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    MPHC Climbing Gym

    4.8 (16 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    MPHC Staff.  Definitely not me.
    Lu H.

    MPHC was my first introduction to climbing, and will always have a special place in my heart. Since I started climbing regularly in November of 2014, I fell in love with it, and began to casually date MPHC, BKB, and the Cliffs. I became a member of MPHC after finding myself here at least two to three times a week. Bouldering has exploded it seems in popularity recently -- BKB has been around for a while, and with the Cliffs opening a couple of years ago, there are more options now than ever to climb in the city. The appeal of climbing/bouldering is strong. - Great workout. It's a fantastic way to get measurably stronger in a highly functional way. You never know when you need to pull your own body weight up! - It provides a mental challenge. You'll hear people say this a lot. The routes are puzzles to decipher, especially as you start working some of the more difficult problems. As a relative beginner, I haven't even touched some of the more challenging routes, but even at a V2 level, especially here, you start to find that the best way to complete a route is not always obvious. - Social. It's a great way to spend time with friends and meet new people. Bouldering much moreso than top-roping. With bouldering the routes are short, and you're generally not on the wall for a very long time. A lot of time is spent looking at the routes together, giving tips, laughing over failure (which will happen repeatedly) and cheering each other on when you do succeed, finally, after the umpteenth time. - Failure. It is an inevitable part of climbing; you learn to deal with it. For those interested in an actual review instead of my waxing poetic on why climbing is awesome, here are some key points on the MPHC Climbing Gym: 1. It's true, this place is small. Tiny, compared to BKB and The Cliffs. There is one section for top-roping, nothing nearly as high as the 50-foot lead climbing walls at the Cliffs, and one room for bouldering. However, new and experienced climbers will find plenty to keep them occupied here. The bouldering room is two slab walls, a cave section, with the entryway into the room serving as another mini-cave section. Route settings change the routes fairly frequently, and they start with one wall at a time and rotate through the room. There are usually some decent V0s to warm up on, but the difficulty level between their V1 and V2 routes (and even between V0 and V1) can be rather daunting. The skill and strength gap between the V0, V1, and V2 levels are quite large here. As a beginner, (moving from V1 to V2 level especially), I find that sometimes there aren't too many routes to try for honing to the next level. My more experienced climber friends tell me that MPHC's ratings are more difficult than the ones at the Cliffs and BKB. In my relatively short time as a climber, I find this to be true. The routes are also creative here, they force you to learn and use techniques rather than relying on pure strength (if you have it) to get up the wall. They use different types of holds in the same route, which adds the challenge of variety to the route. At Steep Rock and sometimes LIC, they use the same type of hold throughout route. 2. Cost: $75/mo, $15 and change if visiting as a member's guest at the guest rate. shoe rentals included. This is the least expensive option among the three gyms (Steep Rock up on Lexington and 97th is comparable believe, and also rather small.), but decidedly worth it because of the quality of the routes. 3. Location/logistics. Manhattanites should check this gym out. It's a part of Manhattan Plaza Health Club on 43rd and 10th, and the $75/mo membership is for the climbing gym only. 4. Crowd Weeknights can be very crowded especially after 7pm, and it's noticeably cramped since it's such a small space. If you get there before 6:30pm, it's usually fine. Weekday mornings and when they open at 12pm on weekends are pretty empty. A huge improvement for MPHC Climbing Gym in my books would be to open earlier on the weekends. I've expressed this to them a number of times -- yes, $75 a month for membership is significantly less than $105 at The Cliffs or $115 at BKB. However, MPHC also a lot smaller, and all the other gyms in New York (including the even-smaller Steep Rock on the Upper East Side) open in the mornings on weekends. This is significant. This is the difference between being able to get a climb in on a Sunday morning before lunch plans, or none at all for the day. They don't have to open super early -- even 10am would be fine. 5. Staff. No complaints, generally solid, nice, experienced people who love to climb. 6. Clinics. Haven't taken any here so I can't comment - they offer them at least three to four times a week (women's bouldering, co-ed movement, beginner and advanced), free to members. There is also a yoga for climbers clas

    Nathalie C.

