Philadelphia Rock Gym -East Falls

If you’re a member you get two free passes every month to bring friends, so I tag along every once in a while to reap the benefits of my friends’ memberships. Unfortunately, you can only use a guest pass once a month (so as a guest, if I come on August 1^st with a friends guest pass, I won’t be able to come again for free until September). One time I came on the last day of the month, thinking that I’d not been since the end of last month, but it was actually the beginning of the month that I came, so I just did clap pushups on the mats while my friends climbed… I could have paid, but I was kind of sick anyway so it didn’t feel worth it.
That being said, if I had to pay (if free passes were not an option — but please don’t take away the free passes though, this is hypothetical) I would still come every once in a while. There’s a really great community at PRG that makes it a really nice place to spend a few hours: everyone is really friendly and helpful, and when people do hard climbs they cheer each other on, it’s a great workout, AND you get to feel a small sense of accomplishment when you finish a climb that you’ve been working on for a while. There are tons of routes ranging from VB (beginner level) to V10 or 12? Maybe higher? They also have setters change up the walls every few weeks so there’s always new routes to try.
There’s also a small gym, a slack line, and another room that has rings and other random things that are supposed to make you a better climber.

I signed up for the rock climbing class at the wyncote location. Lee and Marissa were my trainers. The atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable! I felt overwhelmed by the rock walls around me but after my class, which was very thorough, I had enough knowledge and practices to climb. Lee and Marissa were patient and did not mind my questions. I was even able to take a boulder class which built on the training from the rock climbing class. Do I want to go outdoors and climb massive rocks now? No but I do know that the trainers I encountered today made me feel like I can come back to climb… and be confident!

I hadn’t been climbing in years and since I’m trying to build up my core and work out regularly, this was a fabulous working out alternative. The staff is very nice and know how to make you feel both safe and excited to climb! I recommend this place for all levels of climbing/​bouldering experience.

Great bouldering gym! They focus on bouldering and have interesting projects that they don’t change too often. So if you’re working on a project, expect to have time to master it. However, they don’t put much emphasis on top rope so if that’s your thing, go elsewhere.
There are plenty of classes are offered and some good deals of beginner intro packages.
The people there are always friendly and newbies are welcome!
I can get quite busy though, especially on Wednesday nights. Go Friday night or on the weekend and there aren’t as many people.

Came here through a Groupon deal which includes top rope and bouldering intro classes. We spent time with Derek and Conner, separate visits, and they were both friendly and helpful.
In general it seems like most people here like to spend time bouldering. Not too many people on top rope. However there are plenty of routes so it didn’t seem like space or crowds were an issue.
Lots of fun and great way to get some exercise in, still contemplating signing up for a membership.

I came here as a guest with my two cousins who are members. I love rock climbing and I really wanted to try this place because I don’t normally go indoor climbing besides a few times I have in the past at Doylestown RG. Unlike Doylestown Rock Gym, this gym does not let you practice your belay test before you test or give you multiple tries and get some instruction/​tips from an employee. If you mess up the slightest thing, like missing a loop in the harness the first time, they’ll fail you on spot and won’t let you take the test until next time you come in (which in my case was next month because they only let guests come in once a month). Later that evening, there was an incident where two people were climbing on one of the more difficult walls. The belayer got her finger caught in the ATC and couldn’t remove it, both people were also tangled in the air and the belayer was not on the ground able to bring the climber down. The fact that the belayer had no control over the climber in the first place is a safety hazard and shouldn’t have happened. It may or may not have been the top rope set up. The climber was also shouting for help during this incident and no employee was around to help, so my family had to pitch in the help them which was obviously no problem at all. However an employee should have been there to help these people. Overall I had a bad experience here and will not be coming back.

