Rock Climbing DC: Best Gyms of 2024
Last Updated on: 23rd January 2024, 02:14 pm
DC is full spots where you’re not supposed to touch stuff — museums, national monuments, the White House. It’s enough to drive a person crazy. But luckily there is a great rock climbing scene in DC to help you get the wiggles out. Whether you’re a tourist looking for something active to do between sightseeing tours or a local searching for a second home to level up your skill, the USA’s capital has something for you.
So if you’re looking for the beta on the local gym scene, look no further. The Undercling has you covered.
Table of Contents
- Sportrock Climbing Gym DC (Alexandria)
- Movement Climbing Gym DC (Crystal City)
- Bouldering Gyms DC: Bouldering Project
- Vertical Rock Tyson’s Corner
- Rock Climbing DC Wrap Up
Sportrock Climbing Gym DC (Alexandria)
Sportrock actually has two locations in the DC area, but we are going to focus on the Alexandria location (the other is in Sterling). As on the the first commerical gyms in the country and the oldest in DC, they have a long history of helping climbers learn and grow their craft. From multi-pitching and rappel ledges to speed walls and lead arches, they have a plenty of features for climbers of all levels to continue pushing their skills.
As far as climbing amenities go, this gym is one of the best I’ve seen. It truly goes beyond the basics and offers features I’ve never seen at other gyms. 60 foot walls, multi-pitchs, speed walls – if it exists in the climbing world, you can find it here. And that doesn’t even cover all the other things they offer like co-working spaces and free parking. With pricing on par with most other gyms, it might be the best bang for your buck in the country.
Sportrock also has a special performance gym known as the SRPI located just outside city limits. They gear the space towards those training for competitions, so if you’re an interested in that and don’t mind the extra $30 a month on top of your membership, you can gain access to that as well.
Gym Details
Hours:
Monday – Friday | 6am – 11pm
Saturday – Sunday | 9am – 9pm
Types of climbing:
Bouldering
Lead
Auto-belay
Top rope
Speed climbing
Multi-pitching
Facility perks:
Co-working space
Yoga studio
Workout space
Free parking
Pricing:
Day pass: $26
Membership monthly: $90
Movement Climbing Gym DC (Crystal City)
Movement has a DC presence! For climbers from cities like Portland, San Fransisco, or Chicago that have memberships at their local gyms, you can climb here for free. Their Crystal City location boast over 350 routes across 35,000 square feet of climbing. While their space doesn’t offer the same variety of Sportrock, you’ll be sure to find climbs that continuously challenge and push you out here.
Another benefit of Movement gyms are their flexible short-term memberships. If you’re looking to rock climb in DC over a summer internship or perhaps for a long visit, you can get one for one to three months at a discounted rate. With yoga, fitness classes, and a large workout space, Movement has everything you need.
Gym Details
Hours:
Monday – Friday 6 AM-11 PM
Saturday 8 AM-8 PM
Sunday 8 AM-6 PM
Types of climbing:
Bouldering
Lead
Top rope
Facility perks:
Kilter board
Spray wall
Full gym
Free yoga and fitness classes
Intro to climbing classes
Pricing:
Day pass: $25
Membership monthly: $93
*Special pricing for students
Bouldering Gyms DC: Bouldering Project
If bouldering is your preferred mode of climbing, then look no further than Bouldering Project in DC. With their flagship climbing gym in Boston, this East Coast chain is known to have some of the best boulder problems in the country.
While day passes are relatively cheap (clocking in at only $15) memberships are fairly expensive ($109). The facilities are complete with a workout area as well as fitness and yoga classes, so you do get a lot of value. Overall DC Bouldering Project is a great spot to snag a quick climbing session or grow your skills with a membership.
Gym Details
Hours:
Monday – Friday 6AM – 10PM
Saturday & Sunday. 8AM – 10PM
Types of climbing:
Bouldering
Facility perks:
Yoga & Fitness Classes
Workout Area
Pricing:
Day pass: $15
Membership monthly: $109
Vertical Rock Tyson’s Corner
Located a short drive out of the DC, Vertical Rock Tyson’s Corner offers a solid alternative to the bouldering project. They have over 150 routes on a variety of wall types including slab walls, caved, and everything in between. It is also located right off the metro Silver Line for easy access.
As far as cost goes, this gym is very afforable on a monthly basis. A membership costs only $79 a month after you pay a $49 initiation fee (that’s a full $30 cheaper than the Boston Bouldering project). However, a day pass is still a bit pricy at $27 for a session.
Gym Details
Hours:
Every Day I 8AM – 10PM
Types of climbing:
Bouldering
Facility perks:
Climbing Classes
Workout Area
Pricing:
Day pass: $27
Membership monthly: $79
Rock Climbing DC Wrap Up
Rock climbing in DC provide a unique and exciting way to stay active and challenge oneself. With various routes and difficulties, climbers of all skill levels can find a suitable challenge. Climbing gyms in DC offer a supportive community of climbers and opportunities for classes and competitions. Whether a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to try something new, the climbing gyms in DC are worth a visit.
