NYC GYMS

New York City offers a wide variety of places to climb both indoors and outdoors. The club offers discounted memberships to Vital (West Harlem), Central Rock Gym, and MPHC. Each has its own unique feel and range of offerings, so check them out!

• Movement (Formerly, The Cliffs) - Harlem, Long Island City, Gowanus
  Fees: $135/mo ($75 for CURC single location, $95 for CURC all locations)

Club practices are held at Movement/Cliffs Harlem! Get this membership to come to practice. The Cliffs was rated one of the top 10 gyms in the country on Gear Patrol, so naturally, while having the most to offer, they are somewhat pricier. LIC and Gowanus have the biggest walls around with countless top rope and sport climbing routes and more than enough bouldering walls to keep even the most insatiable climbers busy. They also have a slackline for when you need a moment away from the bouldering problem that keeps shutting you down.

• Vital - West Harlem, Upper East, Williamsburg
  Fees: $115/mo, they offer prorated scholarships on a first-come first-serve basis

This gym has a very chill vibe and is located in the new Columbia campus. With modern wooden walls and cool aesthetic, they are exclusively a bouldering gym. A 10 minute walk from campus. The Williamsburg location is (I think) the city's biggest bouldering gym, with a great gym area and rooftop.

• Central Rock Gym
  Monthly fees: $135/month ($85 for CURC)

The Central Rock brand comes to New York City inside a swanky building only minutes from Columbus Circle. The gym features the largest bouldering space in Manhattan, with brand-new holds and communal chalk. With such a vast space, CRG sets all sorts of problems on a great variety of wall types. They also offer 8 rope stations, a rarity in the city. CURC members have the privilege of $50 off!

• Mahattan Plaza Health Club
  Fees: $195 for 3 month membership

Until a few years ago this was the only gym in Manhattan. It has a long history but with its recently remodeled walls you can barely tell. With a cozy feel, its a great place to meet other climbers and break into the NYC climbing community. MPHC offers Top Roping as well as Bouldering.

• Brooklyn Boulders
  Fees:  $129/mo ($119 for students)

This gym is a bit of a trek from campus but is definitely worth visiting if you have a day to burn. The gym offers top roping, sport climbs, and bouldering with a wide variety of wall shapes and sizes (including a stalactite). There is plenty of training equipment as well as a slack line for those looking to round out their climbing fitness.

Not mentioned on this list (because I am too lazy to look them up) are GP81, metrorock, and probably more! But you should join wherever the club practices so you can hang out with us, and check out the other gyms buy snagging a day pass or guest pass :)

OUTDOOR CLIMBING IN AND AROUND NYC

There is a bit of outdoor climbing to be found in and around the city, mainly bouldering. Central park is the most iconic (and sandbagged) option. You can read more about bouldering locations on NYC mountainproject or show up at one of the many bouldering trips we organize every semester. 

If you are looking for something more adventurous and can find a ride out of the city, there are also a few options for bouldering as well as top rope and trad climbing! Sadly, sport climbing is a little more sparse, but there are still a few decent spots. Some crags worth looking into are: Powerlinez (NJ), The Gunks (NY), Safe Harbor (PA), Birdboro (PA, this one is extra chossy!), Thatcher (NY), Rumney (NH), Chatfield Hollow (CT), Farley (MA), and more! Make sure to read up on an area before going, or better yet buy the guidebook to support the crag!

Please remember that climbing outside carries much greater risk than climbing indoors! When bouldering, use extra crash pads and practice attentive spotting. When rope climbing, always wear a helmet, and only engage in climbs which you have the skills to safely and efficiently complete or bail off of. Always consider gear requirements, anchor situations, bail options, safety hazards like rock quality, and belayer/follower safety. When in doubt, stop and ask for guidance.