New York City, a concrete jungle, might not be the first place you think of for rock climbing, but think again! The burgeoning popularity of rock climbing in NYC has transformed the city into a hub for both indoor and outdoor climbing enthusiasts. From state-of-the-art indoor climbing gyms popping up across boroughs to accessible bouldering spots in the iconic Central Park, and world-class outdoor crags just a short drive away in upstate New York, NYC offers a surprising wealth of opportunities for climbers of all levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber seeking your next challenge or a beginner eager to learn the ropes, New York City’s climbing scene welcomes you. When you can’t escape to the legendary Shawangunks (the Gunks), fear not, because an urban climbing adventure awaits right here in the city. Grab your climbing shoes, chalk bag, and let’s explore the best of Rock Climbing Nyc has to offer!
1. Premier Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in New York City
NYC boasts a fantastic selection of indoor rock climbing gyms, each with its unique vibe and offerings. Here are some of the top picks for your urban climbing fix:
The Cliffs at Long Island City: A Climber’s Paradise in Queens
The Cliffs in Long Island City consistently ranks as a top choice for indoor rock climbing in NYC. This impressive facility is not just a local favorite; it’s a destination gym that attracts climbing royalty. World-renowned climber Ashima Shiraishi calls The Cliffs her home gym, and climbing legends like Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, and Alex Puccio have been known to visit. Despite the presence of such elite athletes, The Cliffs maintains a welcoming atmosphere for climbers of all abilities, from absolute beginners to seasoned pros.
For those new to the sport, The Cliffs provides excellent introductory classes led by knowledgeable and friendly instructors. Gear rentals are readily available, and the gym offers clean and well-maintained facilities, including lockers and showers. Its convenient location, just a stone’s throw from the E and G train lines, makes it easily accessible for climbers across the city. As a frequent climber at The Cliffs, often sporting my 57hours shirt, I can personally attest to the gym’s quality and community.
If you’re taking your first steps into the world of climbing, I highly recommend their intro classes. These affordable sessions provide a comprehensive introduction to the basics, covering everything from understanding route grading systems (indicated by letters or grades) to deciphering color-coded holds that mark your path to the top.
The Cliffs offers various climbing disciplines, including rope climbing (top-roping and lead climbing, which are closer to traditional rock climbing) and bouldering (rope-free climbing over padded mats).
“For experienced climbers seeking a top-tier indoor training facility, The Cliffs is unparalleled.”
What makes The Cliffs stand out? The welcoming community of climbers and staff creates a positive and supportive environment. The gym is climate-controlled, ensuring comfortable climbing conditions year-round. Auto-belay devices are available for solo climbers to get in laps without needing a partner. The lead wall is expansive and challenging, and the routes, both for lead and bouldering, are regularly updated. This frequent route setting (every 3-4 weeks with weekly sector updates) keeps the climbing experience fresh and engaging, providing a perfect balance for consistent training and new challenges.
Want a firsthand account? Check out 57hours’ own Josh Wolff’s review of his intro to climbing class at The Cliffs, offering a beginner’s perspective on what to expect.
Climbers at The Cliffs Long Island City, a top rock climbing gym in NYC.
Various climbing walls at The Cliffs, a popular indoor rock climbing destination in NYC.
A climber reaching the top of a wall at The Cliffs, highlighting the height and challenge of rock climbing gyms in NYC.
Brooklyn Boulders Gowanus: An OG of NYC Climbing Gyms
Brooklyn Boulders in Gowanus is one of the original rock climbing gyms in New York City and remains a cornerstone of the NYC climbing community. With over 10,000 square feet of climbing terrain, Brooklyn Boulders offers a comprehensive climbing experience, including bouldering, auto-belay, top-roping, and lead climbing on walls reaching up to 29 feet. The routes are regularly reset, and their setting schedule is conveniently available online, allowing climbers to plan their visits around fresh challenges.
Brooklyn Boulders is particularly popular with families, thanks to its excellent intro to rock climbing classes, extensive youth programs, and kids academies. This family-friendly focus creates a welcoming and wholesome atmosphere. However, if you prefer a quieter, less kid-centric climbing environment, it’s worth being aware of its popularity with families, especially during peak hours.
Chelsea Piers: Two Walls, Double the Climbing Fun in Manhattan
Chelsea Piers offers a unique climbing experience with not one, but two distinct indoor rock climbing walls within its massive sports complex. The first wall, located at the Field House, is a 23-foot wall offering open climbing sessions with belay partners, as well as instructional classes for both beginners and experienced climbers. It’s also an excellent option for introducing children to rock climbing.
