Your Guide to the Best Dallas Rock Climbing Gym
If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas or DFW, consider visiting a local rock climbing gym! Before you dismiss it, hear me out. Rock climbing is an amazing workout. It’s a full-body exercise that builds strength, cardio, and endurance. Plus, it’s really fun! Give it a try!
Autumn here! The first time I ever rock climbed was at summer camp in middle school. I strapped in and scaled that wall like nobody’s business. Unfortunately, there was a wasp in one of the higher placed rocks, and I got stung three quarters of the way up. Injured but undeterred, I ignored everyone telling me to come down and climbed the wall until I rang the huge brass bell at the top. That day, I learned two things.
- I am not afraid of heights!
- Rock climbing is extremely fun!
After that, my love of the sport grew. I joined an intramural rock climbing team in college, and I convinced all my friends to come climbing with me at least once. And now that I’m writing a blog, you know I have to convince you to climb too! Just give it a try — you’ll gain core and upper body strength, improve your body awareness, and maybe even boost your courage and confidence.
The best part is, there are plenty of gyms to choose from! So, if you’re ready, give rock climbing a shot, Here are our top picks for the best rock climbing gyms in Dallas and the DFW area.
Here’s What’s Up Dallas!
Table of Contents
- Best Dallas Rock Climbing Gym: Movement Gym
- Runner-Up: Bouldering Project
- Honorable Mentions: Canyon Climbing Gym, The Blok, Dyno-Rock
- Summary
Best Dallas Rock Climbing Gym: Movement Gym
There is one huge reason Movement Gym is the best rock climbing gym in DFW. It’s the number of locations. With spots in Dallas Design District, The Hill in North Dallas, Grapevine, Plano, Denton and Fort Worth, you can find Movement Gym all over DFW. Not only that, if you sign up for a gym membership, you’ll have access to all the locations, including those in different states.
Movement Gym offers more than just convenience, though. It features a full gym — separate from the rock climbing walls — and lounge areas where community events are sometimes held! It’s the perfect place for rock climbing enthusiasts, fitness lovers, and anyone wanting to be part of a friendly, active community.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or new to the sport, Movement Gym has something for everyone!
Gym Membership Options
So here is the make or break point for whether or not, Movement Gym will be your favorite gym. It all comes down to one thing: Pricing.
If you sign up for Movement Gym’s membership, you pay a fair amount each month but because you have unlimited climbing visits, it ends up being really affordable! A single membership gives you unlimited access to all locations, including rock climbing gyms outside of Texas. Membership perks include free yoga and fitness classes, guest passes, and discounted rates on climbing classes and retail items. Plus, members get exclusive invites to community events and climbing excursions!
BUT, what if you don’t want a membership…
Well then, pay up bud because it won’t be cheap! That $22 day pass doesn’t include a $5 harness, $6 shoes, $2 chalk or tax. Entering the year 2025, expect to pay about $35 when all is said and done. Hopefully, $35 for a few awesome hours of fun doesn’t break the bank, but if you’re like, woah, what happened to having a good time on a dime? Are there any cheaper options, skip down to our honorable mentions and take a look at Dyno-Rock!
Rock Climbing Wall Types for Every Skill Level
Assuming you’re still down to give Movement Gym a chance, each location is equipped with state-of-the-art climbing walls catering to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the ropes or an advanced climber tackling challenging overhangs, Movement Gym’s variety keeps every session fresh. Expect top-rope climbing (involves a harness and a rope), lead climbing (emulates outdoor climbing), and extensive bouldering areas (short climbing walls without any rope). All of these walls have new routes set regularly to keep the experience exciting and challenging. At the Grapevine location, there is also an entire auto belay section, meaning if you want to climb with a harness but don’t have a partner, you can still scale 40+ feet without fear!
Gym Classes and Training
Movement Gym offers a variety of classes tailored to all fitness and climbing goals. Beginners can sign up for introductory climbing courses to build confidence and skills, while seasoned climbers can take advanced technique workshops. Outside of climbing, the gym also features yoga classes, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and mobility sessions to complement your fitness journey.
Gym Social Groups and Community
Climbing doesn’t have to be a solo sport; it’s also a community activity! Movement Gym hosts group climbing sessions, meetups, and even leagues where climbers can connect and compete in a friendly, supportive environment. Climb with friends or meet new ones. Either way, you have the chance to feel part of a community that shares your passion for adventure. As someone who joined an intramural climbing league, I can attest: it’s super fun and a great way to add positively to your life!
