With a well-balanced selection of natural walls and indoor climbing spaces, it’s easy to find a place to train, explore or just get outside for a few hours. Below, you’ll find local climbing gyms and parks that offer the best of Austin’s rock climbing and bouldering, plus a few tips to help you plan your next session!
Austin Climbing and Bouldering Gyms
Austin Bouldering Project (ABP)
With locations in South Austin and East Austin, the Austin Bouldering Project provides Austinites with a clean, reliable, and engaging space to tackle all sorts of boulder setups and vertical walls. Beyond climbing, you can also sign up for yoga classes, personal coaching, and youth programs.
Crux Climbing Center
Climbers and bouldering hobbyists regularly rank Crux Climbing Center as one of the most elite climbing gyms in Austin. This Central Austin hub boasts walls and climbs to suit any skill level, along with classes, equipment rentals, and more.
Mesa Rim Climbing Center
Mesa Rim in Northeast Austin is a spacious gym that boasts a range of amenities like vertical walls, low boulders, speed climbing setups, and fitness training with state-of-the-art equipment.
Barton Creek Greenbelt. Credit Andrew Chin.
Outdoor Rock Climbing in Austin
Barton Creek Greenbelt
South Austin’s iconic 12-mile greenspace features trails, swimming holes, and several prime climbing areas around its limestone cliffs. For rock climbing, you can’t miss the routes available at the “Seismic Wall.” And you’re into bouldering, “Gus Fruh” is where most folks go to practice.
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls is best known for bouldering, with routes that range from beginner-friendly problems to more challenging climbs. The limestone surfaces are grippy and varied, making it a solid spot for a low-key session or skill-building practice. After climbing, it’s easy to cool off in one of the park’s nearby swimming holes.
Bull Creek Park
This riverfront park in West Austin is a boulderer’s paradise thanks to its well-shaded rock formations and proximity to the water. Before or after your climb session, be sure to check out the waterfalls!
Pace Bend Park
In the town of Spicewood (just outside of Austin city limits), you’ll find Pace Bend Park, a cliffy greenspace overlooking Lake Travis. Here, you’ll find several rocky faces perfect for solo-climbing, as well as introductory-level bouldering routes.
Milton Reimers Ranch
Head 30 miles southwest of Austin to find Milton Reimers Ranch, a public park with boulder options for traditional climbing and everything in between. If you make the trek, don’t forget to take a post-climb dip in the Pedernales River.
Courtesy Austin Bouldering Project.
How To Make The Most of Your Austin Climbing Experience
Ask The Climbing Gym Staff For Help When Needed
Austin’s climbing gyms are staffed by experienced and knowledgeable people who want to help you grow your skills and confidence. Should you have any questions about the equipment, proper safety measures, or climbing tips, don’t hesitate to ask!
Sign Up For A Climbing Class
Most Austin climbing gyms offer climbing and bouldering classes to help novice climbers improve their form and prepare for new challenges. Opt for a group class during your time in Austin—your gym of choice will surely have excellent options!
Stock Up On Climbing Gear
While climbing gyms in Austin allow you to rent climbing shoes and harnesses, more serious hobbyists (and anyone hoping to climb outdoors) may want to gather their own equipment. Fortunately, Austin outdoor shops like Whole Earth Provision Co. can set you up with the right gear!