In the bustling metropolis of NYC, where towering skyscrapers often overshadow nature, you’ll discover a plethora of indoor rock climbing gyms. While the city’s landscape may not lend itself to outdoor climbing, the indoor options are plentiful and diverse. This article guides these indoor climbing havens. Don’t forget to explore Central Park’s Rat Rock or Worthless Boulder for outdoor adventure, or venture outside the city to The Gunks for a genuinely authentic rock climbing experience.
Whether you’re a local New Yorker or a climber visiting from out of town, NYC offers many rock climbing options. Many gyms are part of well-known companies with locations across the U.S., so you might spot a familiar name even if you’re from a different area. To help you choose, each location has a ‘best for’ section, giving you a glimpse of the unique experiences and amenities they offer.
As with most things in NYC, day passes and memberships may be slightly higher than at rock gyms in other parts of the country. However, of the 13 gyms highlighted in this article, the average day pass cost is $31, and we’ve even noted discounted day passes where applicable, making it more affordable than you might expect.
Where to Rock Climb in NYC
We’ve grouped the climbing gyms by NYC borough/neighborhood for organization. One NJ climbing gym is also on the list, as it is easily accessible from the city and well worth a visit.
Manhattan
Movement Harlem(Formerly The Cliffs)
Rates: $30 day pass
Amenities: Bouldering, Yoga Classes, Fitness Area and Classes, Tension Board, LED Moon Board
Best for: Climbers looking to boulder and use LED training boards with member access to all Movement gyms.
Central Rock Gym– Chelsea
Rates: $ 35-day pass or $26 if 22 years and under, 65 or over, EMTs, NYPD, FDNY, NYC DoE, and U.S military
Amenities: Bouldering, Fitness Area and Classes, Tension Board, Kilter Board
Best For: NYC locals with occupations applicable for discounted rates or climbers looking for a bouldering gym with access to a Kilter Board.
Central Rock Gym– Upper West Side
Rates: $ 35-day pass or $26 if 22 years and under, 65 or over, EMTs, NYPD, FDNY< NYC DoE, and U.S military
Amenities: Top rope, bouldering, auto belays, fitness area and classes, Tension Board
Best for: NYC locals with occupations eligible for discounted rates or climbers who like Central Rock Gym—Chelsea facilities but want to top-rope.
VITAL Climbing Gym – Upper Eastside or West Harlem locations
Rates: $25 day pass
Amenities: Bouldering, Yoga Classes, 24/7 Member access
Best for: Recreational and dedicated climbers looking for a bouldering-only gym with ample fitness facilities and classes.
Rates: $49/month (only offers membership option)
Amenities: Bouldering, Sport Climbing, Auto-belays
Best for: Individuals looking for a traditional gym with extensive climbing options. The regular gym has tennis courts, weights, cardio, and a spa.
Queens
Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge
Rates: $30 day pass
Amenities: Lead climbing, top-rope, auto-belays, bouldering, yoga and fitness classes
Best for: Climbers of all levels looking for a modern facility with a wide variety of climbing.
Movement LIC (Formerly The Cliffs at LIC)
Rates: $ 34-day pass, $7 shoe rental, $5 harness rental, $3 chalk rental (or $12 for all three rentals)
Amenities: Bouldering, Lead, Top-rope, Yoga and Fitness classes
Best for: Climbers who love rope climbing plus the benefits of member access to all Movement gyms.
Brooklyn
Rates: $32 for 21+, $27 for ages 14-20, $22 for 13 & under
Amenities: Bouldering, heated yoga studio, Kilter Board, Tension 2.0 Board, Fitness area and classes, Cold plunge, Co-working space, dedicated youth climbing area
Best for: Families and climbers with WFH or flexible work schedules.
Movement Gowanus (Formerly The Cliffs at Gowanus)
Rates: $34 day pass
Amenities: Lead, top-rope, auto-belays, bouldering, yoga and fitness classes, personal training
Best for: Climbers looking for the largest (sq. ft.) climbing facility in NYC.
VITAL Climbing Gym – Brooklyn
Rates: $35 day pass
Amenities: Bouldering, yoga, fitness classes, aerial silks and hammocks classes, cycle classes, 24/7 member access
Best for: Recreational and dedicated climbers looking for a bouldering-only gym with ample fitness facilities and classes.
Bushwick
For those unfamiliar with Bushwick, it is a NYC neighborhood adjacent to NE Brooklyn.
Rates: $30 day pass
Amenities: Bouldering
Best for: Advanced climbers looking to train and climb seriously with other skilled and highly motivated individuals.
Rates: $30 or $25 for military members, first responders, students, teachers, and healthcare, $20 for kids 10 & under
Amenities: Bouldering, auto-belays, top-rope, lead, fitness area, Kilter Board, personal training, group outdoor trips.
Best for: Families and recreational climbers looking for ample indoor and outdoor classes and clinics.
Notable NJ Gym Mention –Method Climbing and Fitness
Although Method is technically in NJ, it is very close to Newark Penn Station, making it easily accessible from the city via NJ Transit or PATH trains.
Rates: A $23-day pass or $20 for full-time students, teachers, military personnel, or climbing industry workers.
Amenities: Bouldering, top-rope, auto-belays, Moon Board, Tension Board, Fitness classes, yoga classes, Capoeira classes
Best for: Northern NJ locals who don’t want to commute into Manhattan to climb or NYC climbers looking to escape the city climbing scene but need a location accessible via public transport.
With such a wide array of options, incorporating a climbing session into your NYC trip or finding the perfect gym for your NYC lifestyle is a breeze. Explore all the links for more about each gym, and consider trying out a day pass at a few to discover which option aligns best with your needs and goals. If you’re a NYC local with a favorite climbing gym, your insights could be invaluable in helping others make their decision. Share your thoughts in the comments below!