    Popped in yesterday with a friend to get our blood flowing a lil bit. It was my first time here at MPHC. This climbing gym is part of a larger health club but you don't have to be a member to climb. Adult day passes are $20, shoe rental $5 and $3 for your harness. This gym is definitely a lot smaller than the other two climbing gyms that I've been to (and does not have treadmills or any other work out space) but you do receive closer attention from the instructors and that's one on one time that you wouldn't get at those larger gyms. The people working there are incredibly sweet. (Jess and Ady were there and were super helpful. Thanks guys!)

    Deuce J.

    Great location and tons of bouldering options! Super clean and I can't wait to go back

    Perfect after-work hang out /workout without leaving Manhattan! I cannot think of any other sport on the top of my head that posts challenges to the body (strength, speed, and flexibility) and the mind to the same extent that bouldering/climbing does. If you are also a rookie, make sure you try out a little bit on the wall and also practice falling during the orientation. Also ask for the story of how bouldering originated, quite an interesting one! The monochromatic labeling of paths with different levels turns out to be very helpful. It is the rule of the game. Not sticking to it is also acceptable, but at the same time much less fun. Only complaint is the inconvenient location of the bathroom (if you're not a member at this gym).

    Private Lesson
    Dana V.

    Had a private lesson with a friend earlier this week and MPHC made it really easy, understandable, fun and not at all scary. Recommend for beginners that want to learn and/or feel adventurous (or advanced: we got to witness some impressive members climbing and bouldering)! They offer everything you need for rentals.

    One of the many sights you may see upon becoming a member of this elite establishment.

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    Incredible place for kids. So many turns to climb. So much rock wall variety. We try to come weekly.

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    Great routes, great staff. Everyone is super friendly and helpful.

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Good problems. Always far less crowded than either Brooklyn Boulder location.

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    Ask the Community - MPHC Climbing Gym

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    Review Highlights - MPHC Climbing Gym

    Had a private lesson with a friend earlier this week and MPHC made it really easy, understandable, fun and not at all scary.

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    Central Rock Gym - Manhattan

    Central Rock Gym - Manhattan

    4.6(45 reviews)
    0.9 miUpper West Side

    I recently moved to the area and was eager to find a new climbing gym. I figured I'd lay out all…read morethe pros and cons, since I've been a member of many types of gyms in the past. Pros: 1) It's one of the few gyms in the area, and it offers a few ropes routes which is nice. 2) This location is chill and not crowded after work, which is a plus if you work 9-6. You never have to fight over a route even though the gym isn't huge. 3) The employees are super friendly and wonderful. We felt welcomed as soon as we walked through the door. 4) Despite not being new, it seems clean and well maintained. 5) This may be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it, but the grades are slightly soft. I'll frame this as a pro because it makes it a more approachable gym for people who are new to climbing. 6) The climbers I spoke to were all super nice. I've noticed all gyms seem to have their own "culture." This one is welcoming and approachable. 7) There seems to be a good range of setting styles. Cons: 1) While it is nice that there is a rope/sport climbing section, it is pretty teeny, the routes are short, and the grades are pretty much limited to soft 5.11+ and below. That being said, space is a hot commodity in Manhattan so I'm appreciative of any ropes gym. 2) It would be nice if they sold snacks/refreshments. Most gyms offer this and it's a nice way to get more out of your session if you forget to bring your own. 3) With approachability comes climbers who are still learning gym courtesy. Things like starting a route that overlaps with someone else's or not untying one's figure eight knot were things that I noticed. This isn't so much a reflection of the gym, but more of the gym goers which I'm sure they'll learn with time. That being said, I've really enjoyed climbing here! I love the staff and the setting is interesting. I will definitely be coming back here in the future!

    Like many others have mentioned, my friend invited me to go climbing over the break, so here we…read moreare! The check-in process was super easy and quick. I scanned the QR codes and filled out the forms at my own pace before heading downstairs to check-in. The facility has drinks and snacks available at the front for sale. It was a bit busy in the evening when we went, but not so crowded that it disrupted our climbing. They also have Wi-Fi, lockers, and chalk available for free. Gym is also impeccably clean. As a new climber, I had a great time and even managed to finish a few climbs. Overall, it was an awesome experience (so much that I even considered getting my own membership!)

