The Garden State is notorious for a lot of things, but when it comes to climbing, it doesn’t have the same big walls or bouldering opportunities as some of its U.S. counterparts. We’re looking at you, Wyoming. However, New Jersey does have a multitude of indoor rock climbing gyms where you can have an equally thrilling time. Did we mention it’s a killer workout, too?
As someone with a paralyzing fear of heights, I can confidently say that if I can do it, so you can you. So can anyone. Just try to forget you’re dangling 50 feet from the ground suspended by only a rope (hard, I know). First-timers, you probably won’t make it top on the initial try. Or even the tenth. Eventually, though, you will and it’ll feel like you’ve conquered something way bigger than a wall. And while I’m certain there won’t be any “free soloing” in my future, it did help to channel my inner Alex Honnold for an extra boost of confidence.
Ready to get climbing? Read on for 12 indoor rock climbing gyms around New Jersey.
Goat Climbing Gym – Hackensack, NJ
This rock climbing gym aims to bring the best community of climbers to the Hackensack area. Their dedicated youth program is perfect for young, aspiring climbers to get their feet wet in the world of rock climbing. With a 60 foot competition-style wall, rope climbs, speed climbing and three floors of bouldering, Goat Climbing Gym is a great option when looking to climb in the Garden State.
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The Gravity Vault – Multiple NJ Locations
As one of the few indoor rock climbing gym chains, The Gravity Vault has eight locations in New Jersey alone. While every facility is different, each has plenty of scalable surfaces from walls to bouldering spaces that cater to all levels. Their gyms range from 12,000 to 25,000 square feet and offer hundreds of different routes. Retail shops are there to supply everything from shoe, harness and chalk bag rentals. There’s also a chance to try auto belaying or you can purchase day passes, private climbing sessions or group classes.
Climbzone – Howell Township, NJ
This gym is big on family. At ClimbZone, kids can scale the likes of Mount Rushmore, the Lincoln Memorial or make their way across a map of the U.S. The gym features 68 individually themed walls for climbing, each about 28 feet high. They also have an auto-belay system in place which prevents climbers from having to rely on another person. Additional details regarding pricing can be found here.
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Method Climbing Gym – Newark, NJ
This climbing facility is determined to offer the best climbing services for experts and novices alike. So whether it is your first climb or your thousandth climb, Method Climbing Gym has something for you. Method was designed with inclusivity and support in mind, so that anyone can climb free of judgment. Bouldering, rope climbing and an array of classes for all levels are available to customers. What are you waiting for? Head on over to Method Climbing Gym and improve your rock climbing form.
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Elite Climbing – Maple Shade, NJ
Conveniently located between Cherry Hill Mall and Moorestown Mall, Elite Climbing offers over 100 top rope routes—including slab, straight and overhanging terrain. Their bouldering space boasts 10 different angles and there’s also an 18-foot cave that climbers can maneuver. The gym hosts a variety of climbing classes, in addition, it can also host adult group outings, kid’s parties and more.
Rockville Climbing Center – Hamilton Township, NJ
Rockville Climbing Center offers 19 auto belays, more than any other rock climbing gym in New Jersey. This is particularly useful for kids whose parents aren’t belay certified or for climbers visiting without a partner. That being said, they do offer an Intro to Belaying package which includes a day pass, belay lesson, equipment rental and a second-day pass with gear for a return visit. In addition to climbing options, they also host kid’s birthday parties, youth climbing programs and summer camp.
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NJ Rock Gym – Fairfield, NJ
More than 12,000 square feet of climbing space awaits adventure-seekers at New Jersey Rock Gym in Fairfield. From a freestanding bouldering island to a cave and overhung vertical terrain, there are chances to try just about everything a climber desires. The gym itself recently underwent a renovation with new flooring, holds and more. They also offer sessions for kids, adults and groups. In addition to memberships, you can purchase day passes, punch passes or rent gear. Pricing information can be found here.
Diamond Rock Gym – East Hanover, NJ
There’s a lot to do at Diamond Rock Gym. But if you’ve come to climb, their options don’t disappoint. In the recreation facility, climbers will find over 55 quality routes ranging from 5.3 to 5.11c. From slab to vertical and overhead terrain, there’s even a bouldering area with 12 to 15 “boulder problems.” Goers also have the choice between five auto-belays or a belay session can be scheduled with an instructor.
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High Exposure – Northvale, NJ
This is the perfect place for kids and adults of all capabilities to challenge themselves. In addition to offering a “Ninja Warrior” obstacle course, High Exposure also has 35 lines for top-rope climbing. On the walls, you’ll find more than 75 routes of varying degrees of difficulty and auto belays. If heights spook you, try your hand at their bouldering cave.
Garden State Rocks – Morganville, NJ
This indoor rock climbing gym in Morganville, New Jersey boasts top-rope climbs, lead walls, a bouldering island and even a cave. In total, Garden State Rocks has over 6,000 square feet of climbable surfaces that range from overhung terrain to realistic, rock-like cracks and more. The pro shop has shoes and harnesses for rent and there are daily passes, punch passes and memberships available for purchase.
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Randolph Climbing Center – Randolph, NJ
After turning to rock climbing as a hobby, the owner of Randolph Climbing Center decided to make it a profession. At this indoor gym, they offer rock climbing sessions, lessons and more. Goers will find over 20 unique top rope climbing walls spanning up to 30 feet. There are also four auto belays and 1,5000 square feet of bouldering. Day passes, equipment rentals, memberships and belaying services are available. In addition, they’re also able to host group climbs, birthday parties and summer camps.
Kinetic Climbing – Monroe Township, NJ
Kinetic Climbing is interested in one thing only, bouldering. This facility prides itself on being the state’s one and only bouldering-specific gym. They have over 80 routes—all of which are updated weekly. Here, beginner climbers and experts alike can revel in the benefits of bouldering. It’s an activity that’s perfect for those who find heights challenging or for those who want to climb freely without a partner. More information on pricing, memberships and rentals can be found here.
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Been to any of these New Jersey indoor rock climbing gyms? Let us know in the comments.
Main photo by Rahadiansyah
