climbing gyms

As an infant, Baptiste Rouch was adopted from the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Decades later, he returns as a philanthropist, determined to share his love for climbing.

Banned members, disputes over routesetting, youth coaching controversies—conflict reaches a fever pitch at a nonprofit gym.

Mushrooms, bioresins, and recycled materials are revolutionizing climbing hold design and helping gyms ditch virgin plastic.

Gym owners, gym members, coaches, and parents weigh in on paths to peacefully coexisting.

In the week leading up to a popular climbing competition, some routesetters are trading power tools for picket signs.

The story of California’s City Rock

From a climbable cave and a deep water soloing wall to a dog park, these climbing gyms and facilities go above and beyond.

Where indoor climbing was once simply a way to train during the off season, it is now a sport unto itself—many gym climbers have no interest in ever climbing outdoors. How did we get here?

Since the formation of the first American climbing gym union three years ago, unionization has spread to 18 gyms across 6 states. With varying responses from gym executives, the future of indoor climbing hangs in the balance.

Climbing holds were once shaped to mimic holds in nature. Now they shape our choice of movement outside.

If a hold is bigger than your hands, it’s a waste of materials and wall space. Also: I miss taped boulder problems.

As climbing slides into the mainstream, climber education becomes crucial for protecting our outdoor crags and public lands. Are climbing gyms the answer?

Many climbing gyms face uncertain futures after being closed by Covid, then reopened at less than capacity. They need our help. Here's how you can make a difference.

Climbing gyms were particularly hard hit by Covid-19. Rock City didn't make it.