Great facility, but GOOD LORD it’s been getting so crowded on recent weeknights. Don’t expect a peaceful outing if you plan on going any time after 5:00pm.
To make a crowded situation worse, the kids team trains during these peak hours, making for some super frustrating experiences. They’re on a strict training schedule, so they end up cutting off members and taking over spots that were already being used.
Again, the facilities are amazing, especially if you’re bouldering-​oriented. It’s just too crowded right now. Maybe when this new gym opens up, things will change.

My husband and I just finished the bouldering instruction class. It was a little rough on my fingers and forearms but it was fun and the staff was friendly, funny and patient. In addition to learning how to get up and down the wall, there’s good instructions on thinking through what to do next, and how to fall properly. I did feel like the instruction time could have been longer, but even when we were trying it on our own staff was close by and helpful. We’d definitely go again.

I came here with a friend for a bouldering session. I have never bouldered before. I usually go top rope climbing every time I hit a rock climbing gym. The staff was pretty friendly and the bouldering test was like a couple minutes of practicing the proper way to free fall after that you a free to roam!
First off, this location is known for bouldering, which to my surprise I now enjoy way more than top rope climbing! It was very challenging and fun! You can top rope climb here, but the walls aren’t that high compared to other locations I have been to. Definitely do come here if you just want to Boulder. The grades seem pretty accurate here. I was only able to do up to a V3 my first time.
Second, everyone here is really friendly! Don’t be afraid to socialize with other climbers or ask for tips! You will definitely need rock climbing shoes. I made the mistake of not getting a pair from the front desk and just climbed in my sneakers, which made it difficult for me to get good footing on some of the holds.
Lastly, the location is easy to miss when driving here so drive slower and look for the signs to turn into a lot. Parking seems a bit sketchy with all the tow signs and markings, but it seems fine since a bunch of other cars were parking along the side rail or further down where there is actual parking spaces so it doesn’t seem to be an issue.

My bf and I bought the Living Social deal for an intro to climbing class and went for our anniversary. From scheduling on the phone to instruction in person, the experience was great! Wes took us through the facility and explained everything very well. We decided to do a bouldering session and practiced safe falling and some climbing. Something I did not realize was that the deal includes a 2 week membership, which Wes explained is super flexible; basically just call ahead and let them know you’re coming in. When we first started climbing I got a little bit nervous thinking about trying it myself just because I’m afraid of heights but it really wasn’t bad at all and by the end of the tour we were walking around on top of a ‘boulder.’ (Yeah, sure, I was definitely still nervous, but whatever, I made it!) This is just a really chill place to learn and practice and I am so glad we gave it a try.
Tips: The parking situation was a little sketchy because of the tow signs hanging up but we weren’t hassled so I don’t think its something to worry about.
You can fill out the waiver online, saving time so that when you roll in you can throw on a pair of their well-​worn climbing shoes and get started!
And finally, I know this will be a huge DUH/​who cares? for most people but I just wasn’t thinking about it: there’s chalk everywhere so do yourself a favor and wear lighter (or just not black) colored pants to avoid chalk-​cheeks :D

