dusty old smelly gym with bad management. People come here because it's the only gym around

My son went there for climbing team. Last December he lost motivation and we followed coaches suggestion to leave the team. We followed instructions of the front desk to unsigned him and were told we are all set. Little did we know they continued charging out credit card for 11 months!!! When I reached out to them they only gave me back last 4 even though they acknowledged items their fault they didn't properly do it in their system. I just want my money back. Don't give them your credit card information!!! read more

I was looking online for something fun to do with a friend. I came across rock climbing. I called and made a reservation and glad that I did. Although reservations are not required, this particular day was extremely busy and a large birthday party going on. Our instructor was Ryan and he was great. Very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. This was our first time ever and he made the experience very enjoyable. I would definitely go back. They have many different packages/options based on what you want to do, and free climbing shoe rental if you choose. They do have lockers and cubbies to put your personal items in. I would suggest bringing a lock if you use a locker and want to secure your personal stuff but not a necessity We climbed for an hour and again we really liked it. read more

The Gravity Vault - Getting ready - Rock Climbing Near Me - Middletown, New Jersey

Myself and 4 friends came here on Monday night for a fun and different way to celebrate an early birthday during the week! We had made reservations ahead of time, and were assigned our own personal instructor (thank goodness!), who was completely chill and helpful - shout out to Dakota! Thanks man! The sign in process is slightly alarming yet expected, as you sign away your life on their little tablets. Jokes aside, I know this is standard procedure at all Rock gyms. After we're all signed up and paid we headed over to get our shoes and our harnesses. The prices is $24/person, which includes the shoe rental. The gym itself is really really big! One of the larger rock climbing gyms I've seen, plenty of surfaces to climb, belay off, and hang from! We started on the 'training wall' (which didn't really feel like training, TBH) before heading out into the main gym. Dakota was super patient, friendly, and supportive (literally, he had the ropes supporting us in the air...) during the whole 1.5 hours we climbed. He kept checking in with us after each round, to gauge our next 'wall'. We ended up doing a SUPER tricky one where you spider up a crevasse then hang almost-upside-down to climb back onto the flat surface to the top - I wasn't sure I was going to be tall enough to reach both sides of the wall, however he was super helpful and encouraging (and yes, for the record, I made it to the top!! Mondays are BOGO if you buy a day pass, which is awesome, but gauging on the feel of my forearms at the moment, not sure I could make it much more than 1.5 hours! Also, they have certification courses where you can learn to belay each other and climb with a partner - seems like a new level of compatibility testing. The gym itself definitely has the smell of rock climbing gym, but appeared pretty clean! There were cubbies to keep your coats/shoes while you climbed - since the gym is so big, they honestly could have used a few more, but we made do! Would definitely recommend if you're in the area! read more

See all

It all began with a click. I walked in and I was expecting a place full with themes and packed to the brim with walls. All with its own shape, and design. Though when I arrived I must say I was quite surprised. It was quite bland with not nearly as many things as I wished. Though I thought to myself. I thought what if I give it a chance. And a chance it got. I was quickly swayed, and I was having so much fun. At first I expected it to be not so fun and repetitive. Though, I didn't even get to all of it. It was such a blast with me and my friends. I have this one friend, let's call him Richard. Richard and I were on a wall. One that was all red and has a large rock on it. Expecting ease I tried. And easy it was not. I could not pass the rock. Though Richard completed swell. It was a place of variety. Along with that it has from the easiest walls to walls not even the best of the best can complete (I think.) Another pro was the prices. It was amazing. You can buy iced tea in a tall can, maybe 7 or 8 inches for only ¢99! You can even buy a cookie for only 2.50. Despite this the cookies had much variety. There was even a raisin cherry cookie! I only tried the chocolate chocolate-chip cookie, expecting the best I took a bite. Unfortunately, it did not deliver. It was dry, bitter, and had a coffee like taste to it. Though they also dod not really have "real" food. It was all snacks and treats. No meals at all. I personally think they would boost sales of they offered a pizza (cheese and/or pepperoni.) They also had more than just rock walls. They also had a rope and a tight rope. And that was a challenge! Overall this adventure gave me aww. And I believe that any one can have fun here. read more

Had a great time with our instructor, Andrew. Super welcome and encouraging for beginners. Very knowledgeable and made you feel safe during each climb. Will definitely be returning! read more

Lots of fun for all ages from young kids to adults. They have all types of rock climbing levels and even auto-belay machines and bouldering walls. They have class you can take and equipment you can rent or come with your own knowledge and equipment. Relatively good proves and it's just as good of a workout as any gym! read more

The Gravity Vault - Rock Climbing Near Me - Middletown, New Jersey

Came here for the first time on a weekday afternoon around 12:30p (right after they opened) with my group of 6 friends and we had an awesome time!! It was all of our first time rock climbing and our instructor Brian made sure we enjoyed the experience :) he gave us a lot of great tips! The place provided all the equipments you would need including shoes so just make sure you're wearing something comfortable and you're all set! We paid about $25 pp for 1.5 hours but our instructor was nice enough to let us stay a bit longer since the place was pretty empty at the time. We each did at least 3 climbs and also got to try bouldering. and that was all we could handle as beginners :p super fun! definitely wanna come back! read more

Had a "family" date there with all 6 of us. The guide was great, the price was very fair and we had a really fun time!

