Berkeley Ironworks

Address:	800 Potter St, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
Phone:	+1 510-981-9900
Site:	touchstoneclimbing.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	6AM–10PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–10PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

David Douglas

I called ahead and asked questions about my wife an I coming down. They said just come on down, pay the day pass, and use whatever equipment or walls you want till closing. So, we went through 45 minutes of traffic to get there. Once we were there, nobody greeted us, so I approached a lady and asked her if we can climb. She said, go fill out the waiver, and pointed at a computer by the door. My wife and I filled out the waiver, paid the $40.00 to climb plus the $10.00 for gear rental. Once we did that we waited around for about 15 minutes to get shoes. Once we got our shoes, we were ready to have some fun, then they said, "since your new, you cant belay but you can boulder. I asked if someone could refresh me on the belay and someone could teach my wife real quick to belay. They said no, you have to come back tomorrow for a class. They then said you can test to see if you know how to do it. I said, if someone can test us, why cant someone show my wife how to do it? Their reply, "we dont have a belay class at this time" I will never come to this gym again. If people are there to test your knowledge, why cant they help refresh or teach? Its pretty damn simple to use a belay, come on. Its just another case of poor customer service that is plaguing this country. If it were my gym and someone wanted to pay $50.00 to use it for the two hours left in the day, I would provide the customer service they deserve.

Aaron Lee

Joined about 3 months ago because i wanted to start rock climbing. Walking distance from where I work, so I get to do a quick lunch workout 3 to 4 times a week. Parking is a problem during lunch time (sometimes need to wait 5 minutes in the parking lot before somebody leaves), but after 6PM, can use neighboring business lot so night time parking not a problem. Great climbing gym of course - plenty of boulder problems and climbing routes for all ranges of abilities from beginner to advanced, even a couple of cracks. Staff pretty friendly and helpful when you get to know them. At least one new section of problems and routes every 1-2 weeks to keep things fresh and interesting. Wished bouldering wall was higher. Wish they had some kind of hourly signup system for belay partners for people who dont have regular climbing partners. Pretty good spinning class that I tried one time, treadmills always available, not too many weight machines, but plenty of free weights and all kinds of bars. Cool things that most gyms dont have: campus board, four different kinds of finger boards, olympic rings, climbing rope. Old school changing room and showers have really low flow/water pressure. Gym smells like a high school locker room, but you get used to it in a couple minutes

Brandon Nauman

As a longtime member, Ill be the first to say Ironworks has excellent potential. Unfortunately this place is FILTHY. It smells very bad everywhere. The equipment is very old and most of the cardio machines need replacing (not more epoxy). We pay a lot of money - its nice this builds you new gyms in the far east bay, south bay, and Dogpatch...for them. How about reinvesting some of this money back into the place that butters your bread, huh? To other members: Deodorant and an occasional shower wont kill you or make you any less hippy-hipster whatever you are. I listen to the Dead too, I just dont smell like the dead. Also, you look better with your shirt on for the love of God. You cant see that pasty white back fat in the mirror I guess. To management: You members hygeinic shortcomings dont have to equate to an obvious lack of effort on your part to keep your gym clean. It is disgusting and it smells so bad in the mens locker room that its almost intolerable. Prevent infections - please take action on this.

Ronald Hermanson

This is a Great Climbing gym everyone is very friendly and helpful. The gym equipment all works and does its job. The locker room is clean as well as the steam and shower areas. The people at the desk are real climbers and not just a staff members If you are a climber you will have the chance to meet some of the best Yosemite climbers at Iron works. I dont need to make a list but many of these people have climbed all over the world and in some cases are a major part of the history of Yosemite climbing. Climbing in a gym is different than climbing outdoors. The best part of Iron Works is that you will be able to condition your self for the day that you decide to go climbing on real rock, while you meet and talk to real rock climbers that know the ropes. Climb and enjoy your self. Dont sweet the small stuff. If there was a better climbing gym in the area Id go there. I have not found that place yet. Along time member of touchstone at Iron works.

David Anderson

Ive been a member for 15+ years, and I love the place. At $75/mo its a great value - you get world-class climbing and bouldering, excellent weight and aerobic equipment, and a variety of free exercise classes like spinning, abs, yoga, and cardio-boxing. Ive always found the staff to be very helpful and friendly. Of course I have quibbles. The locker room and showers are spartan. The quality of the route-setting has declined a bit over the years. The computerized waiver system, and the web-based class signup system, use irritating 3rd-party software. But these are minor issues. Some of the negative reviews here are off the mark. You cant walk in and expect a personal belay class. You cant expect a lead test on demand during crowded times. Yes, there are kids on weekday afternoons but they dont cause problems. Etc.

Vera DeVera

Ive been a member here for a couple years and by far, its the one Im most loyal to. I havent rock climbed here yet and workout instead. The equipment isnt the most state of the art, but it gets the job done. They offer a variety of classes, from TRX to kickboxing, yoga and spin. My only complaint is that a handful of members think its okay to walk around barefoot and use equipment. VERY INAPPROPRIATE and unsanitary. The staff working the front desk are always friendly but I wish they would enforce basic gym rules like mandatory shoes in the weight room. The locker room here is much better than its sister gym, Great Western Power Company in Oakland -- roomier, dry sauna and plenty of showers and concrete floors. For the price, I think Ironworks is a fair deal -- I go to GWPC for Crossfit.

William Campbell

Very pleased with Ironworks in Berkeley. My daughter was interested in rock climbing, so I reached out to see if they offered a camp over winter break. Initially they had said no, but then a few days later responded and said they had decided to move forward with youth winter camp. The communication, responsiveness and willingness to support the camp, I thought was awesome. My daughter was very excited every day to climb and cannot wait to go back for more! Even one of her classmates was there for the camp as well. Thank you for the great experience.