I came for an intro to top rope climbing class here and had an exceptional time. A few friends and I booked the intro class ahead of time- which was free- and came ready to learn. Our instructor, Thomas, was fantastic. He's super knowledgeable and passionate and very focused on safety. I felt comfortable the whole time and like I had plenty of time to learn at my own pace and ask questions. He was encouraging and kind. I didn't expect to learn so much in this class. By the end we were able to belay and climb. The course focused on tying onto a rope, belaying someone safely, and catching falls. Again, Thomas was focused on safety and explained common mistakes people make, why they're unsafe, and how to avoid them. After the class, we were able to explore the gym and do some climbing and bouldering on our own. That essentially means that the class came with a free day pass and set of rentals- a great value! If you're looking to get into the hobby, the classes at Movement seem really worth it. read more

Movement - Gym - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

What a fun Saturday afternoon! Ryan was our guide and did a wonderful job helping us navigate the different walls. This was a part of my daughter's 18th birthday and she had a blast! Great community and everyone was super nice! Definitely liked the vibe and we will be returning for sure. read more

Movement - Skyla climbing - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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I have been a regular at movement Columbia for 1.5 years now and cannot say enough good things about the gym. The rout setting has great variety, with lots of options for bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing. I have also attended multiple of their classes over my time going and have had nothing but positive experiences. The facility itself is well maintained and has a great workout space in addition to its climbing facility's. Finally, the staff and community are great at movement Columbia, and I have felt supported and valued throughout my entire climbing journey. read more

This was my first experience going to such a gym that had climbing, so I went to attend a free bouldering class to see if I would like it. I arrived early and was greeted and helped by a front desk attendant, who supplied me with the free rental shoes and pointed me in the right direction. The establishment is large, and it can be intimidating, if it's your first time. The teacher for the class was friendly and informative and gave me the opportunity to reschedule as we thought nobody else would attend the class - but I got to practice by myself for a bit before the others arrived late and we began officially learning. The process involves scaling a wall in a controlled environment, then you move out to the bouldering area that others are using and trying your hand at the different walls. You learn the scaling/ranking system for the different difficulties of climb, as well as basic bouldering and gym etiquette. After practicing for a while we had free range for the whole day - the free class acts as your pass for the day. Other gym goers are respectful and cognizant of their surroundings, so you're not bumping into people or worrying about accidents. The locker room and bathrooms were sparkling - the establishment is clearly well taken care of, and its members respect the facilities in this way, which is a lot that can't be said for other places. Not only does Movement offer bouldering and rock climbing, but yoga and has a general gym, but I did not explore it. Another large draw of Movement is its generous student discount, which I plan on taking advantage of. For 89 dollars monthly for an all-body workout in a friendly, judgement-free zone, I couldn't ask for more. read more

I enjoy this Movement gym so much! The Columbia location is newer than some of their other locations. I love how open the lobby is at Columbia, and they always have my favorite vegan cookies in stock. When I visit Columbia I try to go close to their opening hours if I want to sport climb. Their ropes area is very cramped and can feel claustrophobic if too many people are there. Their bouldering section however is very roomy. I really love that no matter when I arrive to this gym, I feel comfortable bouldering. Their bouldering has a great variety of difficulty with walls ranging from slab to overhung. I am guaranteed a great workout here because their bouldering options have a great variety in difficulty and style. This gym also has spacious and updated locker rooms. They always look clean, and I like having the safety of using their lockers that have a lock on them. I do not use their gym but that space also looks great. I get plenty of exercise bouldering and stick with that. read more

At $89 per month for a membership, Movement is a great climbing gym. The Columbia location has a bouldering section and rope climbing section. There is also an area in the back of the bouldering section with weights, treadmills, cycles, gymnastics rings, and ellipticals for more training. All the employees I've interacted with have been very friendly and helpful in getting me oriented, giving me advice on shoes to purchase, and answering my questions about the membership perks. As a member, you get 6 free guest passes per calendar year but can only use 2 per month. If a friend has never climbed before, you can guest them in for free (gear rentals also free for them) for their first visit to a Movement gym. Also, you get a 20% off coupon to use for any purchase (excluding food) within your first 60 days of becoming a member. After 60 days, this becomes a 10% off coupon for members. Finally, you also get to sign up for intro climbing classes for free. My one issue with this gym is that I really wish they had auto belays. A friend of mine who really loves climbing refuses to buy a membership because of the lack of auto belays. read more