Fitness Beyond Climbing
As we mentioned previously, Movement Gym locations aren’t just about climbing; they offer full gym amenities, including free weights, cardio machines, and functional training equipment. This makes it easy to combine climbing and fitness training in one place.
Rock Climbing Excursions and Outdoor Adventures
Okay, this is the other reason why Movement Gym is the best! If you’re looking to take your climbing beyond the indoor walls, this gym is for you! Movement Gym frequently organizes outdoor climbing excursions and trips to some of the best climbing destinations in DFW. These outings are guided by experienced climbers and the perfect way to conquer new heights, meet adventurers, and stay active.
And there you have it! With its unbeatable number of locations, amenities, and opportunities to connect, it’s no wonder Movement Gym is a DFW favorite. Ready to visit? Check out their website to find a location near you and start the climb today!
Runner Up Rock Climbing Gym Dallas: Bouldering Project
Movement Gym is our top pick for top rope rock climbing in DFW. But if you prefer climbing shorter walls without ropes or harnesses, the Bouldering Project is a great choice. Located in the Design District, it offers a true bouldering experience.
The Bouldering Project isn’t just a gym either! It’s a total community hub. People co-work, hang out, and of course, climb. With sprawling bouldering walls, creative routes, and weekly resets, this gym offers plenty of variety and challenges for climbers of all levels. Unlike regular climbing gyms, the focus here is just on bouldering, giving you a more exciting and focused climbing experience. And if you’re new to bouldering, the Bouldering Project has beginner classes to help you build confidence and hone your skills.
So if you’re okay with falling (onto a soft mat, of course) and enjoy tackling shorter (albeit harder) walls, the Bouldering Project is for you! Buy a membership or a $25 day pass, and get your butt over there!
Can’t Forget the Amenities!
Remember, Bouldering Project has more than just walls! It has…
- A Café which offers snacks, coffee, and drinks, perfect for refueling after an intense climb.
- Yoga and Fitness Classes to complement your climbing with strength and mobility training.
- Co-working Spaces that make it easy to transition between work and workouts.
- And Community Events like movie nights, climbing competitions, and meetups that foster a sense of connection.
So, if you love the simplicity and excitement of bouldering, this gym might become your favorite climbing spot in DFW. Visit their website to learn more and plan your first climb!
Honorable Mentions: Canyon Climbing Gym, The Blok, and Dyno-Rock
While Movement Gym and the Bouldering Project tend to dominate the climbing scene in DFW, these honorable mentions bring unique vibes and climbing options worth exploring:
Rock Climbing Gym Frisco: Canyon Climbing Gym
Perfect for families or climbers just starting out, Canyon Climbing Gym focuses on fostering a welcoming environment. They have bouldering and top-rope walls with routes for beginners. Advanced climbers can find a few challenges too. The gym is small, but makes up for it with personal attention. It’s a favorite for low-key climbers.
Rock Climbing Gym Fort Worth: The Blok
If you’re looking for a gym with heart and a strong focus on bouldering, The Blok is the place to be. It’s known for its creative, well-thought-out routes and a lively community of climbers. The cozy space creates a close-knit vibe you won’t get at larger gyms, making it a fun and supportive spot to improve your bouldering skills.
Rock Climbing Gym Arlington: Dyno-Rock
And last but not least, we have Dyno Rock! As one of the longest-standing climbing gyms in the area, Dyno-Rock is a nostalgic favorite for climbers who’ve been scaling walls for years. With towering top-rope routes and a laid-back vibe, it’s great for anyone looking to spend a few hours climbing without a massive crowd. BIG bonus points for its approachable staff and affordability! I mean, just look at those specials! That’s a good time on a dime!
Summary
Movement Gym is the best, particularly if you like top-rope climbing, want to go on outdoor excursions, and are open to purchasing a membership! However Bouldering Project may be the best gym for you if love bouldering, and the idea of co-working appeals to you. And if you live outside of Dallas or don’t mind a little drive, then you can check out Canyons Climbing Gym, The Blok or Dyno-Rock gyms for different options, all of which are cheaper and offer a different feel!
No matter where you go, each of these gyms has its own charm! Be it technical challenges, community, or a convenient workout, these gyms offer something for every climbing enthusiast! To learn about more things to do in Dallas and DFW, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and explore our website. And if you want to get active in a different way, check out our upcoming post on recreational soccer.
