Climbing Gyms in LA

Hey everyone, I'm moving to LA from Virginia for college (Occidental), and I've done some research and there are so many gyms in LA and I was just wondering if anyone here had any preference/opinions/insight as to which ones I should check out or stay away from. Much appreciated!!

Depends on what part of LA you want to be climbing in -- LA is a huge region in terms of car drive time because of the traffic.  If you are looking for a gym in downtown, then definitely Stronghold.

Sender One LAX, Cliffs of Id, The Stronghold, and Hollywood Boulders are all Excellent gyms in LA.

If you're at Occidental you're really too far away to use Sender One or Cliffs of Id. Stronghold is nearby. There's supposed to be a new Touchstone gym opening in Pasadena in 2018, too, which is close to you.

You will be just a few minutes from The Stronghold.  I am not a fan of gyms but the Stronghold is pretty fun and unique. 

Touchstone is definitely the best value in the area. Membership gives you access to Cliffs of Id, Hollywood Boulders, LA Boulders, Verdigo Boulders, the upcoming Pasadena gym, not to mention the Fresno, Sacramento, and Bay Area gyms.

LA Boulders is downtown and Verdigo Boulders is in Burbank, around 20 minute drive from Occidental (not during rush hour). Stronghold is a little closer and has roped climbing as well.

I was going to mention LA Boulders as well.  The Stronghold is a good lead venue but I think they really miscalculated when designing their bouldering area.  In contrast, LA Boulders has that covered.  Both fun gyms, but for very different reasons.  If you intend on doing some post workout socializing, LA Boulders is close to the Arts District, Little Tokyo, Angel City Brewery and other trendy (but fun) places.  Pick your poison. 

I’d just go to the closest one which I think for you would be Hangar 18 in arcadia. Not the best gyms but very cheap and good enough. I think you can pay 270 upfront for the year or 30/month for students. Plus, there are usually lots of young people in their 20’s probably because of the low cost. 

Don B wrote: I’d just go to the closest one which I think for you would be Hangar 18 in arcadia. Not the best gyms but very cheap and good enough. I think you can pay 270 upfront for the year or 30/month for students. Plus, there are usually lots of young people in their 20’s probably because of the low cost. 

Actually, it's farther from Oxy than LAB, Verdigo, and Stronghold.

Hi there. I work at OXY and go to Stronghold. I think it is really the closest gym to the campus and I know a lot of students go there. Stronghold is a great gym IMO.

Go to Stronghold if it’s the closest. :) I live in the South Bay Area of L.A. and go to Sender One which is awesome but I would never drive far to go to it.