Mesa Rim Climbing Center (Mira Mesa) — Attraction in San Diego

Mesa Rim has lost my business. I brought a group of over 25 campers to their facility for an entire week, and upon arriving I asked if they needed an extra belayer, because I boulder regularly and was willing to help. All I needed was a two minute refresher on the figure 8 knot-they wanted to charge me $8 for a lesson! Not only that, the three individual team members I interacted with concerning this incident were borderline combative. I felt like they were treating me like I was the rude one for offering to help them. As one of five other counselors, I was not permitted to climb. Management didn't exactly refuse to allow me to scale one auto-belay to take a picture of campers climbing (I own a harness and shoes), rather I was rigidly informed that I would have to pay the $15 day pass fee to do so. After bringing them great business, they were ignorant enough to tell us to pay for our own passes to climb with the campers that we were bringing to their establishment. I am appalled at how poorly this business is being run-it doesn't make logical sense to be so inflexible with their climbing passes. We weren't eating product or making waste, we were simply entering the premises and hoping to show our campers that climbing on the harnesses wasn't as scary as it seemed. The walls already exist. Letting five adults positively impact potential young climbers shouldn't be such an ordeal to achieve. Our second to last day at this facility, the kids wanted to buy products from the store; hats, stickers and shirts. One of my campers was two cents short buying a sticker, which is technically free advertising, and management was disgustingly cold and unforgiving. A fellow counselor paid the two pennies and my camper was satisfied, but I'm still appalled. There seems to be no sense of community and trust here, which is the antithesis of the climbing community that I've experienced so far. Because we were not permitted to climb with the kids, us counselors sat around for the climbing sessions and observed. After two days of boredom, management told us that we needed to be more involved with the kids and supervise them better-essentially, they wanted us to do the job that they had been paid to do for a week. So we now had to intently supervise, but refrain from touching the walls. I think that if they needed extra hands on deck, they should have harnessed us in and allowed us to climb, instead of scolding our terrible leadership skills and pushing us to do Mesa Rim's job. I paid the $15 for a day pass once, and as I climbed on the auto-belay, at least 10 kids were watching, excited that one of their counselors was participating with them. After that, they were even more engaged, working on problems, asking about different routes and hold types, etc. Employees at Mesa Rim are pompous and 'Holier than thou,' with a few exceptions. I was ready to get a membership at the end of my week with the kids, because I'm moving and this gym is closer to my new residence, but after the awful treatment I've received here, there is no way that anyone could bring me back. I am certainly recommending that others not frequent this establishment, and I'll be bringing my business and hard earned money to a gym that doesn't make me feel like I've done something wrong by loving to rock climb. The facilities are amazing and top tier, but the employees and overall business model are laughable. Prices are way too high for the amenities, and I noticed a theft issue in the Women's Locker room.

If you enjoy being treated well and trusted by a business, do not spend your money here. I certainly...

This really should be 2.5 stars - but half stars are not an option.

The good: The staff are very friendly. Lots of smiles. Very helpful. The walls are tall - I believe the tallest inside walls in SD.

The bad: I have never come across a gym that is this crowded. It is insane. I climb at the Mira Mesa gym, after work every rope is taken and there are easily 60+ people in the bouldering area. Around 8:45pm there are still 25 to 30 people in the bouldering area. They start clearing out around 9:15. You are a sardine! The routes are geared more towards competition and not outdoor climbing (new school vs. old school). Way, way too many new school routes. Not enough old school, mimic the outdoor routes. I'm guessing the setters don't have much outdoor experience. There are way too many bouldering routes where the end move is awkward feet, lunge, grab hold of the top of the wall. I'm like, come on man! add some variety to the end move. They do not have auto belays. I was told that once upon a time they did, but then someone fell off of one cus they didn't attach themself to the auto below. OK, if someone wants to free climb inside can't they just pick any old section of the wall. ADD SOME AUTO BELAYS. They do have a sign up sheet for people looking for belay partners. Most of the time (over 1/2 no one responds). And a few times, I was like - how the hell did you pass the belay test dude? And then there is the lead test . . . everyone fails at least once, if not multiple times. Sharma, ondra and Honnold could all walk in and take the lead test and the tester would play Oprah Winfrey - You fail! You Fail! All ya'll people fail! They have one style of lead belaying, and I disagree with the safety of some of their protocols - namely, I want to be able to see my climber. They force you to stand under the wall and not see your climbing partner. And you can't hear your partner either - go back to the crowds, it is wicked loud in there. So there is no way to communicate with your climbing partner. Once you reach the top you are supposed to use mental telepathy to tell your partner you would like...

From the moment I stepped into Mesa Rim in Mira Mesa, I knew I had found more than just a gym - I had discovered a vibrant community that uplifts and inspires. Celebrating its roots since 2010, Mesa Rim has truly embodied its vision of enhancing life quality through a unique blend of community, movement, self-growth, and industry expertise.The community at Mesa Rim is its heartbeat. The welcoming staff and fellow climbers create an environment that is not just inclusive but genuinely caring and inspiring. Here, connections run deeper than mere acquaintances; they foster a sense of belonging.Movement is at the core of Mesa Rim’s philosophy. The climbing routes are thoughtfully designed, offering challenges for all skill levels. The yoga classes and fitness experiences are fulfilling and well-structured, ensuring everyone finds their pace and rhythm.Self-growth is encouraged and celebrated here. Mesa Rim isn’t just about physical climbs; it’s about personal ascents too. With an education-focused approach, the gym supports continuous learning and self-improvement, both on and off the walls.The team at Mesa Rim is a testament to their industry leadership. Their passion, enthusiasm, and innovative spirit are evident in every aspect of the gym.The facilities are top-notch, from the original Mira Mesa center to the newer locations and the Climbing Academy. Each space is designed to not just train but to nurture climbers and fitness enthusiasts at all levels.Being a member of Mesa Rim is more than worth the investment. It’s a commitment to a lifestyle of growth, community, and wellness. Mesa Rim is not just a gym; it’s a journey of personal and communal discovery. I’m excited to be part of this journey and look forward to what Mesa Rim will bring in the future.If you’re looking for a place that offers more than just fitness, but a real sense of community and personal growth, Mesa Rim in Mira Mesa is the place to be. Join us, and be part of something...