LA Boulders — Local services in Los Angeles

Think you've got what it takes to conquer the routes because you go to the gym regularly and are in decent shape? Well put that pride away and think again! I didn't realize it initially since it was my first time bouldering, but I soon accepted that my strength was not going to be a trump card for routes beyond V3. You have to practice and master good technique and finesse to finish the harder routes. Pace yourself and take breaks because you will tire yourself out quickly in less than 2 hours if you attempt climb after climb.

This facility has something for people of all skill levels and interests. Not only are there bootcamp and yoga classes, they also have a strength training area complete with weights. Though they do not have roped climbing, they do have about 200 bouldering routes. These routes are all color coordinated with grips of all sizes and shapes. The floor is well-padded so falls for beginners like myself did not seem so bad. You should consider practicing proper landing/falling techniques that are taught in the introductory class that I did not have a chance to take.

Pricing has naturally gone up over the years. It is now $25 for weekdays after 3pm and weekends and $20 for weekdays before 3pm. Members are able to bring a friend for free through a guest pass on the 4th Friday of every month. Parking is probably the only sore spot. When you give up on looking for parking on the small lot shared with the shooting range next door, you'll find a space somewhere eventually on the street. But beware...

An amazing bouldering gym. The walls were designed super well to 1 offer tons of climbing and 2 to offer varied unique angles. W/ great customer service, excellent setting, showers + workout area, this is one of the best bouldering gyms I've been to in the western U.S.

All the climbs I got on here were set with a 4/5, 5/5 quality. (Imo) As a 6" climber, all the climbs had just the right number of holds to make the sequencing clear and flowy. (If I was shorter I'd probably wish there were more foot holds) Climbs are well varied in style. (even the easier ones) Climbs seem a bit soft in comparison to Utah and Arizona setting. Overall the climbing is excellent!

Staff are very attentive, helpful, and friendly. In particular, I spoke with Brad and Claire. They were both awesome, answering my multiple questions through out the night!

I arrived around 8:45 pm on a Wednesday night. It was pretty dang busy, even for how late it was. (I was always able to get immediately on the wall, because although it was busy, there was a lot of standing around and chatting. -seems like a great community) By 10 pm, the gym was fairly empty.

Showers are upstairs w/ free towels available downstairs.

Community tape.

Community skin maintenance kit.

Reminders on rules posted through out the gym.

Good gym etiquette from the climbers.

Top out boulders.

Comp style problems.

Campus boards. 4 different sizes including a sloper.

Workout area downstairs and...

Went to LA Boulder on the recommendation of a friend, and it's located in the art district of LA. The day pass is 30 dollars, which is about the same as other large climbing gyms in southern California. After checking in, you'll notice that the place is pretty spacious. I went on a Saturday morning, and it was not packed at all. They do the v-system rating here, but depending on who set the route, it can be a fairly soft grade or about right. The facility has a gym as well as the bouldering side. They have a few free weights, campus board, and pull up bar as well as cardio machines on their second floor. About half of the climbs you're able to top out on, so if you're looking for a place to be able to top out, this one has you covered. The cave that they have support long routes with a lead/top rope rating system without the ropes since it's not extremely high off the mats. However, they do have halfway points that are considered finished routes for the bouldering side. The community is friendly here as with most climbing gyms I go to, and if you're in the area, check it out. I plan to visit the other touchstone gyms and will compare it...