Came on a Saturday morning for a 11:15AM time slot. You will NOT be let in until the time allowed to allow for cleaning in betweens sessions. Currently, this business does not have instructor/rope holders for newbies so you would need someone trained to "spot" you with a harness if you want to climb the taller walls with a rope. My friend and I did the bouldering. Climbing on shorter walls. There is also a short 5 minute video to watch on bouldering and how to "Fall" and the safety concerns that could happen. Valuable info. You can also purchase harness, shoes, chalk etc. if needed. We came into Workout clothes and regular sneakers and were good to go. The place had a lot of people even around 1130a. Fun. My body is def. sore lol. Lockers are closed but there are Plenty of cubbies to place your items and you can use the bathrooms to change clothes as needed. The water fountains are also closed so please bring your own water or you can buy it at the check in desks. Plenty of free parking. I would return! read more

I thought I reviewed this place over a year ago. My bad. I freakin' love this place. Especially when it's this empty (see pic). Bouldering is fantastic. Intros thru the occasional V12. Top rope and lead climbs are numerous with the same huge range. Come for a try; pay monthly and come back frequently due the climbs, yoga, classes, back area complete fitness (treadmills and the like, free weights, rings, you name it). And I cannot say enough great things about the staff. Polite. Friendly. Incredibly knowledgeable. I never plan to end my membership. Too great and way too many things to do that I haven't even begun yet. read more

Movement - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

I was here for a private event and had a great time. Signing in was easy, and the front desk staff were friendly. Our instructors were Lauren and Joey who were both great to work with. After all, I did trust them to belay which is a huge amount of trust to build in a short period of time, ha! I can't speak much to other instructors or other climbing experiences; but our little party had a great time. The facilities also appear to be well maintained and clean. Will recommend! read more

I did the intro to rope climbing class with a few friends. When I first arrived it looked like I was at the wrong place but then I saw some signs to point me in the correct direction. There was ample parking and checkin was quick enough. We didn't have any issues with the staff. One of our harnesses did have ma issues and needed to be swapped out. Our instructor Aby was friendly and was nice enough to give us the time that we needed to finish the session instead of rushing us out. Although if she had rushed us out that would've been understandable given the circumstances. Learning how to get ourselves set up took time to get the hang of but we figured it out. Climbing was definitely a challenge as expected but it was an overall good experience. read more

I attended this location with Brown Girls Climb. This was my first time trying indoor climbing and I've only tried outdoor climbing twice. Overall we had a nice time at this gym. It's important to note that you must come with someone who is certified to belay. If you don't have a certified belayer, then it's best to sign up for a intro to rope class or come alone to practice bouldering. As for the facility, it was a clean environment though it was very crowded (7-9p on a weekday). The parking lot was jammed packed as well. The staff was friendly. They instructed me to complete the wavier and to watch an orientation video about bouldering. I didn't need to rent shoes because I already had my own but I did need to rent a harness. Afterwards, the staff sends you on your way. Luckily, I was joining an experienced group. Otherwise, I think I would have been a little overwhelmed. There were so many people and little help or guidance on what to do as a newbie. I now understand the flow/environment of indoor climbing but I would recommend newbies to take a class with an instructor since this is a new experience and it takes some practice to understand how the gym works. Unfortunately, there's not much room to social distance however, everyone wore a mask and hand sanitizer was readily available. Also, there were not many Black & Brown people there besides our climbing group. I actually think this is common at all climbing spaces. Thankfully, the staff was very welcoming. I would definitely visit again to practice bouldering. I'm also looking into taking a class with some family members. read more

