Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym

Address:	9700 N 91st Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345, USA
Phone:	+1 623-242-9164
Site:	apeindex.net
Rating:	4.3
Working:	3–10PM 3–10PM 3–10PM 3–10PM 3–10PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Dan Erickson

Best Part: The Walls & Equipment - Lots of different paths with different levels of difficulty; used brand name climbing equipment Worst Part: Atmosphere - 2 Main problems: 1) No A/C in 113 degree weather is miserable! 2) It was uncomfortable being a "non-expert" climber. We went in with a groupon, and it was pretty effortless to get in and get equipped. The safety tour was thorough and well-done, even if the staff member was less than enthused about doing it. There were tons of possible walls to climb, and they even had two self-belay options, which was great! The available walls were perfect for beginners and still difficult for experts. However, there were multiple times where more "expert" climbers climbed over me (apparently they wanted to climb where I was trying and I wasnt going fast enough). The most annoying part was that there was a group of hippie experts that camped out at the best part of the place, and made it impossible for anyone else to use the easy paths of it. Even though they werent using it the whole time, they still staked their claim, and therefore I never got a chance to try it. It was more than annoying when I realized that one of the members of their group worked there - he should have known better and been professional enough to help his group let others take turns. I was not the only person who was obviously waiting for a chance to try, but they just kept their "claim". In the moments when we didnt have experts making us feel uncomfortable and found a wall to ourselves, we had a really great time. Really - aside from absolutely NO A/C (only utility fans), it was a really well-equipped place. If the management were to revisit some of their policies and make a more comfortable environment for both experts and beginners, I would go to this place as often as possible!

Mykaela Talpai

We went here for our first rock climbing experience & it was horrible. The instructor taught us only halfway & then left me with my fiancé up in the air wondering how to get him down! Then we were asked to move to another wall because there was a class, but the back wall was shut down, the globe was under construction & the vertical wall you can climb in the middle was taped off. So four walls. We were only there a short time when we decided to leave because we had climbed all the walls & the ones we had heard were the best we couldnt use. I called the next day because the staff were dealing with an injury when we left & talked to a manager to just say we would have liked a warning that so many walls were down & we would have waited to come another night. He yelled at me saying that only one wall was down but when I explained there was four he told me its my fault for not looking at the community board! I had never been climbing & did not know what a community board was. After trying to explain why it was frustrating to pay full price for only half the gym he told me its my own problem I didnt check the board & we ended the call. I have never dealt with such a rude manager or bad service at a gym! Dont go here unless you "check the community board" because thats apparently a responsibilty you have.

Anonymous User

I am very impressed with Ape index on multiple levels. From the moment I first walked in, I was taken by the incredibly friendly and welcoming owner, staff, and members. In the past couple months I’ve watched the knowledgeable owner and staff orient new climbers of all ages. They never cease to maintain patience and kindness during these interactions. Additionally, they are very safety conscious. This is evident in both their orientation and continuous rounding to ensure everyone is practicing safe climbing. In terms of climbing, Ape Index offers climbing and bouldering for climbers of all levels. Presently, they are working on expanding their bouldering area. Once complete, boulders will be able to experience a 16-foot wall with two feet of padding below. My seven-year-old son and I love going to Ape. I would highly recommend it whether you are an experienced climber looking for a good workout, or simply looking for a fun activity to do with the kids.

david boring

Ive been going for a few months now and it is an awesome gym! They just redid all the routes and there are plenty of lower level paths now, which makes it easier for beginners. The staff and members are very friendly and helpful. They just started a technique tuesday class where you can get some help, but dont be afraid to ask anyone hanging around. Ive gotten a lot of help on routes from the regulars. Ive been to other gyms around town and elsewhere and this is the best one I have been too. Ive never seen so many different types of walls, as well as the auto belays and slack lines. They also have a treadwall, but its not working right now. Oh and theres some gym equipment above the bouldering den. Lots of fun stuff!

Xandish Steves

Lots of room and tall walls and not a bad place if you dont mind the typical "know-it-all-staff" who treat you more like you are a bother than an actual paying customer. Safety is definitely no 1 so if you would actually like to do some real rock climbing, go somewhere else...like outside. They told me that my harness loop could break while I am belaying my 70 pound son. Whatever! Little too much pot? Im surprised that they dont have a ladder up every route to ensure everyones safety. Their policy is likely this..."we take your money and dont get hurt because we dont want you to try and sue us...cause you will lose because of the waiver that you signed."

Anonymous User

Staff - Excellent Prices - Lower than anyone else Safety - Superior, good equipment and good training Ive been a climber for 10 years and I visited this place for the first time last week. I cant believe Ive been climbing at Solid Rock for the entire year Ape Index has been open. The walls are unique, and there had to be over 200 routes there, easy stuff, intermediate stuff, and sick hard stuff, creative routes too. Not to mention I went last Friday and it was "Military Night". They let me climb for half price. I think they do this every month. Definitely check it out.

Stevie Imperatrice

Best gym Ibe been to! The staff are very friendly and helpful. The walls are the most unique Ive seen from any other climbing gym in Arizona. The features are amazing! There are so many routes, and a large range of difficulty. The members are also super helpful, they are more than willing to help you out on a route if you want it. The atmosphere of this gym is welcoming and relaxed, never once did I feel like I was being judged on how hard I climb. I recommend strongly!

Andrew Daniels

Slightly biased, as this is the first climbing gym Ive been to. Nevertheless, the staff has been friendly and able to answer all of my questions. My only complaint is the lack of A/C- they use swamp coolers- but, frankly, you dont really notice it once you get on the wall. Ive looked around at pricing for some of the other gyms in the valley, and Ape Index is the most competitive, especially in terms of the $40 month to month membership. Ill keep coming back!