MetalMark Climbing — Local services in Fresno

I've been a member going three days a week for 18 months now, and MetalMark has essentially become a second home to me. The gym is spacious and well kept, the staff are excellent, and there's so many cool perks make the pricey initiation and monthly membership fees worth every dollar.

Now before you consider joining, it's handy to know that you're in for quite a few startup fees. First off, there's a $100 initiation fee for new members, but if you come with the person that referred you, or if you're a student, that fee is cut in half, so it's not way too bad. Then there's the first month payment for your membership, which is $55/mo. normally, and $45/mo. if you're a student. Those are the basic startup costs, and then for gear, it's up to you to see if you'd rather buy or rent. Renting is only about five dollars per visit if you rent both shoes and a harness, though I'd recommend buying, since it'll save you a lot if you're consistent with your climbing. Now the main drawback to buying your gear at the gym is the fact that they don't have a return policy, which is kind've lame, so I'd recommend going to REI in RiverPark (quite a few of the staff at REI happen to be rock climbers who are also members of MetalMark, so there's a major plus). Buying your gear will cost anywhere between $60-$150 for shoes (depending on what kind've shoes you get), around $80 for the harness, and $15-$20 for a chalk bag, plus $2 for a block of chalk (you can just buy your chalk at the gym).

It's up to you to decide if all of that is worth the hefty startup investment. To me, it seriously was. I just bought all of my gear right when I started up and it was worth every penny. The members here are the most friendly people you'll find in the city of Fresno who are so encouraging and will help you to achieve your fitness goals and improve your climbing technique, the staff are very knowledgeable, they have all kinds of classes that are free for members such as yoga classes, fitness classes, climbing classes, 6am climbing boot camp (if 6am and boot camp are your jam), the climbing workout and climbing equipment are well maintained, and I just need to mention one more time, the members of this gym are seriously the best people you will find in the entire city of Fresno. I am not kidding. You will meet all of your new best friends if you come here regularly. I have no idea how to describe it, but this gym has an uncanny ability to create such a friendly and encouraging atmosphere between all kinds of people. Everybody is so laid back, and cool to talk to. You can just walk up to anybody to ask about anything and forge an instant friendship within just a few minutes. You won't find this level of friendliness anywhere else in Fresno.

Anyways, I hope this review was helpful. I've been here for a fairly long time and it has been worth every dollar...

Honestly years ago when I think it was Maria running it, hated the place. You could tell she didn’t know anything about climbing and it trickledown to the staff. With how it’s ran these days it seems like a 360 degree flip. You go in and people are actually happy to be working. It’s not toxic feeling anymore. At least from what I experience these days. Even with the staff helping me out in little ways you can just tell the energy is different these days. Only complaint is the lead wall. Clip after clip after clip. You reach one quick draw and are already having to clip it at another one 1 foot over the last one? Where when I go to back on the wall there’s like 4 maybe 5 quick draws. Doesn’t bother me too much but was told the other day that I couldn’t skip clips. Didn’t realize I did since the clip was just a bit further then I felt comfortable clipping plus had plenty quick draws already below me that I was comfortable continuing to climb. I know the guy “warning” me is newer and I haven’t seen him lead climb at all so I won’t knock him for being ignorant to the distance between each clip being too close but that’s about my only complaint these days. Even when the gym is packed it’s still bearable. Koodoos for...

This is my home gym, and I have been a member for just about five years now. I LOVE THIS PLACE.

I climb regularly, am a part of their running club, have attended several of their yoga classes, and attended many of their extra events like monthly nutrition clinics, holiday parties, and climbing competitions.

Whether you want to boulder, top rope, lead climb, take a fitness class, or just use their workout equipment, this gym has it all. There's no reason to have any other gym membership, even though at first blush you may think the membership cost is a little high. Trust me, it's worth it.

The staff is always very friendly and know you by name. They maintain a safe environment for everyone, and even choose to host adaptive sports programs once a month in Spring and Fall. All the other members at the gym are friendly - it's a climbing thing - so the environment is super chill. I love bringing friends here for the first time because everyone ends up falling in love with this gym...