Movement - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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I have always been afraid of heights. My mom and I went to learn how to climb and instructors were patient and kind. We have been back to get our belaying certificate/card and have been four timed in the past week and a half. Love the large space and seemingly endless walls to climb. Great atmosphere and we will be getting a membership after our trial is over. read more

Movement - Instruction wall - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Columbia has a combination of top rope and bouldering. Lockers are free, and facilities are clean! Earth treks has such a fun, friendly atmosphere. It was surprisingly crowded the times that I visited on both week days and weekends. There is an area with regular gym machines and equipment, and the center offers group classes. read more

I've been to another Earth Treks location, and this far exceeded my expectations. 1) clean facilities and friendly staff 2) not too overcrowded. we came during the weekend, and was surprised to find that most of the ropes were available. we didn't have to wait 3) the yoga studio. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it's cool that they have one! 4) the locker room/bathrooms are very clean read more

I'll start by saying I am the furthest thing from a climber! I was just looking for an alternative workout with friends.. Someone suggested we try rock climbing. The signing up process is easy and convenient! I was able to complete the waiver online and walk right in and pay and receive my harness. We all signed up for a free climb so we had two instructors with our group of six which was perfect. We each did three climbs with our group cheering us on. The instructors were AMAZING (i wish i could remember their names but it was a couple of months ago) they were very informative as it was the first time for many of us and super encouraging. I actually got all the way to the top of one of the walls because of how encouraging the instructors were! Overall I had a great time, worked up a sweat and bonded with my friends! While I may not be brave enough to sign up for any type of pass (or classes) I will be returning! read more

Movement - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Make sure you are in shape when you come. It's located in an industrial park. There is plenary of parking available. They advertise that they take walk in but I recommend making a reservation on line to ensure you have a spot. They require a 50 percent deposit to hold your spot. I went on a Saturday morning for the first climbing session. If you are a novice like me you will be happy to know they do rent and sell equipment there. You get a little over two hours of climbing time and that was more than enough for me. It was a upper body work out for sure. After a hour and a half I was ready to go. I will advise you to bring your own water. Due to Covid the water fountains are closed. They do sell water and other beverages on site if you forget like I did. They close down between climbing sessions so clean the facility. Staff wears masks and you must wear one the entire time you are there. Due to Covid their showers and locker rooms are closed. They do have a lot of cubbies in the main areas but they cannon be secured so your belongings won't be locked up. They do allow you to go back to your car if you need to. It's a fun time if you are feeling adventurous. read more

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This was the first time we have gone since COVID. My son chose to bring a couple friends here for his birthday and it was perfect for an outing. We made a reservatation and utilized a punch pass. There were very few people there during our time slot (we went Saturday 2:15-5pm). We enjoyed a very open bouldering area and were able to do a lot and feel that we weren't on top of people or having to wait. We also used a table and were able to stop and have a snack moment during our time there at the table and chairs. The employees were very attentive and ensured everyone left their masks on correctly at all times and were vigilant in the areas. I liked the level of support. We will be back, and we wish it was closer to Annapolis, we would go more often! read more

This is a work out Younthink you are strong until you start climbing a verticke wall. They are professional, safe and friendly I will be coming back when in town read more

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The original rock climbing center in MD, this location finally just got a massive overdue amazing update. As far as indoor rock climbing gyms earth treks is the best and their newest update doesnt disappoint. The routes here for bouldering and lead and top rope are set well and updated in frequently. Their facilities are amazing as everything is new and state of the art. They have tons of space with a yoga studio, huge working gym with full equipment and even a dedicated climbing section for little ones and beginners. The staff here are always super knowledgeable and friendly. Unlike other gyms the staff here really know what they are doing. While they now have numerous locations around maryland this is my favorite since ive been coming here for years. The update here is fantastic and well worth a visit for a good indoor climbing session read more

Movement - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Love this place! Decided to take the Introduction to rope climbing course here and got a membership to this gym right after. It does get very crowded at times after work hours but it's understandable considering how awesome this place and everyone who works here is. Love the inclusive atmosphere, everyone is welcome. I also enjoy taking the yoga classes as well as some of the fitness ones (haven't tried all of them yet). I'm glad they are offered later in the evening when the traffic isn't so bad anymore. read more