3.5 stars. Rounding up because climbing here was a really really great time. My one gripe was the attitude I got from one of the guys behind the counter. I hadn’t bouldered in quite a long time before coming to Philly Rock Gym and I developed a couple of blisters about an hour into climbing here. When a friend and I approached the front desk to ask for tape, this guy looked at us as if we had asked an absolutely preposterous question. He looked at me with a bit of a smirk and pulled out some tape. Okay, I know I don’t look like you’re typical rock gym-​goer, but I can still climb. So check your judgment, bro. Otherwise, my actual climbing experience was a fantastic use of my afternoon.
I came here with a couple of friends — one of whom has a membership here. Our membership-​bearing friend only boulders here, so in order to climb with her, my other friend and I needed to take a bouldering test. While some may shudder at the realization that you’ll need to be watched/​assessed, this really isn’t that bad. If you have any experience climbing, you’ll be fine — I hadn’t climbed in a couple years and it came right back. Just about knowing/​trusting your body.
While I’ve only been to a handle of rock gyms in my life, this one stacked up pretty well. The most recent rock gym I’ve been to is in SoCal, and the gyms out there are NICE. Far more amenities than I’ve experienced in Philly. Full gyms, locker rooms, some even have yoga… you will not find this here. They do have a couple of workout machines, though. For me, none of that other stuff really matters because I already have a gym membership. I go to rock gyms on occasion when I want to mix up my workout routine, and this is certainly unlike most things you’ll find out there.
So more on the facility: Great variety in boulder «routes» (I don’t know what they’re actually called) — they’re labeled based on difficulty so you can easily survey the options and find your difficulty range. I absolutely loved bouldering here and found that the longer I climbed, the more faith I had in myself to try things that initially looked out of my comfort zone. It’s a very satisfying workout — both physically and mentally!
Last note: They have kids walls, so bring your youngins! I had my 5^th birthday party at a rock gym growing up and it’s debatably the best party I’ve ever had. I was an impossibly hyper child, so if you’re looking to tire your children out because they have a seemingly endless amount of energy (sorry mom and dad), this could be a good option.

This was my first time at this location with my family but not my first time rock climbing. I gave it 3 stars because the location was extremely dusty and the ventilation system is non existing or does not exists. This is a safety issue. I enjoyed my instructor for the intro class. I attended with my three children and husband. It was a great experience for us. The children lost interests mid way through the technical part. The class should be more kids friendly. We will go climbing again. But not that location.

SO MUCH FUN,
and so many hunks. ^.^
Bf and I bought the groupon and have had such a blast in the belay climbing and the bouldering climbing. Bouldering is especially fun and a GREAT workout. Wow I’d love to get a membership but it’s a bit far from our humble south philly abode. :\
But seriously, all the staff rock and are just fun to be around. They seem to love getting ppl into climbing because they find it fun, …and as luck so has it– contrary to my dreaded fear of heights/​edges– so do I! :D
Derek was our instructor today and he was terrific. Very good analogies, especially to hang loose in the arms like an orangutan as opposed to stiff in the arms and shoulders. The guy who may be the owner (tall older-​looking Asian guy) was great, too! We were 5 mins late so he just started with the other pair, which we totally understood and he caught us up at the end which was nice.

Fun time at heart burn!

This is an impressive rock gym, not that I’ve been to many in my day but I was impressed when I walked in. There is a lot going on and all types of courses available to people of all levels. I rock climbed once in my life but it was one of those fairs where they put you in a harness. When I went here, I had to take a «test» and failed miserably because I realized too late that the type of rock climbing that I was about to do wasn’t the same as what I experienced. Even though I had a good time overall (and incredibly sore the next several days), I was put off by one of the staff members who was pretty harsh when I didn’t pass his «test.» He kept telling me to «land on my back» and I knew enough to know that was very wrong. After my attempt at what he wanted and him saying «No, that was terrible,» THEN he clarified by landing on my feet followed by falling back.
I want to go back but I don’t feel welcomed after being treated that way. Its unprofessional to speak to customer in that manner and I was obviously there to learn. I wouldn’t tell people not to go there, but I won’t be there anytime soon.

My son and I had a blast at PRG! We came here as a group for a school event. It was an amazing mother/​son night. The staff was friendly and the kids were entertained. The rock walls range from challenging to more challenging. My son wanted to try them all. I completed one climb and was satisfied with myself. I was a bit skeptical but perked up when a family that was exiting as we were coming in said «it’s a blast.» I have to agree. My son wants to have a birthday party here. That may definitely be in his future :) The gym is a bit hard to locate in the back of Sherman Mills but when you get there, be prepared to have fun and break a sweat.

