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Gym Highlights

  • Over 16,000 sq. ft. of climbing surface
  • The best bouldering in the NW
  • Textured walls
  • Natural features
  • 40 foot tall outdoor wall
  • 65 foot indoor lead roof
  • A wide selection of quality routes from 5.4 - 5.13
  • Boulder problems from V-0 to V-12
  • Weight and exercise equipment
  • Campus board
  • Pro-shop
  • Showers
  • Loft space for parties
  • Student discounts
  • Outdoor guiding for youth
  • Summer camps
  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are your hours?

We are open Monday – Friday from 6am until 11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am until 10pm.

How do I get there?

You can find directions at a map here.

I have never climbed before – how should I start?

Our Pro Belay is a great way to climb for the first time.  You and your group of up to 4 climbers can take turns climbing while our instructor manages the rope for you.  All gear is included in this session. There is no age minimum for this activity.  Call our front desk to schedule your Pro Belay.
If you would prefer to experience climbing on your own you can purchase a day pass and rent a pair of shoes and boulder on your own.

Do I need to have my own gear?

Rental gear is available for climbing in the gym. You can rent items separately or as a package.  Gear is always included as part of our instruction and does not need to be rented separately. We do not rent gear to use outside our gyms. See our Rental Prices.

Can I borrow my friend’s old gear?

Old shoes are fine to wear, smelly maybe, but safe.  Old harnesses are a different story.  Generally most manufacturer’s recommend not using harnesses over 10 years old because even while in storage soft goods deteriorate over time.  We have harnesses of all sizes to rent while climbing in the gym. 

What should I wear?

We recommend wearing clothes that are comfortable and allow movement.  Dressing in layers is a good idea too as your temperature will change as you climb.

Should I wear socks with my rental shoes?

We will leave that up to you.  Some people (kids particularly) find that socks make the rental shoes more comfortable.

Can I climb if I am afraid of heights?

Lots of climbers are afraid of heights!  Learning to deal with this fear is part of the challenge of climbing.  A little fear of heights is a healthy way to keep your self safe.

How old do kids have to be to take your classes?

Children younger than 5 are welcome to climb in our gym but our formalized instruction begins at age 5. Check out our Youth Programs.

Can someone else bring my child in to climb?

A child can climb in our gym as long as they have a current waiver signed by their parent or guardian.  Parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver but they do not need to be present.  All children under the age of 12 must be under direct adult supervision while in the climbing area. Download Stone Gardens Waiver.

What are the busiest times?

The busiest times of the week tend to be Mondays through Thursdays from 7 till 9pm and in the afternoons on the weekends.  The quieter times are generally before 5pm on the weekdays and before noon on the weekends.  Climbing during the busier times can be a great way to meet other climbers.

What is bouldering?

Bouldering is climbing without a rope.  You never climb any higher than you are willing to fall.  Bouldering can be done alone or in a group.  A large portion of our gym is devoted to bouldering.

What is top roping?

Top roping is vertical climbing with the support of a rope to catch your falls.

Can my child climb today?

You can always boulder in our gym with the purchase of a day pass and a pair of rental shoes.  Children under the age of 12 will need to be under direct adult supervision while in the gym.  If your child is interested in climbing on a rope you can call our front desk to see if we have a Pro-Belay available.  All climbers under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian.

Do you do Bithday parties?

Yes we do!  Climbing parties are a great way to celebrate an event.  Consult our Groups & Parties page for details.

How can I learn to belay?

Give us 2 ½ hours and we can teach you how to belay.  Consult our Climbing 101 page for details.

What happens in the belay test?

In order to belay in our gym you will need to take and pass our belay test.   Any of our front desk staff can administer this test for you and there is no need to make an appointment.   In this test you will need to correctly and safely:
Put on your harness
Tie yourself in as the climber with a rewoven figure eight knot and a back up knot
Talk us through the climber and belayer safety check
Set up to belay with a tube style or ATC belay device
Use climbing commands
Exhibit safe belaying technique with a designated brake hand on the braking side of the rope at all times
Catch a few mock falls
lower your climber

Is there a cost for the belay test?

No, we do not charge for the belay test.

Is my belay test valid at both Stone Gardens locations?

Once you have passed your belay test you are welcome to belay at both our locations.  Your belay test is valid for one year.

What happens if I fail the belay test?

Our primary concern is that you are able to keep yourself and your climbing partner safe and occasionally we are unable to pass climbers due to safety concerns.  If you are unable to belay in the gym you are still welcome to boulder.  Even if you fail your belay test you can still be belayed by someone who is belay certified.   You can retake the belay test as early as the next day.

Can I climb if my friend belays me?

You can climb on a rope without knowing how to belay as long as you are belayed by a Stone Gardens certified belayer.

Do I need a climbing partner?

You will need a climbing partner to climb on a rope but you can boulder without a partner.

How can I find a climbing partner?

People are generally pretty friendly in the gym and you can often meet a climbing partner by bouldering in the gym or by taking one of our technique classes.  

Can I use my GriGri in your gym?

You are welcome to use your GriGri in our gyms after passing your Stone Gardens belay test with a tube style or ATC belay device.  We will expect that you will use your GriGri in accordance with all manufacturer’s recommendations.

How can I get better at climbing?

Our Technique Classes are a great way to build your skills and build your climbing stamina.