Climb On with These Climbing Gyms in Denver

December 26, 2019
By foxintheforest

Last Updated on June 2, 2021 by foxintheforest

Perhaps you’re interested in learning how to rock climb in Denver. Or maybe you want to find the perfect climbing gym to train up while the weather is too cold to send. Either way, this list of the best climbing gyms in Denver will help you get the most out of your climbing time.

The Best Indoor Climbing Gyms in Denver

As a climber of over 5 years, I regularly split my time between the crag and the climbing gym. When it comes to finding the right Denver climbing gym, it’s important to understand the character and feel of each spot.

Do they offer courses to propel your climbing career? Or are they more fitness-oriented? In this list of the best climbing gyms in Denver we’ll cover:

Location and membership price for each gym
What each indoor climbing gym specializes in.
Frequently asked questions for new indoor climbers
Additional climbing resources

EarthTreks Englewood

EarthTreks is a large climbing gym operation that owns several gyms throughout the country. The EarthTreks Englewood facility is the largest climbing gym in the country, with over 53,00 square feet of climbable terrain and walls that stretch 65 feet tall! There’s lead climbing, bouldering, and top-rope routes. They’ve also got an extensive fitness area as well.

I’ve been a member of EarthTreks for over five years and they have been an integral part of my climbing career. Their educational programs not only teach you how to safely climb indoors, but they also offer free training courses, outdoor climbing safety courses, and yoga.

Local Tip: EarthTreks and Movement are now owned by the same company, so memberships will work at one of five gyms in the area!

Best for: Newbie climbers, climbers who wish to utilize daycare facilities, those who want a membership to multiple climbing gyms in Denver, people interested in climbing education.

Membership Cost: $79 per month
Day Rate: $122 with student discount
Punch Card? 7 punch is $130

EarthTreks Golden

If you’re looking for a classic gym right next door to some of the best outdoor climbing in Colorado, then head to EarthTreks Golden. As part of the EarthTreks family, you can come here if you’re a member at EarthTreks, Planet Granite or Movement gym.

Routes tend to be set slightly tougher than the Englewood facility and there’s far more inverted climbing options with an array of archways and big roofs. The great thing about Golden is the people. It feels more community-oriented at Golden than most other climbing gyms in Denver.

Best for: Newbie climbers, climbers looking for top-notch education, climbers who love roof routes, and those looking for youth programs.

Membership Cost: $79 per month
Day Rate: $122 with student discount
Punch Card? 7 punch is $130

Movement Baker

Located right near downtown Denver, Movement Baker is the ideal climbing gym for roping up without a car. It has a more “bro” vibe than the family-friendly climbing at Englewood or the community vibe at Golden. Also, a lot of the pads, holds, and locker facilities tend to be a bit more run-down than the other gyms on this list.

Climbing routes at the Baker facility are more thuggy (meaning they require more brute strength than technical finesse) than those found at the EarthTreks gyms.

Although I haven’t taken any courses here, I’ve heard from several Movement gym members that courses tend to be hit or miss and they are not included with your membership the way they are with EarthTreks.

Best for: City climbers, a younger crowd, those looking to build strength, crack climbing enthusiasts, and those who need childcare.

Membership Cost: $82 per month with a variety of options
Day Rate: $10 for first-time visitors, $22 for returning visitors
Punch Card? 10 punch is $210

Movement RiNo

Located in downtown Denver’s River North Arts District, Movement RiNo offers premier bouldering. This bouldering-only (short, un-ropped climbing) climbing gym in Denver is a great spot for those looking to get into pebble climbing (slang for bouldering).

Bouldering requires less gear and more finesse and Movement has a variety of bouldering terrain, including a traverse wall. There’s also an extensive climbing fitness area that’s great for a lunch-break training session.

Best for: Newbie boulderers, those who work downtown, people who want childcare, climbers looking for a top-notch climbing fitness gym

Membership Cost: $82 per month with a variety of options
Day Rate: $10 for first-time visitors, $22 for returning visitors
Punch Card? 10 punch is $210

Denver Bouldering Club

A long-time gym with two locations (DBC South in Englewood and DBC Central in Downtown), this premier bouldering gym features a variety of featured walls and routes suitable for beginners and experts alike.

The DBC South facility is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from the Light Rail Station and features 80+ routes. While the DBC Central location is right in the heart of downtown with 120+ routes. Both gyms feature state-of-the-art training platforms such as Vertical SOlutions walls and adjustable wall systems.

With free wi-fi and workstations, you can send and get that deadline taken care of. The community here is tight-knit, so if you’re looking for a welcoming vibe, this is the spot.

