for. Same color holds its easy to identify it. I had an absolute blast. The routes are clean and challenging. I feel the grading was near perfection. I would consider myself a v3-4 climber and I crushed some 3s and struggled on a few. On the next grade v4-v5 I failed at a bunch and killed a few. That seems just about right. I wish I had more time, but ran short on it. I had a blast on a short wall, long climb v4-5. I am definitely grabbing a packet of passes and since its within walking I am going make some trips this summer. read more

Very very solid gym right in downtown Tacoma. The staff was super kind in welcoming me in for first time and got me all set up. I am used to gyms that grade each climb specifically - so this was a nice change because they give a range for each climb rather than specific grade. Tested my skills more than i probably would regularly. They said they set a new wall of climbs each week - which is a great way to keep the gym fresh. Will definitely be back next time I am in town. Solid value and plenty of boulders to pick from! read more

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Friendly staff & welcoming environment! It was my first time climbing here and it was an amazing experience. Plus they have a cute wall with pictures of the animals that have visited. Adorable! read more

Climb Tacoma - Doggos of climb tacoma - Climbing Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Climb Tacoma is a smaller bouldering gym compared to the gym I usually go to. But it's walls are packed full of fun movement! The staff have always been helpful and friendly when I visit. The mats are soft and I like that there's lots of places for people to sit off-mat so that you never feel like you're going to land on someone if you take a big fall on overhang. It's got a community-centered, kind of old-school vibe that I love. I highly recommend visiting! Plus they have a ping pong table (or used to; not sure if it's still there). read more

Climb Tacoma - Entrance to the training room and a good example of the mats and method of taping routes. - Climbing Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Fun climbs and good environment. The crack wall was a fun experience. Compared to my home gym in nj the grading felt pretty soft. From what I climbed, it felt around 1-2 grades above what it would be back home. Overall a great experience. If I'm ever in the Seattle Tacoma area again I'll definitely visit their new location. read more

Atmosphere: Walk into a really layed back enviroment, the type that reminds you of hanging out with your cool uncle that let's you participate in talking and is always interested in what you say(all in all you dont know that the reason your at your uncle's place is that your parents are getting divorced and they dont want you to see your father pack up and take your dog with him). Although a somewhat small building they use up every wall and everything seems approachable without judgement. Very clean environment, which seems to always be maintain through out the day with a variety of different music in the background that's great for climbing. Sadly the only down fall is the parking to the place. They seem to give you (if you're a regular) a great palette of challenging climbs within your expertise. Which help you grow and improve in your climb and enough time before they change a wall to really tackle a climb you're having troubles with. Sometimes you're cut up trying to find parking but mostly end up walking a couple of blocks but honestly look at it as warm up. Dont forget to stretch! Customer service and interaction with people: Customer service is the equivalance of a really cool teacher that knows the problems of the ups and down of climbing and are there to encourage you to not give up. Always there to give pointers or just say hey. (Kinda like that jock thats not a douche bag and actually plays dungeons and dragons with you while your mom makes a grill cheese sandwhich) You get the sense of not being an outsider but more of guest that they treat with the same respect. The regulars are always nice and help you out as well. Staff is always friendly and up for questions or just comments to improve the environment. Plus they have a program for kids to learn how to climb and meet other kids with the same passion. Great for parents that want reliable, respectful and responsible staff to help your kids with climbing. Price: The first time is free. Let me repeat that again THE FIRST TIME IS FREE O.O (well I havent been there in 5 months but that's what it was! Dont hold me accountable and steal my dog and hold it for ransom for the amount that you paid for your date and yourself and then afterclimbing you went out to eat and you were short on money so she left and now we are here with you holding my dog ransom.) If you have shoes for climbing that's perfect in the long run if you're planning on grabbing a membership. But if you think of just doing it once or twice I'd just reccomend renting out shoes. Everything is pretty affordable and if you go there more than once is just best to get their membership of 45 a month. (Again give me back my dog I've called the cops and the chopper is hovering around your house. I'm coming at you with razor blades and lemon juice!!) Conclusion: Great atmosphere, great supportive people, challenging climbing courses, great affordable prices (unless you're Chuck that lives under the bridge and doesnt have a job. But hey my heart goes out to you buddy!) A meh on parking but that's a minor speed bump. Highly recommend this to people just wanting to find a great bouldering gym or really dip their little bitty pinky into the raging waters of climbing. Lol. (John give me my dog back.) read more

I am new to this whole climbing thing... I've been to a couple other places but this is the first time climbing with out a belay system. This was challenging and fun at the same time. The staff are super friendly here. My friend had been in before so we didn't need additional instruction but it was offered. I can definitely see this as a great way to pass away the rainy days! I am really looking forward to coming back... Especially with my kiddo. I was super impressed with the kids climbing in there! There are changing rooms, too! read more