The second wall, situated at Chelsea Piers Fitness on Pier 60, is one of the largest indoor rock climbing gyms in NYC. For a reasonable $25 per session, climbers can access a vast climbing area with diverse routes and challenges. Chelsea Piers boasts top-notch programming, ranging from comprehensive climbing schools to advanced bouldering programs and belay certification courses. However, the Pier 60 facility is restricted to climbers aged 16 and older, making the Field House the better choice for younger climbers.
VITAL Climbing Gym: Family-Friendly and Beginner-Focused
VITAL Climbing Gym (formerly Steep Rock Bouldering), with locations in both the Upper East Side and West Harlem, might be smaller than some of the other gyms, but it packs a punch in terms of quality and atmosphere. Known for its excellent route setters, relaxed vibe, and helpful staff, VITAL offers a welcoming environment for climbers of all levels. The climbing walls feature a variety of angles, from slabby and vertical to slightly overhanging and pumpy caves, catering to diverse climbing styles and preferences. The gym also maintains its rental gear and facilities in excellent condition, a significant plus for regular climbers.
VITAL Climbing Gym is particularly focused on families and youth climbers. They offer numerous after-school programs, a youth competitive team, and even “Little Rockers” classes for children as young as 5 years old. This strong emphasis on kids and family makes VITAL one of the best rock climbing gyms in NYC for beginners and families looking to climb together.
Central Rock Gym: Community and Competition Hub
Central Rock Gym stands out as a major player in the climbing gym scene, with four locations in New York State and over 15 across the United States. While their Manhattan location is somewhat smaller compared to their sprawling gyms in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester (boasting over 20,000 square feet), Central Rock Gym is renowned for its strong sense of community and competitive spirit.
The franchise invests significantly in fostering a welcoming community, hosting regular meetups, member events, and youth hangouts. Central Rock Gym is also known for hosting two prominent climbing competitions. The Ring of Fire is a premier professional rope climbing competition in the US, drawing top athletes and creating an electrifying atmosphere. The Heist is a unique and notable competition run by women for women, featuring routes set exclusively by female route setters, promoting inclusivity and celebrating women in climbing.
GP81: The Bouldering Gym for Serious Climbers
GP81 holds the title of the highest-rated bouldering gym in NYC, and for good reason. However, be warned: GP81 is geared towards experienced and dedicated boulderers. The problems are known to be challenging, and beginners might find the options limited.
GP81 maximizes variety within its bouldering-focused space, featuring walls ranging from 15 to 60 degrees, two Moon Boards, a barrel wall, and specialized training equipment. If you’re unsure about GP81’s difficulty, check out famous Norwegian rock climber Magnus Midtbø’s attempt at the gym for a glimpse into the level of challenge it offers.
MetroRock Brooklyn: Reach New Heights
If you’re based in Brooklyn and looking for height, MetroRock is your go-to gym. Established in 2018, MetroRock is a newer addition to the NYC climbing scene, though they have a long-standing presence in the Boston area. MetroRock Brooklyn boasts the tallest walls and the most top-out bouldering terrain in NYC, offering a unique and exhilarating climbing experience.
The gym features three distinct top-roping and lead climbing areas, as well as a vast bouldering section. All the gear is brand new, and numerous auto-belays are strategically placed throughout the facility, minimizing wait times and maximizing climbing time.
2. Outdoor Bouldering in Central Park, Manhattan
For a unique urban climbing experience, head to Central Park for some outdoor bouldering. Central Park’s bouldering scene is surprisingly accessible and popular, offering a chance to climb amidst the city’s iconic green space.
My own introduction to rock climbing in NYC began in Central Park. I was drawn to the idea of climbing outdoors in the heart of Manhattan, and it turned out to be an amazing experience.
One afternoon, I took my daughter to Central Park, and we stumbled upon Rat Rock, a well-known bouldering spot in the park’s southwest corner. We spent hours climbing, completely engrossed in the movement and the challenge, without even knowing the specific grades or routes. It was pure fun!
Subsequent visits became more focused as we explored further. We consulted a local guidebook, acquired a crash pad, and started tackling some of the more challenging problems and routes. This deeper dive revealed a network of bouldering spots within Central Park, including Rat Rock, Chess Rock, Cat Rock, and Tooth Rock. Preparation and local knowledge truly unlock the full potential of Central Park bouldering.
