Climbing Wall
Come climb with us! Learn your way around the rock wall, boulder, top rope, lead climb, and participate in clinics.
Climbing Wall Fall Hours
Bouldering is open anytime the building is open: Student Recreation Center
Supervised Climbing
Monday-Thursday: 5pm - 10pm
Friday: 5pm - 8pm
Top rope and lead climbing are only permitted during supervised climbing at the above hours.
Shoes, harness, and belay devices are available for rent.
During supervised climbing: top roping, lead climbing, and bouldering can take place.
Sign-Up for a Climbing Clinic
The ORC hosts rock climbing clinics throughout the year to teach different climbing styles, techniques, and skills. To learn more and register for an upcoming clinic, visit RecSportsStore.mines.edu.
Climbing Wall Gear Rentals
Gear for all rentals is checked in/out on a daily basis at the SRC front desk.
| Shoe Rental |
Harness Rental |
Belay Device Rental |
Gear Up Pass |
| $2 |
$2 |
$1 |
$50 |
|
|
|
|
Valid for one semester or entire summer.
Includes climbing shoes, harness, and belay device. |
Have a Minute? Learn Some New Skills!
ORC Climb Together Nights
Every Thursday the ORC climbing wall hosts climb together nights where two Mines clubs can sign up to reserve the wall and climbing equipment for their members to climb for the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do in order to climb at the climbing wall?
You need to come in and sign a Student Rec Center waiver if you have not already. In order to belay and climb at the wall, you must take and pass OUR belay test. You will need to demonstrate a mastery of the figure 8 follow through knot, all proper climbing communication, and the climber/belayer safety check. You will be tested on and you must use the P. B.U.S. (pull, brake, under, slide) belay method in our facility. We offer top rope and lead tests during the first half of our staffed hours, 5-7:30pm Monday through Thursday.
Do I need to have my own climbing gear to use the wall?
You do not need your own climbing gear to use the wall. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you have it, or you can rent from us. All gear rentals, including harnesses, shoes, and belay devices, are done through the SRC front desk for a small fee. The ORC also offers a 50$ Gear Up Pass that gets you all the wall rental gear you need for the rest of the semester.
What kind of climbing is available?
We offer bouldering, top rope climbing, and lead climbing
How often is the wall reset?
The setting team works most Sunday morning throughout the semester, resetting a section of the wall each week. The bouldering wall is generally completely reset 2-3 times per semester, and lead/top rope routes once per semester.
How do grades work?
The taped holds at the start of each boulder corresponds to the following grade ranges: Green - VO/V1, Yellow - V2/V3,
Orange - V4/V5, Blue - V6/V7, Red - V8+. See the chart hung at the wall for more guidance.
When can I come in to climb?
Anyone can come in and boulder when the SRC is open, but if you want to rope climb (top rope or lead), you must come in during our staffed rope hours. During the school year these hours are 5-10pm Monday through Thursday and 5-8pm on Fridays.
How can I learn how to belay or develop other climbing skills?
We offer a variety of clinics, from top rope and lead belaying to anchor building and trad climbing. The dates for these clinics can be found at the wall or the ORC front desk, or on the Rec Sports Store website. If you want to come in and ask questions, during rope hours, the wall staff would be more than happy to show you some basic skills to help you improve your climbing abilities.
I want to get outside and climb, how can I do that with Mines?
The ORC offers a ton of trips every semester, and a handful of these trips are always climbing based. If you are interested trying outdoor climbing in a supportive and guided environment, check out when the ORC is offering a trip you are interested in. You can sign up for those at the Rec Sports Store website.
How old do I have to be in order to climb?
You must be at least 16 years of age and have your parent or legal guardian sign a waiver for you if you are under 18.
What's up with the boulder outside the ORC?
We have an outdoor boulder on the west side of the building that is available for use. The ORC will rent crash pads for free for use at the outdoor boulder during our normal operating hours.
Contact Info
phone: 303-273-3184 email: adyer@mines.edu