We went to movement for the first time today. We did the book a climb for an hour. We are new to rock climbing and were so excited. We were paired with Josh. HE WAS AWESOME. He hyped us up and taught us so much in an hour. Everyone at the facility was so supportive and just a good vibe. We will 100% be back. What a fun day! read more

I went here for about 6 months before cancelling my membership. My main reason for cancelling was overcrowding. During after work hours (5-7pm) it's so busy that you're almost shoulder to shoulder in the bouldering area. It's uncomfortable being close to so many people, especially when trying to climb down from a wall. It was difficult to progress my climbing with the crowds. I also frequently used the workout area to lift weights and run, but it's difficult to get a squat rack or machine if it's crowded. The workout area is very small. I enjoyed the bouldering layout in the Rockville location more. If you're looking to climb I'd recommend visiting both Columbia and Rockville gyms. Otherwise I'll go on occasion to climb, but with a day pass. read more

Earth Treks in general is great, but the Columbia location is my favorite for the size, location and cleanliness of the facilities. It does get crowded to the point that finding parking in vicinity on weekday afternoons is a challenge, but the indoor size is pretty accommodating. And of course everyone who works here is amazing. read more

I've been to 4 ET locations and this one is my favorite. Not just for the layout, but the staff as well. Everyone I've spoken to has been knowledgeable about equipment and climbing in general. They rotate routes often enough that even when I'm climbing every other day I find new routes to try. Reservations aren't required anymore (I don't think they'll even take them now) so you can just walk in. If you plan on climbing more than 4 times a month, you should get a membership, otherwise it's cheaper or equal to just get a day pass or punch card. They offer plenty of training classes with small group sizes. read more

First off let me start by saying this is a brand new hobby for me and my daughter (7 yo) and we love it. When you walk into something new, it's intimidating and makes you a little reluctant, but not once have I felt even a smidge of reluctance based off of the immediate care and customer service given by everyone at the front desk. I've since taken some classes and we're now members, but we're greeted every time, bid farewell, questions answered in the most genuine human way possible and it has made a world of a difference for our growth both in climbing and a gym setting. I just took the Intro to Bouldering course with Reed and it was awesome, so I highly recommend any classes with him. My daughter starts her classes next week and she's pretty excited so I'll follow up after those 4 weeks are all done. (Random sidebar - the facility is also super clean!) To wrap it up, awesome job to all of the staff there. You're appreciated and your kindness and willingness to help out wherever does not go unnoticed, so thank you! read more

By far the best gym I've ever joined. I should preface this review by saying that I had never been an avid exerciser prior to recent years. I had tried my hand at free gyms in the various apartments I had lived, gyms through school or work, and then a membership at Planet Fitness. I could never convince myself to go. Then I got really into fitness classes and realized that was where I wanted to be getting my workouts in. Earth Treks is the PERFECT workout spot. Between fitness classes and yoga, a full gym, and rock climbing, there's something for everyone. I feel incredibly at-home at the Columbia location in particular because the facilities are so clean and well cared for. I have never been happier with a fitness decision than at Earth Treks. Even if you aren't an extreme rock climber, the gym itself is just too good to pass up. I highly recommend this for people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels! read more

People are friendly and aim to help. The staff is always avilable to help with equipment and signing up for classes. The whole place feels like REI and Ikea partnered to make a fun hang out. I signed up for a membership after one visit. It's been 2 months and I still love it. read more

Ok so I am writing this review for the kids program only, as I have tried the other adult programs. I took my daughter here because I was looking for a fun activity for her. They offer a Friday night kids climbing deal. For 25 bucks the kids climb surpervised for 3 hours, I think it was 6-9. You have the option of dropping them off or staying, so that is a plus if you are looking to go do other things while the kids are busy tearing up the indoor wall. Now the workers there are really nice and they greeted us first timers very well. Even before that, the online website was helpful and easy to navigate and reserve a slot for the Friday night climbing. The instructors and other staff are really knowldegable and helpful. This place is pretty big and has a lot real eastate to climb. They also have a small gym, locker rooms, gear shop, drinks/snacks for purchase, and they have a seperate upstairs space for bday parties. My daughter really enjoyed her time here, and was always asking to go back. Will bring my daughter here again! read more

