First Time
Welcome!
We are glad to have you here. Check out our step-by-step process for getting started, plus our FAQs below. Any remaining questions can be happily answered by our staff on the phone or in person.
Reservations are not required unless you are coming with a large group or would like to schedule a group event. See “Programs & Events” to schedule an event.
MINORS CANNOT COMPLETE THEIR OWN WAIVERS. A PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST COMPLETE THE WAIVER FOR ANY MINOR.
WE WILL ASK FOR ID TO VERIFY YOUR AGE IF NECESSARY. WE WILL NOT TOLERATE LYING ABOUT YOUR AGE OR WHO COMPLETED YOUR WAIVER. If you are caught lying, you will be denied entry for the day.
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First, fill out waivers for anyone who will be entering the gym, even those who aren’t climbing. For those under 18, waivers must be filled out by a parent or legal guardian.
To save time, complete the waivers before you arrive.
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Purchase a day pass, punch pass, or membership at the front desk.
Climbing shoes are required. Chalk is recommended, but not necessary. Rental shoes, chalk, and harnesses are available upon request!
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Once you are checked in, staff will give each new climber an orientation. The orientation covers gym layout, safety precautions, the grading scale, and most importantly, how to get started.
If you are new, don’t worry! There is something for all ages and experience levels here. The orientation provides enough information for you to get started, and the rest of the learning comes from practice.
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Your day pass and rentals are good for the whole day. Expect to spend at least 30-60 minutes here, although you can stay as long as you’d like!
Have fun, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
FAQs
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Nope! You can come in at any time to climb.
For birthday parties or group events, email us for more details.
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We are primarily a bouldering gym, but we also have 3 boards (2019 Moonboard, Tension Board 1 & 2) and 3 auto-belays.
Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls without a rope. There is padded flooring below all bouldering areas.
An auto-belay is a mechanical device that automatically manages a climber’s rope, allowing them to ascend a wall without needing a human belay partner. Auto-belays are used for walls that are taller than our bouldering walls.
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Any age is allowed to climb, although typically children will enjoy climbing around age 4.
No toddlers or babies are allowed in climbing areas.
See “Age Requirements” below for more details.
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Yes! There is a small kids area with 3 auto-belays and several kid-friendly boulders. If kids want to climb in the adults area, supervision is required.
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We have rental gear for both kids and adults. Climbing shoes are required, but chalk is optional. A harness is only required if you are using our auto-belays.
Shoes: $5
Chalkbag: $3
Harness: $5 -
Wear clothing you feel comfortable and can easily move around in.
Socks are not required, but may be worn in rental shoes if you prefer.
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We have one shower available, included in the rate for day passes, punch passes, and memberships. If you are not climbing but would still like to shower, a shower pass can be purchased for $4.
We do not provide towels, so bring your own!
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Our “Boulder Basics” class is currently on hold. If you are interested in private lessons, please email us for more details.
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Yes! We have Kids Club for ages 5-12, Rec Team for ages 7-16, and our Competition Team for ages 13 and up. See our “Programs & Events” page or email the coaches at refugecoaches@gmail.com for more details.
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We don’t rent crashpads, but these businesses do:
Desert Rock Sports
Basecamp Outdoor Gear
Gym Information
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All Participants must complete a waiver on first visit.
Check-in is required on all visits.
No street shoes or sandals on the padding – climbing shoes only please!
No running, flips, acrobatics or horseplay – please walk while in the facility.
No tobacco of any kind, alcohol or drugs – no intoxication.
Roped climbing is only allowed during Refuge supervised activities.
Be respectful of others. No vulgar or profane language.
The Refuge reserves the right to temporarily or permanently refuse service to anyone who behaves in a way that is detrimental or harmful to themselves or others in the facility.
Promptly report any personal injury or damage to facility equipment.
No food or drinks on padded surfaces.
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No Child under the age of 5 allowed on the padded surfaces – no toddlers or babies in climbing areas.
No Child under the age of 7 allowed in “the Cave” or on the part of “the Visor” with steep roof and top-out deck above.
Participants between ages 5 and 12 must be actively supervised by parent or staff instructor.
Children ages 5–7 must be within reach of parent when on padded areas, except when involved in Refuge supervised activity.
Use of fitness equipment by participants under age 16 must be supervised by staff instructor or parent.
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Climbing involves risk of injury and death. Do not participate in this sport at the Refuge unless you understand these risks, agree to take them, and to act responsibly to minimize them.
Do not climb to heights you are uncomfortable with.
Down-climb whenever possible.
Do not stand or climb below climbers who are on the wall. Step back from the fall zone when not climbing.
Spotting can reduce risk or increase risk to both climber and spotter. Understand how to spot, and communicate effectively with anyone who you will spot, or who will spot you, on the nature of the fall and how the spot is to be done. If you do not understand how to spot, get instruction on how to do so.
You are responsible for finding your own spotter, and you must determine if that individual can accomplish a good spot. Don’t agree to spot unless you feel prepared to do so effectively and without risk to yourself.
Down-climb routes are established on the two top-out decks. Down-climb with care, and do not do so when.