I would 100% recommend taking an outdoor excursion with Kevin of Stone Age Rock Gym. A trio of us were visiting for fall foliage in late October and booked a half-day trip through the gym's website. We were able to fill out everything online, and Kevin reached out the afternoon before our climbing day to confirm the crag (east facing on Ragged Mountain, so we could be warm!), where we would park/meet, and any pertinent notes. Once there, Kevin had all the gear we needed, packed and ready to go. Harnesses, helmets, ropes, webbing, things I didn't know we needed but he had prepared for safety/security/fun. Then, we had a short approach and voila! A wall with plenty of climbs. Kevin led us up a scramble first to set up our first two top ropes and gave us a chance to rappel back down after we took in the incredible view from the top of Ragged Mountain. We spent the morning climbing a range of 5.6-5.8s, got to say hello to a friendly pup, and learned a lot about crag stewardship in the area. Our trip had a blast, and despite the wasp/bees that we were disturbing, we couldn't have pictured a better day. I'll be making an excuse to visit more often to take advantage of Connecticut's great climbing scene, Kevin's knowledge, and relationship with the local climbing community. Yelpers, you won't regret it! read more

Stone Age Rock Gym - Top of Ragged Mountain, photo by Kevin W. of Stone Age Rock Gym - Gyms Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

Best place to learn everything you need to know about rock climbing.... look for Kevin. We were in Delaware for a weekend, went to a rock climbing gym, staff there were impressed with whatever Kevin taught us. Overall, this place is mad fun to be in. Very addicting. This place will keep you motivated if you're not someone that likes to get to the gym. read more

Stone Age Rock Gym - Gyms Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

I won 4 passes to a day of rock climbing at this gym in a charity auction (props to them for supporting charity!!). The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a training session with the owner first where it was very obvious he knew what he was talking about and safety was their number one priority! My friends and I enjoyed our time here. It was challenging as first timers, but they were helpful giving us pointers while climbing and letting us try different techniques and courses. read more

The place is a little bit smaller than I'd like, and can get crowded on certain days.. But going on the right night gave us a pretty free reign of the place. We only did a two week membership so far (Groupon), but both of us had quite a bit of fun. It's a decent workout if you stay there for a while, and I'm pretty new to this but there seemed to be a good variety of difficulties. The staff was overall very nice, and seemed very keen on making sure everything is done safely. They were a bit discombobulated at times, but I never felt unsafe. Getting waited on at times was a bit of a challenge, because they're always so busy helping teach people or helping review the safety guidelines and reminding people how to do certain things. At how high is the monthly rate is, particularly if you need rental gear, I can't see myself being a monthly member.. But the 10 visit passes might be doable in the future. read more

The Stone Age Rock Gym, well, just plain rocks. It's in an unassuming location- set way back in an industrial park on Adam's Street, just around the corner from my old apartment. But it's definitely worth checking out, and it's a good spot to conquer your fear of heights! The folks who run the rock gym have an enviable amount of climbing experience under their belts. They're also super nice and wicked chill, which doesn't hurt. True rock stars (har har) in my opinion. Beginners are required to take a mandatory introductory lesson, and the hour-long course is both well structured and very informative. The instructors definitely make sure you know your safety stuff--from tying knots to adjusting the harness, to not killing your climbing partner. My upper body strength is pitiable, but when I started to climb, I quickly learned that it's all in the legs. I'd never felt so nimble! Rock climbing is a ton of fun and a fabulous workout to boot. I first checked out Stone Age two years ago and have been back several times since. Only downside is that you can't really go climbing by yourself (only bouldering) and it gets kind of expensive, although discounts are available for students, monthly passes, etc. This year's goal is to climb outside...let's see if that happens... read more

This is a review on the outdoor rock climbing excursion only** We did the guided outdoor climb at Ragged Mountain and it was absolutely fantastic. What I really appreciated was the extra time our guide gave us - one of the climbers in our group had zero experience, and although she was extremely athletic was very nervous about the climb. Our guide gave her the encouragement as well as a little extra time so that she could complete the climb to the top! She was also great in giving all of us pointers regarding different holds so that the rest of us could make all of our climb attenpts as well. Awesome experience and definitely will do it again! read more

My husband and I went here for our 11 year wedding anniversary and loved it! We had professional trainers, Jennifer and Kevin, who were both very knowledgeable and patient. The building is full of climbing, including the ceilings, which really caught me by surprise. There were people climbing on the ceiling like Spider Man! Pretty cool. We both got a great workout from Stone Age Rock Gym and loads of climbing knowledge through their two hour training course. Thank you, Jennifer and Ken! We will definitely be back. Next time we will bring the kids. God Bless, J. Bagnaschi Author of: I Saw God Last Night Available on Amazon.com Today! http://tinyurl.com/isawgodlastnight read more

The place I started to climb at after graduating Uconn. The student/military discounts are a big plus especially for membership. I've been climbing there since almost a decade ago, and they've improved ever since. The staff is exceedingly nice, knowledgeable and able to handle even emergency situations. The gym itself has a cave, a nice steep incline, top roping, slopes, lots of belays and auto belays. They reset the problems regularly, and there are plenty of thick padding every inch of the floor. It's on the smaller end sure, but there's always room since it's a mom-and-pop kinda business (which I like to support). They also have free classes throughout the week. I cannot recommend this place enough, for amateur or experienced climbers! read more