Movement - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Beautiful facility a little bit hard to find if you don't know how to get there. The staff is extremely nice and positive. I'm surprised with such expense having gone into building this great space they only have two auto belays. As someone who travels for business around the country in visits rock gyms in many states I found it odd that this level of a facility would not have more auto belay is on the climbing walls. The two auto belay they have are locked off for speed climbing night only. It's tough finding belay partners when you travel, so it's kind of a bummer when you are restricted to bouldering. read more

My wife and I came up from Richmond to do an Earth Treks tour. I told the people at the front desk in Crystal City that we'd do a belay test at the next stop: Columbia. Nobody said that would be a problem. A woman working at Columbia delighted in telling me that no, we could not take our belay test, because she had no way to verify that we didn't just "put it in our short term memory by practicing at the other location". We top rope every week at Triangle Rock Club. Thanks for ruining my birthday, incompetent staff. I'm never coming back to Earth Treks again. Edit: I wrote this review immediately after leaving, and then called Timonium on our way into Baltimore. They didn't have this ridiculous policy, so we went there, passed our tests, and had a great time. Hampden also had good customer service. From our experience, It's really just the Columbia location to avoid. And that's sad, because their top-roping walls looked great, hence me going there specifically for them on my birthday. I won't deal with that staff, though. read more

I took the climbing 101 course with John. It definitely exceeded my expectations. I learned a lot and found the course to be valuable. I also went on a groupon and it was a great deal. I took my Dad and it was a cool experience for us. There is a culture of acceptance at earth treks. I felt very comfortable and they kept reiterating how you are welcome here. If I lived closer I'd like to join as a member. They have a wonderful atmosphere and you can tell the employees and the people there are all good people. read more

I came here the other day since the one in Timonium isn't open early on Thursdays, and honestly may start coming here now even though it's a bit farther. This facility is easily three or four times the size of the Timonium one! I only boulder, and their bouldering wall is easily the size of the entire Timonium facility, which is amazing! I came around 9:45 am on Thursday, and the bouldering wall was pretty empty. There were maybe only four other people bouldering, which was great because we all kind of had our own sections of the wall. I don't really like it when people watch what I'm doing, so it was really nice that I could just solo boulder and not worry about other people. Also, because the area is so big, there are so many more problems that test different skills. Hands down this location is far better than the Timonium one. read more

I came here for a birthday party when I was 8... I acquired the most crippling fear of heights that day. I'm 22 now and came back 14 years later to conquer my fear. The staff member Melissa was amazing and so patient with me and made me feel so incredible and brave. I conquered the wall and then ended up climbing some more because it was so fun! I loved it here and they changed my life! read more

Movement - Rock Climbing Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Fun climbing center. Place is a decent size with plenty of room to move about. The have a varies skill levels for the amateur to some pretty extreme ones for the well versed climber. Registration process is simple and easy, fill out the form waiving all your rights related to bodily harm and then watch a video and go risk your life. Staff was friendly and helpful, horrible with names but a nice guy helped us, he had a good personality, offered me some challenging climbs and was all around a fun guy. He assisted with the climb, kept me motivated to reach the top and made for a good experience. Worth a visit for a fun alternative to a regular workout or date option, my arms and hands were burning by the end but it was a good kind of burn and well worth a visit, read more

So cool! I've never seen a climbing center before I came here with a friend. He said that the membership is pretty pricey but if you're there a lot, it's worth it. Some of the climbs are free climbs, and some allow you to use harnesses for safety. A haiku: I tried to climb it Wish I had used a harness My butt hurts a lot So... yea, I fell! The floors are padded, so the fall wasn't that painful but it was scary! Everyone here was really cool and asked if I was ok and seemed concerned, so that was nice. They also have some regular gym equipment, treadmills, weights, benches, mirrors. You get the idea. It's a gym after all! If you've never been, its a truly unique experience. I hope I get to go again soon. read more

