New York City’s climbing community has grown so much in the past few years. When I started climbing, there were two climbing gyms in NYC. Now there are seven.
More and more people are becoming involved with the sport and some of them have become really strong. Many of them also go climb outdoors on the weekends. The nice thing is that you can climb somewhere as close as Central Park if you live on Manhattan.
The largest rock is where I started climbing and is called Rat Rock close to Columbus Circle. Another place is called Worthless Boulder and is on 110 street. There are also a few climbs in Fort Tryon Park that are pretty fun. For some more climbs, you can get out to the Gunks or Ice Pond which are both upstate. The Gunks is filled with boulderers, sport climbers and traditional climbers on the weekends. Ice Pond is a nice area with lots of bouldering.
Anyway, here are my four favorite places to climb in New York City.
Rat Rock
Rat Rock will always be one of my favorite places to climb and it’s in the heart of NYC!
Cat Rock
Cat Rock is a tall boulder with some awesome climbs. Here is a shot of me from a few year ago latching on to the top.
The Gunks
The Gunks has some amazing bouldering and rope climbing! A great place for a peaceful/fun weekend at only one hour away from the city.
Ice Pond
Ice Pond in Upstate is a quiet area with many fun boulders. There are climbs from V0- V12. It’s a great place to go with a few of your friends.
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