I went here for the first time today. I know absolutely nothing about rock climbing, so unfortunately I can't offer any semblance of a technical review. I can say that the girl at the counter was helpful at helping me rent the proper size shoes (they're supposed to be pretty snug). I went with some pretty experienced friends who helped me out with everything I needed to do, so I never needed to seek out an employee for assistance. All in all, the place seemed pretty cool, though. Very laid back atmosphere (one employee even brought his two (large but sweet and quiet!) dogs to work...they just hung out and watched, occasionally wanting to be petted). They have huge fans blowing to cool the place down and a water cooler when you're thirsty--and a fridge upstairs to store your own drinks. I will probably be back. read more

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE WORST. NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE PICTURE. ROCK CLIMBING WALL IS 4' X 10'. Staff disinterested and not at all helpful. We stayed for 15 minutes then left due to the boring "challenges". Do not waste your money. read more

Amazing Gym! Great people and community! Kevin, Jen and Mike taught me most everything I know about climbing. I've used many of the services that gym provides and loved them all. I grew up there climbing after school when I went to ECHS, going to summer camp, having birthdays, participating in the youth group and learning to lead climb outdoors. Kevin, Jen and Mike are all excellent guide. I always felt very safe and had lots of fun while climbing with them. Some of my best experiences climbing are with them. I remember climbing and learning a lot at summer camp. Coming home everyday feeling great and well exercised. They would always make sure everyone had everything they needed to be safe and have fun for a day of outdoor climbing and while at the cliff kept everyone safe and making sure they had lots of fun. They always had plenty of ropes set up at the cliffs so we were never board and they would take us to really beautiful locations and on really fun hikes. I remember they were great mentors all around too. Making sure everyone got along and no one was left out or hurtful to others. read more

Very nice gym. This place is pretty clean also, for a gym. Kind of on the smaller end, but still very effective. Lots of good bouldering problems and top roping. I don't remember seeing any cracks. Lots of broken holds, which are not removed just taped over (not good). The staff that I met was real cool and all about climbing, we even did a little bouldering together. I did think the day pass and monthly pass are way too expensive. I will probably try to get a winter pass to keep the climbing blues away. read more

Climbing with Stone Age was a terrific experience! My boyfriend bought one of their guided tours on Groupon for us to do as a date one weekend. First of all, Kevin, the owner of the gym, took us climbing. He took us out on Memorial Day at a convenient time for us, which was great. He was super flexible about when we could go. We hiked up into the woods in some remote place to these great rock walls. Neither of us had been climbing outside much and Kevin was super helpful and supportive, teaching us everything we needed to know but also not babying us too much. He gave us just the right amount of challenge, too. He also taught us a lot about the plants and the history of the area while we were there and we had great conversations about really interesting topics. This was truly the best outdoor guided experience I have had. We went climbing for over 4 hours and had a great time! I recommend the guided rock climbing to everyone, no matter what your ability! It was not only a great climbing experience, but a great experience in general. read more

Awesome place. Jen and Kevin are great. Both our kids started climbing there by the time they were 8 years old, and continued with Stone Age Rock Gym for outdoor climbing during the summers. Great focus on safety, great with kids, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere - not at all "corporate" or stuffy! Really glad we found them! We've held birthday parties at the gym, and I've also taken Boy Scout and Venturing Crew members there for outing; all the groups had a great time! read more

The staffs are really great and helpful. The paddings on the bottom are great even if you fall from a low ceiling. I haven't gone up to the high ceiling so I don't know about that one. You can go alone without a buddy to hold onto your rope. I forgot the wording but they have a hydraulic system thingy where if you let go, it brings you down slowly. Fun activity to do with your friends instead of sitting inside movie theaters. read more

I was and am a first time climber and the staff here was friendly and super patient! I will hopefully be back!! I would deff suggest this place! read more

It's a small size gym, but from my perspective as a beginner each route is set for you to learn and master a specific technique which makes this place a highly recommended for everyone. Plus their staff is great and extremely helpful. read more

Like lot. Love it. Good Place to Climb. Been Couple times. Had fun. Not lot people the time was der. Good sized Space. Friendly.Organized.Professional. Clean plase.they had Locked four you stuff. So you don't have Keep a with you. Not bed Price. Recommended old people. read more

I got a Groupon deal here for me and my boyfriend and we had a great time! The gym has a lot of variety in climbs and the staff just rocks. You can really tell that they focus on safety and I felt like I had a lot of help from the staff. They're super friendly, really smart, and simply passionate about climbing. It's pretty clean for a gym and even though when we went it was pretty crowded, there's plenty of room for everyone. Their bouldering wall isn't my favorite but they have a plethora of options. I had a great experience and workout. I would definitely go back. Their rental shoes are in good condition and they really took the time to help me feel safe belaying before they set me loose with my boyfriend. read more