We took a belay lesson with 5 people, Logan was our instructor and honestly we can't say enough great things about him, he is so positive and really knows his stuff!! Caleb was also with us for part of the shift and he was great. Amazing climb/lesson, would recommend to anyone, especially with Logan. read more

The Gravity Vault - Rock Climbing Near Me - Middletown, New Jersey

Just finished an hour session at the gravity vault. Josie was my instructor and she was FANTASTIC. I came by myself and thought I might feel a little awkward as a beginner, but it was great. It cost $55 for an hour with an instructor and it was completely worth it. I got a great workout! I will definitely be back. Thanks!! read more

I first came here while I was in town visiting family, they had a special that weekend so it was a real steal! I normally climb in Philly but after seeing how huge this gym is and how great the routes are I'm so sad that the gravity vault isn't closer to me but I come back whenever I'm in the area! Super welcoming staff. Definitely make you feel at home. While signing my waiver I noticed the people behind the desk seemed to know all the members checking in by name, which was really cool. 5 stars!! read more

Great place. The staff is very friendly and extremely helpful. I went with my wife and 5 year old son. The staff member working with us was very patient and helpful. We have never been rock climbing before but we are already planning our next trip. read more

The Gravity Vault - Brian on the way up. - Rock Climbing Near Me - Middletown, New Jersey

A friend of mine recently became a member of the Gravity Vault and invited my girlfriend and I to go couples rock climbing. We arrived early Saturday morning and got checked in at the front desk to sign some paperwork and rent shoes. For first time climbers a staff member will show you the facility and gave a run down on safety and the courses. Upstairs they have a small exercise area with a bike and some free weights to get warmed up. Our party chose to do bouldering the first time around and everyone had a great time. The cost of admission was very reasonable and you can stay as long as you want. The courses are marked and ranked in difficulty by color code so we tried most of the orange beginner climbs. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Looking forward to a return visit. read more

If you've been to any of their other locations, then you know to expect the best when you walk into a Gravity Vault, and Middletown is no different. The lead walls offer a great variety of climbs (four auto-belays, two chimneys, many overhangs, corners, and aretes) and the bouldering is reset often and consistently challenging. The staff are a great team and ready to help if anyone needs it, because they all know their stuff. It's definitely the best gym in the area, so if you're looking for somewhere good to climb in central NJ, you've found the right place. read more

This place is the best! Its by far the best rock gym I've ever seen and is moderately priced as well. Their buy one get one free day pass every monday is a steal! read more

I started climbing outdoors last summer and started looking for a gym to climb in during the cold months. The first time I stepped into the gravity vault, I knew it was the place. There rock wall setup is awesome!! Great overhangs, corner routes, aretes, and well laid out routes of all levels. They have ropes and grigri'a set up on all routes. The Boulder walls are awesome!! When it came time to lead climb, my girlfriend and I took the class. It was very well laid out and prepped us to start leading. Their lead routes are awesome and, best of all, they give you the rope and grigri to use, so you don't trash your own gear learning. The staff is always awesome, friendly and knowledgable on climbing. The gravity vault is now my indoor climbing headquarters!! read more

I had an event here a few weeks ago and it went fantastic. The staff was extremley attentive and helpful. Everyone had a great time. We now go about once a week. The facility is huge and well maintained. read more

My friend and I went on a Wednesday right as they opened so there was no line or really anyone else trying to climb. It was a nice environment to learn. As new climbers, our instructor Dan gave us a lot of tips as well as being a great guy to talk to in general. He was very friendly. The price wasn't bad for an hour and change of climbing either. Will definitely will be back! read more

Love this place! Great variety of climbs. Color coded hand grips to challenge you to different routes. The girl that worked with us was knowledgable and safe read more

The gravity vault in Middletown upholds the brand name established by the other two locations in Chatham and upper saddle river. Not only is this gym clean, well lit and spacious, but the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. A great spot to climb at especially considering that there isn't much else in central jersey. Tons of bouldering and route climbing and for those without a partner, there are 4 self-belay stations so you can still top rope when you're solo. They have plenty of wall space so even when those annoying children are climbing during parties, you can still get your climbing on without a problem. Hey, they were good enough for me to buy a year membership and I don't regret it! read more

Serious fun. Our kids ages range from 6 to 11 and love the Vault! Held our 6 year old's birthday party with our fingers crossed - hoping each kindergardener would brave the climb - total success with tons of smiles and happy parents too! The staff are terrific and help keep the fear on the ground. read more

This place is 10 minutes from my house; went here for a buddy's birthday and had a blast. Definitely no shortage of climbing routes as the place is HUGE. Staff is very friendly and knowledgable, and prices are about average for a facility such as this one. Hoping to go back often. read more

I have seriously never written a review, but after bringing my two daughters here for a so called "fun" afternoon I feel an obligation to other parents too. The staff of mainly men are EXTREMELY rude and impatient with children. We first had to get the rock climbing shoes that they provide. The guy was so impatient while I was trying to help my little one figure out what size she was. He was acting like I was going to steal the shoes. Like we really need rock climbing shoes in our daily life. The help was actually yelling at other kids while we were there. If you have a business that allow children, you need to have kindness and patience and this place couldn't have been more lacking. The place also stinks like a dirty locker room. It's disgusting. The best part is I had to pay almost $50 for this!!!! What a waste. I can't imagine this place will be in business for too much longer but if it is I will definitely find another activity to do with your children such as Sky Zone. The people working there need to go climb some rocks in the wilderness where no people are. I would give it zero star if I could. read more