Climb Tacoma - Climbing Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Great climbing gym, super nice staff, very helpful. I had my 10 year old twin's birthday party here last weekend and their party room was great for a small gathering. Their staff was really professional and kid friendly and my kids and their friends had an amazing time! Honestly, I had all the dads help with watching the kids and my husband said he had a great time. All the other climbers were respectful of our group and I hope my group of 10-12 year olds were respectful back. I would love to recommend these guys. read more

Very fun climbing gym! I was a member of Edgeworks before coming here. This gym is very friendly, and has a large diversity of bouldering routes, from very beginner to advanced. The other climbers were all very friendly and the staff was super helpful and knowledgeable. read more

I love climbing here. Wonderful atmosphere and even better people. Trevor is fantastic. Route setters also stay busy adding new routes every week. Love you all. read more

Solid gym with lots of bouldering problems of varying difficulty. There is limited parking right outside the gym.

By far the best climbing gym in the sea-tac area. Pros: + Tons of walls and variety! Slab, font-style, caves, there's something for every style of climbing. + Very consistent route grading + Good rate of route turn-over. Once a week, you'll get about a dozen new routes + Good wall maintenance. I've never encountered a spinner here + Awesome staff and a great atmosphere read more

Climb Tacoma is incredible. A wonderful local bouldering gym, the staff is kind and knowledgeable, encouraging and helpful. Their grading system groups the Vs instead of labeling their exact level- it makes the routes less intimidating and it feels great when you move up a color. Plenty of routes to choose from with new ones every week, Climb Tacoma is an awesome establishment that will make you want to go to the gym every day. read more

As a first timer they allowed me check-in, shoes and chalk bag for free. Plus I knew one of the employees. Laid back atmosphere. A little cold on a fall day with a open fan to the outside, though it is a gym after all! It's a bouldering gym so don't expect to go too high. Though the routes themselves are challenging enough which are rotated through once a week. Make sure to keep your valuables with you and lock your car as it's not the best area of Tacoma! read more

I can't say enough positive things about our friends at Climb Tacoma. Both my kids have taken climbing lessons for 2+ years. It builds strength, confidence and discipline. Brian & his staff are kind and passionate about what they do. The atmosphere is relaxed, but safety is consistently reinforced. My kids come home happy & tired. read more

My family & I's first time climbing -- I was so glad to find such friendly & informative staff members to help us get started. Lucky for us, we showed up on the first Friday of the month. So that meant $5 entry (awesome). They also had an area specifically for kids which was great for our 3 year old. read more

Climb Tacoma - Climbing Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

First time bouldering... and it was such a fun experience. From the friendly welcome as I signed in, to the wonderful folks who climbed beside me and showed me the way... this place was a good find! read more

Seriously a great place to spend a few hours keeping active. Relaxed atmosphere, great tunes, and a staff that really cares about the people that come in. Don't worry if you're climbing V7 or don't even know what that means, you'll still be greeted with the same encouragement to challenge yourself. Rule 16: GET PSYCHED! read more

This is exactly what a climbing gym should be. Big enough to have a solid variety of routes, but small enough that the staff recognizes you after just a few seasons. Very friendly atmosphere, and they play awesome music! Very reasonable prices too. It took some time to get used to their route rating system, but that's really just small potatoes. read more

Not only is this the best gym in Tacoma, but it is the best gym in the Puget Sound region! The route setters here do an amazing job setting routes with interesting and challenging movement. They also do not downgrade routes, so grades are more consistent with what you might see outside. Since I have been going here I can feel my climbing really improve. I've been to the gyms in Seattle (SBP, Stone Gardens, VW), and the bouldering gym in Olympia, but nothing keeps my attention like the routes at Climb Tacoma. Great owners, great route setters, good community feeling, and convenient location, what more could you want? read more

Love this place! This place was my first experience with a bouldering gym. Since then, I've tried out a number of others, but I keep going back to Climb Tacoma. Affordable, the staff is friendly, and the climbing is excellent! read more

We went as a family group (three generations) and it was AMAZING! I recommend the staff, the facility, and the experience. As a first time climber (and a grandmother) this is something I want to do over and over. My grandkids had so much fun. Other climbers as well as the staff are happy to share tips and are very supportive. Take water with you because this is really a work out and you need to stay hydrated. I don't care how old you are - go for it! If all you get is one step off the ground, next time you might get two. read more

Fantastic, unique atmosphere to match the cutting edge wall-architecture, holds, and routesetting. a great climbing business but more importantly a great climbing community. a necessary complement to edgeworks read more

I love this climbing gym! The routes are set really well. There are a good variety of different types of routes and walls (with varying levels of overhang). The staff is very friendly. There is a great community of climbers here, with people always winning to help you, suggest routes to try next, and encourage you. Just a note, the routes are rated according to colors with each color covering two levels (like v0/v1 or v2/v3). Also, the price for a monthly membership is very reasonable ($40 a month if you do electronic billing) read more