Brooklyn Boulders

Newly opened this summer, Brooklyn Boulders is NYC’s largest indoor rock climbing destination.  With a whopping 18,000-square feet of climbable surface, rock climbing and bouldering here isn’t just just an after thought like at other gyms that have a climbing wall to one side.  For everyone from newbies to veteran rock hoppers, experts are on hand to set you up with equipment, lessons, and tips.

Climbing Wall Inside Brooklyn Boulders (Notice the sharp contrast with industrial ceiling)

From the outside, Brooklyn Boulders looks like the nondescript parking garage it used to be in an industrial section of Boerum Hill.  But the inside has been transformed into an urban climber’s paradise reflecting the fact that the owners here are also avid climbers.  Moveable holds are installed on the walls replicating the unpredictability of an actual mountain surface.  There are separate areas for different climbing levels and styles, from expert top-roping to beginner bouldering.  Seasoned climbers can hit the inverse walls, cave, or the stalactite which requires a high jump plus a difficult hook-of-the-foot maneuver to reach.  You don’t have to be an expert to scale a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge’s famous arches.

If you’re not into memberships or only here for short visit, day passes run from $16 to $20 for kids and adults, and equipment rental is $9 (save yourself the fee by bringing your own gear if you have it).

Take the M or R subway to the Union St. Station, walk down one block on Union to 3rd, and then up one block to 575 DeGraw St.