Rock climbing growing in popularity in California

By Makena Lendahl

The rock climbing scene in Sacramento is not one to overlook, as the three major gyms in the greater Sacramento area are taking this niche sport to the next level. Pipeworks, The Boulder Field and Granite Arch are all the rock climbing gyms in the Sacramento area. Their unique characteristics not only set them apart from each other, but also other gyms in the state. 

Granite Arch, located in Rancho Cordova, may be the smallest gym on the inside, but its size should not dull your attention. This gym offers “over 20,000 square feet of climbing wall surface,” including “Autobelays, traditional rope climbing, lead climbing and bouldering.” 

The Boulder Field, located in Sacramento is a bouldering-only gym with “10,000 square feet of world-class bouldering terrain up to 14 feet and state-of-the-art padded flooring, with a comprehensive climbing training area.” The Boulder Field is known for hosting professional and non-professional climbing competitions, bringing some extra fun to Sacramento. The walls stand taller here, reaching 14 feet, opposed to Granite Arch reaching only 12 feet. 

Finally, the biggest gym, Pipeworks. Located in Sacramento, this gym does not only offer an abundance of climbing routes, but also offers a full gym with cardio and weight machines and another large area for lifting or other workouts. This gym is very big, with “14,000 total square feet of climbing terrain, a 40 foot high lead wall, and 110+ routes.” There is no way to get bored at Pipeworks. Right outside the gym, there is a brewery under the same company as the gym, Touchstone. 

Out of all three gyms, Pipeworks may have the most to offer, but all three of them still hold equal importance to the climbing community of Sacramento. The sport of climbing is growing rapidly, and the greater Sacramento area is more than prepared for it. 

The climbing scene in the Inland Empire is also growing, with many gyms available to the public. There is a climbing gym on campus at CSU San Bernardino that offers ropes climbing as well as bouldering. Flowstone Climbing is a gym in Redlands that offers 7,500 square feet of bouldering. Both great choices for the students at San Bernardino Valley College looking to get on the walls!