The majority of rock climbing gyms in Boston have popped up within the past ten years and there is no going back. With the popularity of indoor rock climbing on the continued rise, we think it’s time to check out what all the buzz is about. Here are five to visit that can all be reached by Boston’s public transportation.
5. Brooklyn Boulders – Somerville
Otherwise known as BKB, this place has been kicking around Somerville since July 2013. The facility not only attracts climbers of all abilities but emphasizes the need of community with a yoga studio, full scale gym, collaborative workspace, sauna, showers and a list of community events. Check them out for some active fun in Somerville.
Directions: From North Station take the Green Line to Lechmere. Grab the 88 Bus to Clarendon Hill via Highland. Get off 10 stops later at Highland Ave at Central.
Take a left down Central Street. When Central Street ends take a left onto Somerville Ave. Take your second right onto Properz Way and Brooklyn Boulder will be at the end of the street.
4. Metro Rock – Newburyport
If the sounds of the sea call you to her shores, check out Metro Rock in Newburyport to work up a sweat before heading to the beach. As one of the largest bouldering facilities in New England, there is something here for everyone.
Directions: From North Station take the Newburyport line to (you guessed it) Newburyport. Walk down Boston Way until you hit Parker Street. Take a left and Metro Rock will be on you right.
3. Central Rock Gym – Cambridge
Another multifaceted facility at your service, Central Rock Gym has a great climbing facility, yoga studio and a “cross-fit style’ fitness area. No matter your level, Central Rock has training programs in place to help you improve your techniques to be the best climber of your ability.
Directions: From South Station grab the red line towards Alewife. Hop off at Harvard Square. Grab the 78 Bus towards Arlmont Village via Park Circle and Blanchard. Get off at Concord Ave at Smith Place. From there, it is a 5 minute walk down Smith Place.
2. Boston Rock Gym – Woburn
This is the oldest rock gym in New England, so they definitely know what’s up. With great teams and ever-changing routes, Boston Rock Gym offers personal and group lessons for a wide variety of levels. Join their very established climbing community and rock out on the walls.
Directions: From North Station take the Lowell Line and get off at Mishawum. Follow Mishasum Road past Route 95. Once you’ve crossed the highway take a left onto Olympia Ave. Boston Rock Gym will be on your right.
1. Rock Spot Climbing – South Boston
The newest member to the Rock Spot gang has it all going on in their new Southie locale. With over 10,000 square feet of climbing surfaces and 150 – 175 bouldering challenges that are reset every six weeks, there are endless options to keep you coming back.
Being a climbing newbie can be a tad bit terrifying to say the least. What’s so great about Rock Spot though is that it doesn’t matter about your skill level. With an amazing staff that makes you feel welcome, prepared and confident, it won’t be long before you’re scaling walls like the pros.
After the top roping (as seen above) try to take a stab at bouldering, which is climbing without any gear to catch you if you fall.
Rock climbing isn’t the only thing going on at Rock Spot either. You have a lounge with free wifi, a snack bar, a climbing/fitness shop, multiple individual and group lessons, and yoga classes.
Building a community is what Rock Spot is all about. Lee here has been into rock climbing for the past year and a half. Originally introduced to it by some friends, he hasn’t turned back since. Indoor climbing strengthens his ability for when he now goes on his outdoor climbing adventures.
Drop by Rock Spot in Southie and get climbing. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up like these pros!
Directions: From South Station grab the Red Line to Broadway. Take a right out of the station and head down Dorchester Ave. Take a left down Old Colony Ave and Rock Spot Climbing will be on your left.