Rat Rock is the most popular bouldering area in Central Park, known for its varied problems and opportunities for creative climbing. Cat Rock, reaching 15 feet in height, offers even more exciting climbs, but be mindful of the potentially tricky landings. Chess Rock, situated between Rat and Cat Rocks, is longer and allows for traversing its western flank. Tooth Rock, a smaller boulder, is located a short walk from Cat Rock and is situated close to a walkway, so be prepared for an audience while you climb!
Outdoor bouldering in Central Park, a unique rock climbing experience in NYC.
A climber on Rat Rock in Central Park, a popular spot for outdoor rock climbing in Manhattan.
Another perspective of bouldering in Central Park, showcasing the urban environment and accessibility of rock climbing in NYC.
For your first Central Park bouldering session, you might not even need a crash pad, as many boulders are relatively low, and landings are often flat. Simply bring your climbing shoes and chalk, readily available at any local climbing gym, REI in Soho, or Paragon Sports near Union Square. Once you’re hooked, you can spend weeks working on the diverse problems Central Park offers. It took us three full days to conquer the famous Polish traverse on Rat Rock, a V5 that feels more like a V7!
To navigate the park’s bouldering terrain, I recommend the guidebook NYC Bouldering, available for purchase at The Cliffs LIC. You can also find abundant online resources by searching for “Bouldering Central Park.” For a local’s tip, my friend Perica suggests browsing YouTube for beta videos to learn the moves beforehand.
3. World-Class Rock Climbing at The Gunks, New Paltz, NY
For many climbers, the ultimate climbing experience involves scaling real rock outdoors. “The Gunks,” or the Shawangunk Mountains, in upstate New York, is one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the U.S, and it’s conveniently accessible from NYC.
Rock climbing in The Gunks is an exceptional outdoor adventure near NYC. Fall is an ideal time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. Start your day with a strong coffee in the charming town of New Paltz, spend the day tackling world-class routes, and then reward yourself with a delicious meal at one of the many excellent restaurants in the Hudson Valley on your way home. It’s a trip well worth making for any serious climber in NYC.
“When in doubt, run it out.” – Lynn Hill
Before moving to New York from Croatia in 2010, my climbing experience was primarily focused on sport routes with pre-drilled bolts. However, I quickly realized that rock climbing in and around NYC, particularly at The Gunks, demands a different skillset.
The Gunks is renowned for traditional climbing, emphasizing clean climbing ethics: no sport routes, no bolts, pitons, or permanent gear. Even as an experienced climber, I found it initially intimidating. I even turned back frustrated after a few attempts. Climbing is as much a mental game as a physical one.
It took me three years to return to The Gunks, but the second time around, I hired a guide and went with friends. The guide’s local expertise provided the necessary confidence boost, and I was instantly hooked on the ridge.
Since that pivotal experience, I climb at The Gunks regularly, once or twice a month. It’s become my home crag. Once you become familiar with the routes, the local climber hangouts for breakfast and post-climb beers, and the local community, The Gunks truly becomes a special place.
Curious about learning to climb at The Gunks? Read about Karmen’s experience with a Women’s Climbing Lesson in The Gunks.
For a more beginner-friendly introduction to Gunks-style climbing, Peterskill offers a “miniature Gunks” experience. Located just up the road from the West Trapps, Peterskill features similar quartzite conglomerate routes but in a more accessible and less intimidating setting. It’s a fantastic spot for anyone looking to progress to higher grades of rock climbing in and around NYC and is particularly suitable for families.
Rock climbing in The Gunks, a premier outdoor rock climbing destination near NYC.
Scenic views from The Gunks, highlighting the beauty of outdoor rock climbing near NYC.
We’ll See You on the Walls!
Over four million Americans participate in rock climbing or bouldering annually, and for good reason. It’s a highly effective full-body workout, it challenges you both physically and mentally, and it’s a fantastic way to connect with a welcoming community of fellow climbers.
If you’re interested in taking lessons, our teammate Josh has written a detailed review of an intro class at The Cliffs LIC. It’s an excellent resource to help you get started on your rock climbing journey in NYC!
Discover World-Class Climbing Just Outside the Big Apple
Elevate your climbing experience with an unforgettable day or half-day climbing the iconic Gunks, guided by a local expert. Take your Gunks adventure to the next level!
About the Author
[Viktor Marohnic
All-round adventure junkie and founder of 57hours
](https://57hours.com/author/viktor/)
Viktor is the driving force behind the 57hours team. He is equally passionate about backcountry skiing and steep rock climbing. Always seeking adventure, Viktor is dedicated to sharing his love for the outdoors and inspiring others to explore.
