Best Indoor Rock Climbing In Pittsburgh
If you are looking for a way to get in shape for the summer ahead, rock climbing offers some great benefits. Not only does it tone muscles and give you a great cardio workout, but it also sharpens your mind. Rock climbing requires great problem solving abilities in order to find just the right route to the top. Pittsburgh has some great established and up-and-coming indoor climbing facilities available for you to get in shape and stay in shape, no matter what the weather.
The Climbing Wall
7501 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
(412) 247-7334
www.theclimbingwall.net
In the city, the Climbing Wall is the place to go to hone your rock climbing skills. The facility has 14,000 square feet of climbing terrain and has something for all ages and abilities. The climbing wall offers classes for kids and adults to help you get oriented to climbing. Those not yet sure of themselves can learn skills in the bouldering area and there is a top rope area for those not afraid to climb high. In both areas there are courses that range from easy to difficult and there is plenty of challenge no matter your skill level.
Climb North
2468 Wildwood Rd.
Wildwood, PA 15091
(412) 487-2145
www.climbnorth.com
Just north of the city is Climb North, one of the country's longest established indoor climbing facilities. Climb North features 5,000 square feet of bouldering and top roping areas. Established climbers will enjoy the challenging advanced features such as cracks, slabs and laybacks. At Climb North, you will find plenty of encouragement to get you started climbing and plenty of challenging routes to keep you engaged once you gain more advanced skills.
The Carnegie Science Center
1 Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-3400
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
There is so much to do at The Carnegie Science Center that the UPMC Sportsworks climbing wall can be easy to miss. The science center, however, has many challenges to offer sports-minded kids and adults alike. Among the sports challenges in the Sportsworks area is a 25-foot climbing wall with three challenge levels. It is a great place to get in some exercise or bring a group for team building.
Jumonville Ben Cromer Adventure Center
887 Jumonville Road
Hopwood, PA 15445
(724) 439-4912
www.jumonville.org
If you've ever been to a camp or retreat at Jumonville, you may remember rock climbing as just one of the many fun and adventurous things to do. Those looking for adventure are sure to find it at a Jumonville weekend away at one of the many camp programs and retreats offered. The adventure center at Jumonville features a bouldering room with various angles and difficulty levels. A 24-foot-high top roping area is adjacent for those with advanced skills and bravery.
Ascend
2141 Mary St
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
www.ascendpgh.com
True climbing enthusiasts will be delighted to hear about Ascend, a new indoor climbing facility scheduled to open this March in the south side. The facility will feature Walltopia climbing walls, bouldering, lead climbing and top roping. There will also be 23-hour climbing fitness equipment available to keep in top shape. Group classes for yoga and spinning will also keep you in climbing condition. You can follow Ascend on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with the build out and opening plans.
Jennifer Stockdale is a native of the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. She is a restaurant marketer and wine enthusiast and one of the hosts of the East Coast Wine Geeks Podcast. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