Whether experienced or beginner climber, there’s some good and some bad. We have both people, so let’s get into it…
The beginner says the class was very well instructed, felt after it ended that they would be able to climb and belay with confidence. Also, had a groupon for the class plus 2 week trial and rentals for that day for $ 22, so no complaints there. But the class was delayed because some people showed up much later than the start time, and that’s just annoying. They give classes every hour, so I’d rather you piss off the people who aren’t punctual than punish the people who are. The other issue is after the class ended, I can count on one hand how many climbs were a low enough grade to complete, so it’s somewhat discouraging.
The experienced one says that this place is only for people who want to boulder. If that’s your thing, you’ll love it, they have tons of routes at varying difficulty. But if not, don’t bother. I’ve climbed in other east coast gyms and in California, but this gyms rankings are all over the place. There is no more technique needed on a 5 – 11 compared to a 5 – 9, just more strength. I guess why use balance and heel hooks when you can do pull-​ups all day long…
Takeaway — Go here to boulder, but go elsewhere to belay climb.

We came here from a groupon bought and had no clue what to expect.
After taking a brief but thorough class I felt comfortable trusting my dude would keep me alive (this was my first time climbing). Heights aren’t exactly ‘my thing’ I mean I’m not scared of heights, but they’re not my favorite.
PRG has all sorts of levels and is accommodating to everyone. The equipment can all be rented there so no need to worry about that. Just come ready to surpass your expectations on what you’ll be able to do.

Had skeptical face the whole drive to PRG. Where was this place??? We drove down this supposed two way street called Scotts Lane which was narrower than my Asian eyes. When we turned into the «parking lot» (read: not really a parking lot) I was not expecting much, but then we walked in the front door and I was amazed by both how spacious it was and the cute guy at the front desk. With a winning smile. I hope he reads this. I have several single girlfriends I would like to introduce you to.
Friend and I signed up for a lesson. On the waiver/​medical form under the question «Please list any medical problems that the staff should be aware of» I wrote «Deathly allergic to cats. Please do not release any cats on me. I am still allergic to them even up on a wall.» Cute guy came over with harnesses and said «okay, just so you guys know these harnesses are made from cat skin.» Funny AND cute??? Nooooo. That was disappointing because that meant he couldn’t possibly be single. Right?
Lesson was really really thorough. He let us ask a zillion questions and really made sure we understood what we needed to do to climb safely. I liked that he let us joke around but then when it came to teaching us the techniques he really tried to emphasize getting in the habit of doing certain things in order to climb safely. That’s important because I was climbing with someone whose nicely painted nails could be heard breaking on the holds. I had very little hope that if I fell she would be able to properly catch me.
Girly-​girl friend and I have been back one other time since, practicing the skillz we learned and we really enjoy this place. They have lots of top rope courses although the ceiling isn’t super duper tall. But clearly the winner of this gym is the HUGE HUGE bouldering section in the middle of the gym. It seems that most people come here for that. It more extensive than the other rock climbing gym I’ve been to in CC. I pretended to do it for a split second and hurt myself in that second. That crap is hard. I’d have to lose 60lbs and gain 20lbs in muscle to do it I think.
Only thing missing from this gym was a locker room. I didn’t see one. They have bathrooms and a water fountain and lots of cubbies for your stuff but it would be nice to have a changing room for those of us coming straight from work and we’re not in the climbing uniform which I have learned is NOT the same as running clothes. ⁹⁄₁₀ climbers came in cargos and tanktops showing off your rippling muscles oh and your hipster eyeglasses.
Anyway, going again today. Have brought a new person every time because when I find something I love I force it on everybody. Like Unilocal.Crossing my fingers that my forearms will survive this time around. Doubtful. Premedicating as I write.

Just opened, newest addition to the PRG family. Really amazing and great bouldering all around the gym. They have both topping out and not. Probably some of the best bouldering I have seen at a rock gym so far (i’ve been to around 5 or 6).
They also have a lot of top rope courses, but the building itself is not very tall, leading to much shorter courses. In addition, there is a small area for lead climbing.
The top roping, although there are a lot, are not that good, considering the height issue (same for lead).
Great gym for beginners and those looking to boulder, but not so great for those looking to get some indoor high climbs.