Boulders Climbing Gym - East

Used to work here and the improvements are very noticeable. Friendly staff. Good deal for kids under 10.

Great place. Woody was super nice and helped us get set up since we were in from Chicago. Routes weren't too easy either!

There are three reasons for this review: the crowds, the facilities, and the pricing structure. …

One star for the fact that a bouldering gym exists in Madison, another star for the fantastic employees and community. My criticism is strictly for management.I frequent Boulders because I love to climb and have no other choice but to climb here because this place has no competition. I sacrifice a significant part of my budget to shell out a student "discount" at a hefty $80/month and am giving a low review because I do not feel like the facilities justify such a crazy price. As others have mentioned, most gyms around the country offer at least 3x as much wall space, a -nice- gym, and maybe a yoga studio, with memberships rarely exceeding $50.Oftentimes when I go to Boulders East, it smells like feet. Climbing here anytime after 4pm on a weekday wants me to rip my ovaries out. Packs of kids are running around with no self awareness or respect of other climber's space or safety (I cannot tell you how many times I've been bouldering on a wall only to find a kid lying on the floor or climbing below me); it genuinely feels like a daycare. Since I am paying a "discount" membership of $80/month, I really do not feel bad complaining about this. I understand that kids want to climb, but to have them congregate in the weightlifting room and sprinting around the walls screaming is dangerous and extremely disrespectful to other members who may sacrifice a lot to be there. The entire gym becomes nearly unusable. And yes, I know there are two locations, but some of us cannot make it to the other location for whatever reason and, I'll say it again, for $80 a month I should not have to plan so hard to not have packs of kids ruining my climbing session. PLEASE take better care of disciplining these groups of kids.Again, I adore the community and lovely workers at Boulders, but it's ridiculous for Boulders to charge so much money for what they offer. I understand that renting the downtown location raises the prices, but that is not making this gym more inclusive. Sure, some people without a car can get there easier, but the Madison buses don't just go to capitol square (the most expensive place to rent along a bus route)! These prices are pushing away people who cannot afford these prices and there is really no good excuse for that. Please consider all of the marginalized communities who wish to climb but cannot afford these prices. If prices continue to rise, many people, including me, will simply not be able to afford this. It seems like Boulders values inclusivity only if you can pay for it (i.e. ignoring socioeconomic privilege as a whole). If there are cheaper options for membership, they are not advertised.

It seems like there's one person working and about 100 people here. Also, it seems like 3 or 4 of the autobelays are down, which really limits the climbing for younger and inexperienced climbers. I feel bad for the one guy working.

Great place to have fun with friends. Good and safety equipments. Highly recommend for students who would like to do something different on weekends

Took a group of 4 teens, including first time climbers. Staff was very patient explaining everything and not rushing them. Love this place!

We had a great time with our family here. The staff was kind and knowledgeable, and made us feel welcome and safe.

Fun fun fun. Good prices and friendly staff. For someone who doesn't climb at all, I had a blast with my family.

Great place, great people. It's best to go when no one else is here so you don't have to worry about your surroundings as much