Earth Treks Timonium

1930 Greenspring Dr, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093, USA

Address:	1930 Greenspring Dr, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093, USA
Phone:	+1 410-560-5665
Site:	earthtreksclimbing.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	Closed 12–11PM 12–11PM 12–11PM 12–10PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

James Mayfield

If you enjoy climbing on glassy holds with no texture and hate using technique then you dont need to read any further because this gym is perfect for you. This review is about the quality of route-setting and the climbs they provide which is THE PRODUCT of this business. I understand that a gym needs to make money but they also need to maintain the gym and this gym (as far as route-setting and climbing holds are concerned) is in serious disrepair. Holds: I have heard that they make (or have made in the past) there own holds - this gym is IN DESPERATE NEED OF NEW HOLDS WITH TEXTURE. Just about every single "jib" is a piece of glass that your feet will slip off. This is great for climbers who dont use their feet or dont understand what technique is in the first place but it is also extremely dangerous. I can understand an intentional glassy jib here and there for "effect" but literally every jib in that gym should be thrown out. This gym in in DESPERATE NEED OF NEW HAND HOLDS WITH TEXTURE. A major precurser of finger injuries is over-gripping and at Timonium you will over grip every texture-less hand-hold as you fear slipping off the texture-less jibs. This is a multi-million dollar business (membership is expensive and requires a contract) - yet they skimp on the climbing holds which is part of the reason you are there in the first place. This is the definition of climbing gym negligence and will ultimately result in a law suit regardless of the sheets of papers they force you to sign since they are knowingly creating an unnecessarily dangerous environment. Setting: A word to describe their setting is "boring." After a few months of climbing here and after a few turn-overs of the routes, you might get the feeling "youve climbed this before." This is because within a margin of error you have. They change up the routes on a regular basis but they put up very similar climbs and rarely move the holds far (if at all) from where they were before. I dont know if this is the result of laziness or apathy. The other major let-down in the product is grade inconsistency - this is a tough topic to begin with but it is possible that the setters who are (world class) incredibly strong (V12+) have lost sight of the subtleties in the differences between the grades V0-V6. Which brings me to my last point about setting as a product that you pay for. I would guess a majority of climbers at this gym (say 70%) are V4 and below. As with any gym there is a constant influx of NEW climbers who are excited to climb - what they will find are "intro" routes that have random big moves and sharp holds thrown in that even experienced climbers would rather not grab before warming up. This theme is carried through their intro grades V0-4 where they are all jug hauls with a few small holds or awkward moves added in. V5 is their first transition grade a handful of their V5s are probably closer to V3 and the other handful suddenly require strength (but still little-to-no technique). The climbing movement improves as you get into the V7s, V8s, and V9s and it is clear that they are not catering to the MAJORITY of climbers who climb less than V4 (who also may not have the experience or know any better they are being ripped off). So the majority of climbers are paying memberships and getting little in return. What this gym needs: 1) New holds 2) A focus on routes that require technique (this might follow naturally with holds that have texture) 3) Additional certified route setters whose focus is only on V5 and below because the current setters are not concerned with these grades.

Mollie Selmanoff

Earth Treks Timonium is one of the best climbing gyms I have been to in this country. I am on the climbing team, but even when I go in during the summer I find new people to climb with. I find that the equipment is always regularly checked and staff walks around to make sure everyone is safely climbing and belaying. ALL of the staff climbs, which is hard to get. They are also very nice, so I would get to know them. They can tell you about cool outdoor programs to try and what equipment to buy. Yes, it is a little expensive, but no more expensive than other gyms I have been to. The padding on the floor is really nice compared to the rocks that I had to walk on in another gym. Also, the routes are changed on a regular basis so there are always new climbs to try. I like that it is a family friendly environment because then little kids can come and hang out or climb. The number of classes and programs is remarkable and they are always well planned with enthusiastic staff. Earth Treks Timonium, you are doing a great job! (but we should get the really nice blue yoga mats haha)

Anonymous User

Completely ridiculous. Its obviously run by businessmen(women) and not climbers. Its of course huge, and has lots of great stuff, but the price is just nonsense. They must make their money off of people that dont know any better or, like me, dont have any choice. They never make any exceptions on anything, $18 dollar pass is ridiculous, you cant get a boulder pass if you just want to boulder, you cant pay month by month (you have to buy for a YEAR), they have a summer pass (i.e. 3 months pass) that includes nothing extra except use of the gym (i.e. no yoga, no classes no nothing), and saves you about... 10 whopping dollars, sounds like a GREAT effing deal to me. This is just a horrific commodification of a great sport. The sport is being misused for monetary gain (although I guess thats pretty common with sports these days). This place is a disgrace to people who just want to climb.

Paul Charbonnier

Soo...i cancelled my membeship back in january, i found out they were still charging me when they emailed me for new cc info. Granted i shouldve paid more attention to my bank statements, I still have the fax confirmation. I called their membership department and spoke with dayle...tried to explain the situation and she kind of just cut me off with "well this is the first time Ive heard of this" Ive worked in gyms for 14 years, done everthing from PT to management to membership sales. There was no interest from EarthTreks in me bringing in my fax confirmation to prove anything...and while I will likely not get that money back. The facilities are great, the climbing staff is friendly, but their membeship department is rude and unhelpful. My advice...skip the membership and just go as a guest or pay a day fee.

Jerrad Zonna

Ive been coming here for a while and I find the place to be very friendly. It gets crowded at times but you learn when to avoid the rushes. Just from climbing and being here Ive made friends. People that work here are very dedicated and run a tight ship but are not short on great customer service. Anyone can answer a question you have and are very approachable. Its also nice when you leave they make sure to say see you later. Great gym and has pretty good facilities that focus on rock climbing but very much so worth it. Everyone here is there to have a good time and better themselves. Free member clinics are the best feature by far for beginners to rock climbing that range from standard workouts to intro climbing courses.