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    Central Rock Gym - Manhattan
    Central Rock Gym - Manhattan
    Central Rock Gym - Manhattan

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    City Climb NYC - City Climb

    City Climb NYC

    4.9(9 reviews)
    0.5 miChelsea, Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen

    If you want an experience and you aren't afraid of heights, this is a great opportunity for you!…read more It's a bit pricey though how often do you get an eagle eye view of the city for a short period of time in a unique way. Make sure you go to the bathroom, if you need to go, before you check in at the city climb desk. Sign waivers. Lock your items in a lock bag which the employees will return to you at the end. Highly recommend you not to carry any big items since it's a small bag. Note: you won't be able to carry your phone or camera while on the climb. Any loose items must be removed including earrings and jewelry. Get into a jumpsuit which will be provided, your height will be measured when your check in, before you go up for your climb. You ride the elevator to 101 Floor. The employees put a helmet, straps, and carabiner clips to make sure you don't fall down. Don't touch the railing since you could hurt yourself. The employee will give you instructions so pay attention. You are checked 2-3x to make sure everything is properly clipped in place to trolley and safety cables by different employees to make sure everything is secured. It's a group of 5-7 people. Next you go through the exterior storm door, climb 32 steps then go straight up 161 steps to the ledge. When ready, the employee will walk you through what to do. Everyone in the group will lean backwards first and when ready you lean forward. We only got pictures and video of the leaning backwards, no leaning forward. I was thrilled for the opportunity so I didn't mind not having the photo of leaning forward. Afterwards, we went back down another staircase and back into an open area to remove the jumpsuit and retrieve our items in the locked bag (double check the bag to make sure you didn't leave anything behind). Afterwards, we walked down to 100th Floor to enjoy the Edge, which is included in the fee. Have a great time!

    City Climb NYC this past July was absolutely epic! Over 1200 feet in the air, hanging off the side…read moreof a skyscraper, the adrenaline rush was unreal. Our guide was hilarious and did an amazing job making each of us feel safe and comfortable, which made the whole experience even more fun. The energy was nonstop, the laughs were real, and the views are just WOW!! Seeing New York City from that height was an unforgettable way to capture the skyline. Truly one of the most thrilling and memorable experiences in the city. A must-do for anyone looking for adventure, an adrenaline rush, and breathtaking views!

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    City Climb NYC - Lock

    Lock

    City Climb NYC - Yes I did it

    Yes I did it

    City Climb NYC

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    VITAL - West Harlem

    VITAL - West Harlem

    3.9(19 reviews)
    4.4 miHarlem

    I had to stop by and see what was this about. Staff was…read morefriendly and very informative. I asked her a few questions and she answered everything. She was extremely helpful. Children's age 8 and up are welcome with an adult. For every 2 children's 1 adult is required. Fun activities to help you strength your bones and move your muscles. Indoor rock climbing.

    Steep Rock West (SRW) is part of Vital Climbing Gym. This means if you are regular member of Vital,…read morethen you can come in for free I am a Vital member and I was thinking of ending my membership at Vital because I was tired of it's bouldering styles and color grading system. So I decided to come here just to check it out before missing it out and regretting it that I could have gone in for free and would have to pay to come in the future... Btw, I heard that SRW was better than Steep Rock East (SRE), that's why I came to SRW instead of wasting my time with SRE, and I was right! I think it is a waste of time to go to SRE... The rating for this gym is: Meh, I have been to better climbing gyms in NYC The basement locker and bathroom lighting was super dim. I couldn't see much. Perhaps they should use higher wattage and higher colour temperature bulbs. The other reviews are right, there is no shower This place looks small and tiny. It consists of two sections for bouldering only: 1st Fl and 2nd Fl. Second Fl was just a short wall and about two dozen boulder problems. First Fl had taller wall and a cave. It had more boulder problems than the 2nd Fl At least the rating system is based on V's instead of colouring system. And the bouldering problems are more straightforward and less gymnastic than Vital's. I guess it was refreshing to try out other bouldering problems and style. Similar to needing to try out other restaurants after eating in the same place for long time... The gym had tall and clear windows that allowed natural light in. Passerby could see what is going on inside the gym and perhaps pique their curiosity. But, the design is quite similar to other gyms like: MetroRock Williamsburg. So, no awe from me! It was quite painful to find parking at this place even for a Sunday afternoon when parking was free. I had to park approx. 6 blocks away and walk to the gym... Definitely won't be coming to this place in the future when there are better gyms elsewhere in NYC...

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    VITAL - West Harlem
    VITAL - West Harlem
    VITAL - West Harlem

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    MPHC Climbing Gym - climbing - Updated May 2026

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