This was my first time at SARG and first time climbing. My girl friend and I had a great experience. The staff gave us an extremely thorough introductory and safety lesson and then let us do our thing. I have a new found appreciation for rock climbing. It was such a mental challenge. It really forced you to focus on the task, problem solve, over come any fears of heights, and trust your partner. I plan on going back very soon. read more

Kevin, Jen and their team of instructors are incredible. Their facility and training programs are on point. Their routes are meticulously set and designed to dramatically improve your climbing. The amazing thing too is that their training nights (Tuesday and Thursday) are involved in admission. Can't say enough about this place. Best gym I've been to. read more

Kevin and the staff at Stone Age are nothing short of extraordinary. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with their incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you have never even touched a rock wall or even put on a harness, no problem! Safety and training seems to be second nature here. They will make you feel comfortable no matter what your skill set is. They offer great skill building and fitness classes to raise your climbing game and their routes and bouldering problems do change often. I was so impressed here that I brought my girlfriend (who has never climbed) here and now she belays me, loves going climbing and even asked for all her own climbing gear for Christmas. Music to my ears. Keep up the great work Stone Age! -Cesar Lopez read more

The owners and staff are awesome! They made the experience well worth it. It is on the smaller side, but they make great use of their walls. Have auto belay which is cool for anyone going alone. read more

Four stars only because it is the only rock climbing gym I've ever been to. I had one personal experience doing a birthday rock climbing outfitted by them and they were fabulous. Otherwise, my daughter did several of their camps and thoroughly enjoyed it. Really nice people and would highly recommend it. read more

I love the place. It has a unique culture unlike other climbing gyms I have been to. The trainers are outstanding and it is a fun place to spend an evening out. I look forward to getting back there soon. read more

Brought the family here for a birthday party I was impressed with the staff who were more than helpful are children ranged from 5 to 23 and I have to say everyone had a blast Can't wait to do it again thank you read more

Great place to start for this beginner. Staff very curteous and helpful. Super fun time!

The greatest experience! Staff, training, encouragement, camaraderie among climbers! New routes, new challenges. Climb, climb, climb!!

I bought a Groupon for Stone Age Rock Gym that was for a 2 week pass to the gym. In the fine print it said orientation and introductory course on first visit which made me think this was included with the Groupon but be forewarned it isn't! Upon me getting there I was charged for the course which at first I wasn't thrilled about because the fine print was vague on this point. The redeeming quality of this was that the course was phenomenal! They show you how to fall correctly, explain the rules and dangers, teach you knots, show you how to belay and how to use the auto belays! They take their time and will answer all your questions (the class took me about 2 hours I think?). If you have been to other rock gyms in the area this place is much smaller and their routes are more technically challenging (closer to what is seen in CT according to the person there). All in all I was happy with the experience even though it did cost me more money than expected. read more

Awesome rock gym! Staff is knowledgeable, and there are climbs for everyone, including bouldering. Climbs change frequently too, so if you're like me and appreciate variation, this is the after-work de-stresser for you. Also attended a class there and learned a ton. read more

I'm a big fan. I've climbed at most all of the gyms in CT and a few around the US and I always enjoy my time at Stone Age. It's not the biggest gym in CT, but they set lots of great routes and use the space they have really well to challenge climbers. The staff are great, the atmosphere is really relaxed, and the people there are always friendly. Prices are good and it's right by the Manchester Mall area so there is plenty to do nearby as well. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Update - I went back today and things apparently have gone back to normal - we paid and the - I assume - owner said, "go ahead and start climbing." We got there at 12:43 PM and started to climb by 1248. I didn't bother to ask if it was due to a change in policy, or that I got the owner this time and not an employee. Meanwhile, however, those who wanted to do more than builder climb did have to go through extensive orientation for the first 20 minutes we were climbing. A fun time w read more

Friendly and knowledgable staff in a great environment. I highly recommend checking this place out!

A great facility for newbies and the artfully experienced alike! Stone Age has: wonderfully informative, seriously experienced owners; fantastic, knowledgable and helpful employees; a clean/well lit/quality padded/everchanging facility; great rental (or purchase) equipment; great birthday (or other) party adventures; and many personalized, challenging outdoor experiences available. You won't find more personally invested owners or a more fun facility. They have a very charitable side too, having sponsored First Descents' Climb For Cancer. Go visit and you'll return for sure! Burma read more

My daughter enjoyed her experience very much. Her visit was fun and exciting. She learned a lot and would love to do it again soon.

We had our sons 7th birthday party at Stone Age. It was our first and only experience with rock climbing. It was something different than the traditional parties we had gone to which was a huge plus to us. The space upstairs for the gifts/cake part of the party was a good size for what we needed. The check-in process and getting all the kids in their climbing gear was a little hectic since the check-in area is a little small, but once we were set and the kids were shown the rules, the freedom they were given was awesome and everyone loved it. The best part was seeing all the parents join in and climb with the kids too! read more

The owners of Stone Age Rock Gym are top notch when it comes to helping out a new climbers.Stone Age might not have the size like all other surrounding gyms but they offer amazing climbing routes and a family atmosphere. The moment my wife and I started climbing at Stone age we fell in love with climbing and everything Stone Age has to offer. read more