The employees at this gym were sweet and enthusiastic, but it's very expensive; the routes are obviously set by folks who don't get outside much; and their use of space is moronic. The front of the gym is hogged by tables, a centrally-located desk, exercise equipment and changing rooms. Above that wasted space there is a terrace with short routes for children -- one thoughtful move, as it allows the classes and scout troops to have their own space. On the remaining fraction of wall on your left as you face the back of the gym there is bouldeirng; straight in is leading (overhung and with only tiny slopers); and the only real top rope routes for adults are off in one tiny corner to the right. The regular top-ropers all seem to be in their 50s, which is fine, but they also took offense when I pointed out how stupid the routes were. I got a lot of scowls. Oops. The routes: features were almost never in, and the way these kids make routes hard is by not giving you any footholds -- the polar opposite of what happens in nature. The kids who worked there were so nice that I almost feel bad giving the gym such a low rating. And I will go back, mostly because I visit Baltimore about once a year and can only get partners for the gym. And any rock gym is better than no rock gym. read more

It pains me to give them 5 stars because it's just going to get busier! However I love the variety of top rope climbs, good music, good cardio and weight gym... hell even the bathrooms are nice! I wish membership was a bit cheaper but it's an expensive business to run. read more

At the apex of a long reach, the fingers numb and blister softly under the weight of an eternity of gravity. The void stretches below you and for a moment you wonder what it is like to succumb, to leap forward and vanish into the places that stand below where we sit and the fear turns to imminent pleasure. Then your hands find purchase and the air becomes less hazy - it stills the heart as you find your footing, and look upwards, like men and women once looked to the heavens. There is meaning here and perhaps it is not so hard to find as one would suspect. Perhaps it is laid out in front of you and above you, this idea that we know when we are done climbing a mountain because there is no more mountain. We know that when man first climbed the parched, aspirated peaks, he wept in funereal sorrow. There is no more mountain. The last, beautiful step into that bleak air cannot be taken. This is our elegy. Here, though, there is simply the joy of rising, of pursuing a thing that is as ephemeral as the top of the mountain. We seek, all of us, a small piece of perfection and it is in between the straining arms and back that we find a glimpse of it. We climb, and we look down at someone belaying us, someone whose existence fades as we climb higher. We boulder, some of us in jeans and a t-shirt, some of us in climbing gear, looking with hawklike precision for a grip, and hold, another step upwards and perhaps forwards. We strain, all of us watching strain when we pull ourselves across a dangerous traverse, our hearts leap because we know that we are watching something delicately beautiful, the gossamer thread of a sutured wound of the soul. When we grasp our goal with both hands we shout, exulting, and then turn and look and leap. There is the void; it rises to meet us, and into the night we fall as Lucifer must have, cloaked in red and gold and laughter. (prices are very reasonable, annual memberships are excellent, everyone is helpful, and damned if climbing isn't the best workout in the world). read more

I'm a former member who--after years of non-climbing-related injuries and medical issues--recently revisited. The gym is what you make of it. There are plenty of bouldering and climbing routes to challenge you, and it is an excellent place for a workout. It can get unmanageably crowded in the evenings, and unless you have your own crew to climb with, it can be difficult to get on to routes. People are generally friendly. The staff varies widely. Some are very knowledgeable and helpful. Some are occupying space. My experience with my kids has been positive. They are very good at teaching and encouraging the younger set. The day pass is silly-expensive, though. It is what takes this from a 4-star to a three-star review. read more

So, i reviewed the Rockville Earth Treks Climbing gym, i might as well review this one too. Nice gym, very old, but they to upkeep it as best they can. Only 2 elliptical machines, but good routes, and really friendly staff and climbers. I started going there and the Rockville one weekly a few months ago and really love it. Great place for climbers. I have heard from friends that they run good class too, good price, and good instructors. read more