Urbana Boulders — Local services in Urbana

If you live in Champaign-Urbana and don't want to drive an hour, this is your climbing gym. The setting generally includes either an extremely awkward start or a sketchy finishing move, with mid-problem cruxes a rarity. New sets are generally variations on a theme of the previous set in the same area, probably limited by the holds the gym has. Although the gym used to go by standard V-grades, they've unfortunately changed this in favor of vague "color circuits". This works OK at other gyms (e.g., the bouldering projects which can afford many holds of the same color...), but here there are only ~5 colors to cover the entire V-grade range. It's not uncommon to find a "red tape" (v1-v2?) problem to have a move almost as difficult as something on a "green tape" (v4-v6) problem. This makes it a bit annoying to pick problems for warming up, or to project. Easy problems ("blue tape", VB-V1ish or "red tape") are just jug ladders... it IS possible to have interesting movement with an easy climb. Last, general maintenance and upkeep is a bit lacking.. but they got a bar and serve alcohol(?). This is a lot of complaining, but without this gym we'd had nothing in CU... So I'm glad the owner(s) started it. I just think they could make a cooler space, and better climbing, even within the limits of what they have. Hopefully they can expand the space, as it can get pretty crowded on a...

I’ve been to many climbing gyms over the last few years all across the eastern part of the US and this is by far my favorite one yet. The gym has an awesome mix of difficult and easy problems, problems that may be easy but add and element to it that make it really fun, etc. the size of the gym is very deceiving because they do an excellent job of slamming the walls full of unique and fun routes. From what I saw their membership price is insanely good I was shocked that I only ran into maybe 8 people while there midday on a Saturday. The back room when I was there was set with so many fun ways to use big blocky holds, crimps, and jugs (including two bat hang problems!). Their use of volumes on the many walls is also very creative in making the best use out of the limited space they have. I truly wished I lived in the area so I could...

I've went to Urbana Boulders twice now. I'm in love! I went rock climbing at Upper Limits in Bloomington numerous times over the past few years but I am still very much a beginner. "Bouldering" is comparable in some ways but also different in others. In my opinion, you need more upper body strength and absolutely more bravery to boulder since you do not have a rope on you and could fall from quite a height! [Don't worry though, their floor is padded.] As a beginner, I think this is a great and fun activity for exercise. I like knowing as I advance and grow stronger, there are more difficult routes for me to boulder/go up. Plus they change them all the time so you're not left bored by routes you've already mastered! An amazing place with a super friendly and helpful team of associates. I highly...