The Stronghold Climbing Gym

650 S Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031, USA

Address:	650 S Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031, USA
Phone:	+1 323-505-7000
Site:	strongholdclimb.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Charles Wanless

Happy I chose to try this gym out with a 10 Day Pass before considering a membership! Out of four visits, Ive had three awesome experiences and one poor one... Unfortunately the poor experience was my first time interacting with staff for belay testing. We had a group of friends testing, and Johnathan was doing our test, but unlike literally every other staff member Ive interacted with (like Andrew, who is super helpful, polite, and awesome to talk with, as are most) Johnathan was not helpful at all during testing, seemed deliberately confusing and downright rude at points, such as getting personal with one in our group "you however clearly dont know what youre doing and shouldnt do this" rather than constructively suggesting they practice and helping to instruct the technique, as literally every rock gym instructor Ive ever met (at Stronghold or anywhere) has and would do. Luckily it didnt stop us from having fun bouldering! In fact, this gym would have earned a 5 star shining review were it not for that one staff member behaving unprofessionally. As I still consider purchasing a membership, I hope I never have to interact with an employee like Johnathan again on my way to filling this 10-Pass. If such behavior is tolerated under the Stronghold brand, Ill definitely choose to spend my money on a membership at Touchstone Gyms or Boulderdash instead. UPDATE 7.16.17 Got an email from Stronghold regarding my experience. Apparently we werent the only ones who had bad experiences with that employee and he no longer works there! Stronghold was really amazing to reach out to me and offered me a few free day passes, which goes a very long way in my book! Im thinking after my passes are used Ill for sure be joining the gym! :)

Sean Haynes

This is the best climbing gym in the city of Los Angeles for those climbers who are looking to push their sport climbing to a new level. The walls are tall and the route setters are consistent with the grading, unlike many other gyms where there will be only one move at the listed the grade. The gym also offers something for the boulderes, although some would argue that bouldering is best done at LAB down the road. I have not found that to be the case as i mentioned before, the grades are consistent. The gym host the nest staff i have ever encountered at any gym. They are very friendly, helpful and most of all knowledgeable.

Rob Dahm

Im a member here. What I love the most? I can see my gym dues getting used. Water filters, new fans, new equipment, more autobelays... Stuff is rolling in all the time. Bouldering problems are updated enough that I dont get bored but stay up long enough to really work on stuff. Staff and overall vibe is super A+ ... This became my gym very quickly even though its kinda out of the way for me. I dont have any complaints. It could be cooler in the summer (you try cooling that building) but the new macro-air fan really helps. Theres wine and beer next door. So... Yeah this place is just about the best in LA.

Jo Booth

I love the stronghold! It has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty for those interested in lead or toprope climbing to do. I dont boulder much, but the setup for that looks cool as well - theres a big wall that allows topping out everywhere along its length, and the routes are labeled clearly. No towel service, but the gym has showers and noticeably nice lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Their rental gear is also of nice quality - petzl corax harnesses, which are much better than many Ive seen at gyms. All in all, highly recommended.

Re becca

I enjoyed this spot! Ive gone rock climbing and rock propelling before but I always had someone take care of all the roping and spotting. Never did I imagined I, a skinny, tiny helpless little girl have to put forward work! Either or I did and I am so proud of myself the people that worked there forced it into me until I got it ! Youre climbing a 15 ft fake rock and the potential of having someone fall in your hands is quite likely so you better get everything down! Located by the artsy brewery and parking is outside their parking zone.

Robert Karl

One of the better TR/lead climbing gyms that Ive been to. They have several autobelays set up for easy routes, which is pretty sweet for training and long ARC sessions. Smallish bouldering area thats reset very often. They offer some classes on lead climbing/multipitch/bouldering technique. Yoga is included with membership or day pass. For members they charge an initiation fee, which strikes me as a sleazy sales tactic. Minus one star for that. If they would only stop playing the same songs on repeat! Minus one star for that.

Adam Skaggs

Disappointment. i disliked my experience because i paid too much to be frustrated with a couple small but significant issues. it was generally dirty and had few routes relative to the amount of space they had. The biggest issue was that the holds were disgusting and so slimy that your feet would slip off way too often. brushing made no difference and it caused many unexpected falls and bumps to the knees and shins on the walls.

Garrett Deidloff

This place is amazing! This was my wife and I first time there and it was exactly what I expected. If not more. The staff was very helpful. Matt was very informative and provided tons of info and tips and ways to climb and different techniques. I would definitely recommend. Fair pricing for day passes. Met great people there too who shared some great experiences there and was great to meet other seasoned and rookie climbers.

Agnieszka Spieszny

Come for the climbing, stay for the dogs. We climb fairly regularly with the 10-pass offer. The facility is unique, routes are changed often enough so you dont get bored, but you still have time to practice challenging ones again and again, great music. Free yoga and weights/treadmills as part of entrance. They allow dogs so I get to pet the ones I cant have in between climbs. Amazing!

Eric Foss

Good setting, the employees are nice, the sport walls are tall. The vibe is a little bit unfriendly but thats kind of just LA in general I think. The bouldering area is pretty small. I dont know why this bothers me so much but the walls are just off white. It just isnt super aesthetically pleasing but I think thats just me.

Matt Russell

The Stronghold gym is my favorite rock gym in LA. Its got a great mix of bouldering, top rope, and lead. The staff is also really friendly and the setters do a great job of mixing up the routes. Only downside is that that it can get a little crowded weekday evenings but theres lots of parking.

Henry Chang

LA boulder vs the Stronghold. Wow thats the question. I went to both and bought my membership with Stronghold. The biggest difference is Stronghold is comprehensive. They have rope climbing. It definitely gets packed at night but its a social thing anyway. This place is my home.

Corrina Gibson Benjamin

Stronghold is a sweet gym! It is comparable to Movement gym in Boulder CO. They change the routes often and they are all so fun. There is bouldering, sport climbing, and a work out area. The owners and staff are super nice. They also host kids parties.

Christian Molina

I just took the intro to climbing class today and had a great time. The instructor and staff were all friendly and professional, and the facility was huge. Drop in rate is $20 and the class was $35 but I a deal on Groupon. Ill definitely be back!