Best for: Boulderers, those who wish to work and climb, finding climbing friends, climbers without a car.

Membership Cost: $59 per month with a variety of options
Day Rate: $17
Punch Card? 5 punch is $70

The Spot Bouldering Club Denver

A sister gym to The Spot Boulder, this bouldering gym also provides plenty of varied terrain for every kind of climber. The Spot Bouldering Club Denver features plenty of beginner routes that create a welcoming atmosphere for new climbers.

Located right off of the Cherry Creek Bike Path, this is another excellent gym for those who don’t have a set of (powered) wheels. With over 19,000 sf of climbable walls, there’s plenty to get excited about at The Spot.

Best for: Boulderers, climbers without a car.

Membership Cost: $70 per month with discounts available
Day Rate: $19
Punch Card? 5 punch is $82

Ubergrippen

Offering both roped and boulder climbs, Ubergrippen Indoor Climbing Crag in north Denver is an excellent, family-friendly option. There’s even auto-belays, which allow you to climb without a partner (something Movement and EarthTreks don’t provide).

The routes don’t get the same amount of praise as the big players of Movement and EarthTreks, but there’s still plenty to get excited about if you have kids. Those looking for serious climbing or people who don’t want children constantly running around may want to look elsewhere.

Best for: Families with small kids, climbers who don’t have belay partners, beginner climbers.

Membership Cost: $59 with a variety of options
Day Rate: $17
Punch Card? 5 punch is $70

Carla Madison Recreation Center

If you’re not able to pay for the steep price of a day at one of Denver’s climbing gyms, then head to the Carla Madison Recreation Center. Located right along Colfax Ave, this city-owned recreational facility has a pool, fitness classes, and a full gym.

The boulder wall is open for people to play during select times of the year. This is a great, budget-friendly way to hit up a climbing gym in Denver.

Best for: Families with small kids, climbers who don’t have belay partners, beginner climbers.

Membership Cost: $15.83 for neighborhood members per month
Day Rate: $5
Punch Card? none available

EVO Rock and Fitness

If you’re looking for a climbing gym northwest of Denver, then you’ll want to check out EVO Rock + Fitness. Located in the suburb of Louisville, Colorado, this is one of the best indoor climbing gyms in Denver that’s located in the ‘burbs.

There are several different locations throughout the country, including a special kids-only gym. With a variety of routes and a focus on community, EVO focuses on community programs for its members.

Best for: suburban climbers, climbers with kids, those looking to engage with a community

Membership Cost: $79 per month with a variety of options
Day Rate: $21 with a $10 pass after 4 pm on Fridays
Punch Card? 10 punch is $195

Mountain Strong

Part cross-fit, part climbing gym this training center brings the best of both worlds. With an emphasis on crossfit this Denver climbing gym also has a bouldering wall for a total fitness package.

Mountain Strong is the perfect gym for those who don’t want to choose between crossfit and climbing.

Best for: cross-fit enthusiasts, those looking for a heavy emphasis on strength training, climbers who aren’t intense about the sport.

Membership Cost: $144 a month
Day Rate: $25
Punch Card? Not Available

Do I Need My Own Climbing Gear to Visit a Climbing Gym?

No. Almost every climbing gym offers gear rentals for everything you need. Of course, there’s a cost associated with this, but it’s a great way to try climbing without committing to spending money on the gear.

Are There Benefits to Being a Member of Denver Climbing Gyms?

Yes. Each gym membership is set up differently, but a lot included added member benefits such as:

Access to safety classes (some are free)
Free climbing training sessions, yoga classes, and fitness classes
Free guest passes
Invites to member-only events
Discounts at the gym’s gear shops

Do I Need to Know How to Rock Climb to Visit a Climbing Gym?

Absolutely not! You can learn everything you need to know to toprope and boulder safely right at the gym. Most of this instruction is free, or you can utilize a gym employee to belay for you (sometimes there’s a fee associated with this).

The point of climbing gyms isn’t just to stay in shape, but it’s also to provide a safe learning place for newbie climbers. I learned a tremendous amount from my local gym including skills that taught me how to transition from indoor to outdoor climbing.

Overall Denver climbing gyms have something different to cater to any taste. Try something new this year by visiting a climbing gym in Denver.

Climb on with these climbing resources:

Get the best Denver travel advice with a local guide to amazing climbing gyms in Denver, Colorado. Learn a new sport and stay on top of fitness trends with an inside look at Denver's best climbing gyms. A fun, family-friendly thing to do in Denver on your next Colorado vacation. #travel #climbing #denver #colorado

Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.