Planning to conquer the climbing scene in Washington D.C.? Look no further! With its breathtaking and monstrous rock climbing gym scene, the nation’s capital offers climbers an array of world-class facilities to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to ascend new heights, D.C. has got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top climbing gyms in the area, detailing their features, facilities, rates, and more. So, grab your harness and chalk bag, and let’s dive in!
Earth Treks (Crystal City)
Location: Arlington, VA
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Earth Treks in Crystal City is a climber’s paradise, boasting a massive gym space that spans an acre. Yes, you heard it right – an acre of climbing space! With over 45,000 square feet of climbing area, Earth Treks offers 400+ roped and boulder routes, catering to climbers of all skill levels and preferences. The gym features a variety of climbing styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Aside from the extensive climbing facilities, Earth Treks also offers a state-of-the-art fitness area and yoga classes to help climbers enhance their overall strength and flexibility. The gym is equipped with top-notch amenities, including locker rooms, showers, and a comfortable lounge/workspace area where climbers can relax and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Rates
- Day passes:
- 1 day: $26
- 7-day punch pass: $160
- Membership:
- Monthly: $93/month
- Monthly (family of two): $158/month
- Annual prepaid: $1,023
- Annual prepaid (family of two): $1,738
Membership Benefits
- Unlimited climbing
- Free clinics
- Free yoga classes
- Free guest passes
- Free access to monthly Rendezvous events
- Discounts on classes, gear, and apparel
- 50% off initiation fee for active military
- Access to all Earth Treks locations
Climbing Training Equipment
- Hangboard
- Campus board
- System wall
- Spray wall
- Tension board
Classes
- Yoga
- Group fitness training
- Private fitness training
- Private climbing training
- Group climbing training
Fitness Equipment
- Complete weightlifting equipment
- Cardio machines
COVID Prevention Measures
Earth Treks prioritizes the safety and well-being of its members and staff. Some of the implemented COVID prevention measures include:
- Reservations required
- Yoga and fitness classes available online only
- Social distancing required for all visitors
- Mandatory masks for staff and visitors
- Hand sanitizing stations located throughout the gym
- Closure of changing areas, lockers, showers, water fountains, and other high-traffic areas
- Temperature checks and symptom assessments for staff
- Updated cleaning procedures
Earth Treks (Rockville)
Location: Rockville, MD
Hours:
- Monday/Thursday/Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday/Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Earth Treks also has a second location in Rockville, Maryland, offering climbers another opportunity to experience their world-class facilities. With 38,000 square feet of gym space, this location features arches, roof climbing, slab climbing, and more. Similar to the Crystal City branch, Earth Treks Rockville provides a comprehensive fitness area and yoga classes to complement climbers’ training routines.
Rates
- Day passes:
- 1 day: $25
- 7-day punch pass: $160
- Membership:
- Monthly: $89/month
- Monthly (family of two): $150/month
Membership Benefits
- Unlimited climbing
- Free clinics
- Free yoga classes
- Free guest passes
- Free access to monthly Rendezvous events
- Discounts on indoor and outdoor classes, gear, and apparel
Note: The membership benefits and climbing training equipment are the same as Earth Treks Crystal City.
Sportrock Climbing Center (Alexandria)
Location: Alexandria, VA
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria is another premier climbing gym in the D.C. area. This facility offers a variety of climbing styles, a fitness facility, and a yoga studio, making it a one-stop-shop for climbers looking to improve their skills and overall fitness. What sets Sportrock Alexandria apart is the Sportrock Performance Institute, the first dedicated climbing training facility on the East Coast. For an additional charge, climbers can access World Cup-style boulders, training assessments, and routesetters certified by the USA Climbing (USAC).
Rates
- Day passes:
- 1 day: $20
- 5-day punch pass: $90
- 10-day punch pass: $170
- Membership:
- Monthly: $70/month
- 1 month prepaid: $100/month
Membership Benefits
- Access to all Sportrock locations
- Free clinics for members
- Free select fitness classes
- 20% off select climbing classes
- 15% off gear purchases and special orders
- Guest passes (12 per calendar year)
- Members-only hours
- Member referral bonus
- Birthday climb treat
- Free rentals for the first 30 days for first-time members
Climbing Training Equipment
- Hangboard
- Campus board
- System wall
Classes
- Yoga
- Group fitness training
- Private fitness training
- Private climbing training
- Group climbing training
- Transition outdoor classes
- Multi-pitching
- Trad climbing
Fitness Equipment
- Complete weightlifting equipment
- Cardio machines
Note: The COVID prevention measures for Sportrock Alexandria are the same as Earth Treks Crystal City.
Sportrock Climbing Center (Sterling)
Location: Sterling, VA
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sportrock’s Sterling location provides climbers in the northwest of D.C. with another excellent facility to explore. With its Google virtual tour and video tour, climbers can get a glimpse of the gym’s offerings before even setting foot inside. Sportrock Sterling offers bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing, ensuring a diverse range of options for climbers of all levels.
Rates
- Same as Sportrock Alexandria
Membership Benefits
- Same as Sportrock Alexandria
Climbing Training Equipment
- Same as Sportrock Alexandria
Note: The fitness equipment and COVID prevention measures for Sportrock Sterling are the same as Sportrock Alexandria.
Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing Center
Location: Manassas, VA
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing Center is a stunning gym located just under an hour’s drive from D.C. Although it may be a little farther, the gym’s impressive features and services make it well worth the journey. The gym boasts a massive arch running through its center, providing climbers with a unique and challenging climbing experience.
In addition to its climbing facilities, Vertical Rock offers outdoor guides, transitioning to outdoor climbing programs, intro to climbing courses, yoga classes, and fitness classes. With a focus on member benefits, Vertical Rock ensures climbers have access to a wide range of services to enhance their climbing journey.
Rates
- Day passes:
- 1 day: $24
- 7-day punch pass: $140
- Membership:
- Monthly: $69/month
- 1 month prepaid: $99/month
- Monthly (family of two): $105/month
Membership Benefits
- Full access to all facilities
- Learn the Ropes intro for free ($35 savings)
- Fitness equipment access
- Rock Ready strength training class
- Yoga classes
- 10% off gear shop
- Member class discounts
- 1 guest pass per month
- 12-month commitment
Climbing Training Equipment
- Hangboard
- Campus board
- System wall
Classes
- Intro climbing courses
- Transition outdoor classes
- Trad climbing
- Yoga (currently unavailable)
- Group fitness (currently unavailable)
Fitness Equipment
- Complete weightlifting equipment
- Cardio machines
Note: The COVID prevention measures for Vertical Rock Manassas can be found on their website.
Coaching
Lastly, if you’re looking for personalized guidance and training, consider working with a climbing coach. With the help of a coach, you can develop a customized training program tailored to your specific goals and needs. These programs typically span 6-14 weeks and include detailed weekly and daily workouts/exercises. While you carry out the workouts on your own, your coach will meet with you every two weeks to ensure your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
To learn more about the coaching services offered and how they can benefit your climbing journey, visit the coaching page of the respective gym’s website.
Conclusion
Washington D.C. is a haven for climbers, offering an impressive array of climbing gyms that cater to climbers of all levels.
Whether you’re in Crystal City, Rockville, Alexandria, Sterling, or Manassas, there’s a top-notch gym just a short drive away.
From the massive facilities of Earth Treks to the specialized training at Sportrock and the unique arch at Vertical Rock, the climbing scene in D.C. has something for everyone.
So, gather your gear, choose a gym, and start exploring the heights of D.C.’s climbing gyms. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these gyms are sure to provide an unforgettable climbing experience. Happy climbing!