Where the concierge points people first
- Brooklyn Bouldering Project — A large bouldering-only gym in Brooklyn with a strong community feel. No ropes and no belay test, so it is the easiest place to start on a visit. (40.6796, -73.9843) · Directions ↗
- VITAL Climbing Gym — A climbing chain with several New York sites, including Brooklyn and the Lower East Side. Useful if you want a gym near wherever you happen to be staying. (40.7227, -73.9548) · Directions ↗
- GP81 — A Greenpoint bouldering gym, handy for anyone staying in north Brooklyn. Go off-peak, when the walls are less crowded. (40.7069, -73.9240) · Directions ↗
Central Rock Gym - Manhattan — A Manhattan gym with roped climbing as well as bouldering. You will need to pass the gym's belay check before climbing on ropes. (40.7725, -73.9904) · Directions ↗- Rat Rock — A schist boulder in the south-west of Central Park, climbed by New Yorkers for generations. The rock is polished smooth by decades of use, so expect it to feel harder than it looks. (40.7694, -73.9778) · Directions ↗
The rest of the climbing spots in New York — every one we hold
- Central Rock Gym - Chelsea (40.7511, -74.0042) · Directions ↗
- Chelsea Piers Rock Wall (40.7465, -74.0096) · Directions ↗
- City Climb (40.7540, -74.0002) · Directions ↗
- MetroRock Bushwick (40.7081, -73.9203) · Directions ↗
- Movement Harlem (40.8096, -73.9502) · Directions ↗
- MPHC Climbing Gym (40.7595, -73.9940) · Directions ↗
- Shorakkopoch Rock (40.8733, -73.9238) · Directions ↗
- VITAL Climbing Gym - Lower East Side (40.7171, -73.9864) · Directions ↗
The real crag is ninety minutes north
Every indoor gym in New York will ask you to sign a waiver before you climb, and for roped climbing you must pass that gym's own belay check even if you have climbed for years elsewhere. For outdoor climbing the serious destination is the Shawangunks, known as the Gunks, near New Paltz, roughly ninety miles north of the city, with climbing on land run by the Mohonk Preserve, which charges a day fee. The main season runs from spring to late autumn; the local guide services work from New Paltz.
Questions people ask
What are the best climbing spots in New York?
Brooklyn Bouldering Project and GP81 for bouldering, Central Rock Gym - Manhattan for ropes, and Rat Rock in Central Park for outdoor bouldering in the city.
Where can you climb outdoors near New York City?
The Shawangunks near New Paltz, about ninety miles north, is the region's main crag. Within the city, Rat Rock in Central Park is the best-known boulder.
How many climbing spots are there in New York?
NUM's directory maps 13 climbing spots in New York, most of them indoor gyms.
Ask NUM which climbing gym in New York is nearest you
Everything NUM knows in New York →