With the surge of Instagram and social media, there is a tendency for each city to gain a reputation for something specific. Whether that is a particular tourist attraction or a reputation for producing a certain type of food, and then, as a result, be put into a box in the minds of the public.
Travel is all about discovering destinations for what they are as opposed to what you are conditioned to think they are. When it comes to New York City, it is perhaps one location that is lucky enough to have escaped this mindset.
This is perhaps because there is simply so much to see and even more to do. After all, it is referred to as the city that never sleeps for a reason! New York City could be said to have a reputation for skyscrapers, art, culture, nightlife, public parks and cuisine. With so much to offer, it is easy to see how you can’t simply put the ‘Big Apple’ into one particular box!
The internet has changed the game when it comes to tips and itineraries that can aid in finding activities to do or experience. There are informative and useful travel guides and tips available online that allow you to plan what to do in a location before you even arrive.
Top 5 Rock Climbing Gyms in NYC
To kickstart this topic, New York City is home to some great rock climbing and bouldering gyms in all of USA and even in the world! So, without further ado, let’s check out the 5 of its best rock climbing gyms in NYC.
1. Brooklyn Boulders
Brooklyn Boulders is based in a 25,000-square-foot facility, and every last inch of it is committed to making your workout as fun as possible. It is located in Queensbridge and offers a number of fantastic amenities, making it suitable for absolutely everyone.
There are various climbing classes, all designed to improve your indoor rock climbing knowledge. They offer classes at every level as well as specific lessons on top-roping and belaying and even lead climbing. Furthermore, they offer youth and family programs, including private coaching for anyone who is looking to level up or under 5 years old.
2. GP81
If we had to use just one word to describe GP81, it would most definitely be unique. Every element of the 7,000 square foot terrain was designed and built with the help of the local rock climbing community. In order words, you will not find any other facility on earth with the same amenities.
The Greenpoint, Brooklyn-based facility is home to two Moon Boards, climbing walls of 30, 45 & 60 degrees, and even a 15-degree barrel wall. Additionally, there are several hang boards, and weights, meaning that you can get a full-body workout all in one location.
3. Dumbo Boulders
The clue is in the name when it comes to Dumbo Boulders. They offer bouldering, which is a type of rock climbing that is focused specifically on movement. This particular type of climbing requires no partner or rope, and thanks to their fantastic programs, it requires no experience too!
In addition to the fantastic facilities, Dumbo Boulders is located in an idyllic part of New York City. It is an outdoor facility located inside the iconic Brooklyn Bridge Park right under the Manhattan Bridge. If you like a view when climbing, this could be the place for you!
4. MetroRock
Located in Brooklyn, MetroRock is another great option for climbers of all levels. There are numerous courses for both beginners and intermediates, as well as challenging routes to test even the most hardcore of experienced climbers. They even offer outdoor instruction days, which allows climbers to get out in the open air and try their hand at climbing on actual rock.
Last but not least, they have a great app service that shows you all of their routes and boulders, including the day that they were set. You are able to track all of your climbs on the app in order to track your progress. It adds an extra element of gamification that is sure to get your competitive blood boiling!
5. Manhattan Plaza Health Club: The Climbing Gym
The Manhattan Plaza Health Club is home to one of the most famous rock climbing gyms in the United States. It has been in existence since 1992 and offers a truly mind-blowing experience. One of the factors that make this place stand out is its focus on creating a community of like-minded climbers.
It is located in a 5,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Manhattan near Times Square. One thing we love about this particular facility is the fact that they rotate the climbing routes on a weekly basis in order to keep things fresh and challenging for regulars!
The Bottom Line
Rock climbing is one of the best ways to escape what it means to live in a large city, without actually having to leave it physically. By simply packing your gym bag and heading to one of the five aforementioned climbing gyms, you have the chance to experience what it is like to scale a mountain.
Keen in trying the great outdoors? Experience one of the top outdoor climbing spots in USA.
The digital age, while offering us incredible opportunities, has also had an impact on the amount of time the average adult spends sitting down per day. Rock climbing offers a full-body workout as well as the chance to meet new people and form a community. If you ask us, this is a classic win-win situation. From here, all we can say is rock on!
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