Reach New Heights
Welcome to The WELL Climbing Wall! Whether you’re trying climbing for the first time or you’re an experienced climber, our facility offers something for every skill level. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you get started, answer questions, and support you as you progress.
Explore a variety of routes ranging from beginner-friendly climbs to advanced challenges, with new routes set approximately every two months to keep the experience fresh. Climbing shoes and harnesses are provided at no additional cost, and chalk is available for purchase at the Equipment Desk.
Bouldering is available during all The WELL operating hours. Before your first visit, all climbers are required to complete the Climbing Wall Safety Orientation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Rock climbing is a fun, full-body activity that builds strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and problem-solving skills while challenging you both physically and mentally. Complete the Safety Orientation, then stop by the Climbing Wall to get started—we look forward to seeing you on the wall!
All members must complete the Climbing Wall Safety Orientation before their first visit to the Climbing Wall. This orientation is your first step toward climbing safely and gives you access to bouldering during all The WELL operating hours.
Once you have completed the orientation, you may rent climbing shoes and boulder whenever The WELL is open. The orientation also qualifies you to participate in top-rope climbing during staffed climbing hours.
To complete the orientation, watch the safety video and earn a score of 100% on the Orientation Quiz below. Don’t worry if you don’t pass on the first try—you may retake the quiz as many times as needed. If you prefer, a Climbing Wall Attendant can also provide the orientation in person during Top Rope hours.
Beginner Climbing Challenge
Ready to try indoor rock climbing for the first time? Hornet Hill is The WELL’s signature beginner climbing route, designed to introduce new climbers to the sport in a fun, supportive environment.
No registration is required—simply visit The WELL Climbing Wall during Top Rope Climbing Hours and ask our staff to climb Hornet Hill.
Hornet Hill is also a popular activity for First-Year Experience (FYE) classes, student organizations, residence halls, and team-building events. It’s a fun way to build confidence, encourage collaboration, and introduce groups to indoor climbing in a safe, welcoming environment.
Interested in bringing your class or group? Contact climbing@unionwellinc.org to schedule a Hornet Hill experience.
Take your climbing to the next level with The WELL’s FREE climbing clinics and workshops! Whether you’re brand new to indoor rock climbing or looking to build advanced climbing skills, our experienced attendants offer hands-on coaching in a fun and supportive environment.
Climbing at The WELL is included with your membership, and all of the clinics below are offered at no additional cost unless otherwise noted at registration. For questions or to schedule a private clinic or group climbing experience, contact climbing@unionwellinc.org.
- Intro to Climbing
Perfect for first-time climbers, this beginner-friendly clinic covers climbing wall safety, basic climbing movement, equipment use, and one-on-one instructor coaching and belays.
Can’t make one of the scheduled sessions? Intro to Climbing clinics can also be arranged for classes, groups, or individuals by contacting climbing@unionwellinc.org.
- Top Rope Belay Clinic
Learn the fundamentals of top-rope climbing and belaying at the Climbing Wall. Participants will develop the skills needed to belay safely and work toward top-rope certification.
- Lead Climbing Clinic
Ready to move beyond top rope? Learn the fundamentals of lead climbing and lead belaying, including clipping techniques, lead falls, catching falls, and rope management in a controlled environment.
Prerequisite: Participants must be Top Rope Certified at The WELL before attending.
Weekly Topics
- October 7: Foundations of Climbing Movement
- October 14: Positioning: Opposition and the Direction of Pull
- October 21: Dynamic Movement: Mastering Coordination and Momentum
- October 28: Mindful Beta: Route Reading and Problem Solving
Prerequisite: Participants must be Lead Certified or have completed at least one Lead Climbing Clinic before attending.
Take your climbing beyond the gym and build the skills needed for outdoor sport climbing. The Gym to Crag Series is a four-week instructional program designed for climbers who are ready to expand their knowledge of outdoor climbing systems, equipment, and safety practices. Each session combines hands-on instruction with practical skills that will help prepare you for climbing outside.
Whether you’re planning your first outdoor climbing trip or looking to strengthen your technical knowledge, this series provides a solid foundation in essential climbing techniques.
Weekly Topics
- October 2: Single-Pitch Sport Climbing
- October 9: Anchor Building Fundamentals
- October 16: Cams & Crack Climbing Basics
- October 23: Multi-Pitch Climbing Skills
Registration
- $5 – Full four-week series
- $2 – Individual weekly session
Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended.
Share the excitement of indoor rock climbing with the whole family during Family Climb at The WELL Climbing Wall! This special program gives WELL Members and Sacramento State One Card holders the opportunity to introduce their families to climbing in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment.
Our experienced Climbing Wall staff provide all required harnesses and assistance to help climbers of all experience levels enjoy the wall. Due to equipment requirements, all child participants must weigh at least 25 pounds.
Select Saturdays
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Eligibility
- Open exclusively to WELL Members and Sacramento State One Card holders
- Maximum of four family members per WELL Member / One Card holder
Pricing
WELL Members
- Adult: Free
- Children: $5 per child (up to four children)
Sacramento State One Card Holders
- Adult: $5
- Children: $10 per child (up to four children)
Bring your family, make lasting memories, and discover why climbing is one of the most fun and engaging ways to stay active together!
