Climbmax Climbing Gym

The original owners put together an amazing gym. Huge bouldering area upstairs, with a unique bouldering cave area that connects upstairs with downstairs. Very small area for storing shoes and bags but that is symptomatic of the majority of gyms in Phoenix.
Since the new management took over this place seems neglected. While the routes seem decent and varied skill wise, the general feeling when bouldering was ‘wow, this place is really, really neglected.‘
Would it be so hard to clean the place? The floors and padding are in serious states of disrepair and neglect. The felt flooring is worn out, dirty and seems like it needs to be vacuumed and/​replaced.
The bathroom was very smelly, like a sewer gas smell.
Ropes in toprope section seem to be pretty worn. Wouldn’t you want newish ropes if you are dealing with a lot of first timers (who tend to take a lot)? Wouldn’t you want to patch any holes (that once held anchors for belayers) that are in the belay area? Seems hazardous, combined with the untaped seams between flooring, to have no anchors for the first time climbers?
The couches upstairs are disgusting.
Management might want to clean the place inside and out, replace the flooring, and you might find some new clientele. This place had all the ingredients to be amazing and still could be.

Our group had a great time at Climbmax. The staff was really helpful to the first time climbers. Climbmax is a large gym with all types of routes.

Had a year long membership at AZ on the Rocks and then moved downtown. Was hoping to find a decent rock gym and gave this place a shot.
My first experience sucked. The guy at the front was rude and unhelpful. My partner let him know that he didn’t have equipment, so the man charged him for it. Understandable. Then my partner asked for a harness and the man gave him hell about how he never said he needed a harness. Well, he ran our damn debit card again and got his money for a harness we thought we had already paid for.
I’m a peaceful person, so I tried to shrug it off and not let it ruin the experience, but the place was in shambles.
The padded floors are torn to oblivion and we kept tripping right and left.
The routes were okay, but needed some updating.
Some holds were loose to the point of spinning.
And there were a couple ropes that did NOT feel strong and safe.
Told myself I wasn’t going to go back, but a month later saw a groupon pop up and snagged it.
Terrible judgement.
Same guy. Same crummy experience. My groupon didn’t count because within the fine print it said «first time customers only.» Understandable, my bad, but DON’T treat me like I’m a terrible person for not having seen 5 words that were hidden in a drop down menu. Besides, that was my second time at the gym. I wasn’t trying to scam them. Hell, I wouldn’t have wasted my time and money to go if it wasn’t for the groupon. Any other gym would’ve just let it go. Eventually we just gave up, got charged on top of the groupon price and decided that we weren’t going back and we’d make sure all of our friends and climbing partners were aware of the terrible experience.
It’s a shame, because there’s a lot of potential.
But this place isn’t getting better anytime soon with that kind of hostility, lack of maintenance, and terrible customer service.

Worst climbing gym ever.
The pads you fall on are all torn up.
The a/​c was off the whole time we were there and it became unbearable.
Upstairs: there were no lights on upstairs and no a/​c. It seemed really creepy and abandoned.
Overall, the gym had okay routes but not the best.
If you want an amazing climbing experience go to Phoenix Rock Gym or Focus Climbing Center.

First time going rock climbing. I was concerned at first with lack of training they give you, but everything they showed me was what I needed to keep my partner safe. They could use a remodel of the flooring just to give a better impression. The temperature was hot, there was one good spot by the front desk where you felt relief from the heat. Bring water with you! Otherwise I had a blast and stayed until my arms were sore, which only took 1.5 hours. Lol. I would go again. First time goers is $ 25 for one time.

How about NO!
The man who works in the front office, is RUDE! I’d rather spend my money else where and next time I will do just that.
Don’t spend your money where you are not valued as a customer, when there are tons of other rock climbing gyms in the valley.
GO TO PHOENIX ROCK GYM IN TEMPE!!! great customer service, great walls!

Pretty good place to climb, and they let you wear your own shoes now. The staff is friendly and if it is your first time there they are patient while teaching you how to belay your partner. There are a variety of walls to climb as well as ropes, ladders and other fun stuff. The only thing I don’t like about this place is that you have to take the grigri off the rope every time you change walls.

This place is awesome! I recently got into climbing and bouldering and they really make you feel welcomed. It $ 21 to climb and rent all the gear. They have a great groupon usually for your first time as well.

Very disappointing experience. Spring break — took four boys there. Richard at the front counter was less than friendly. There were only two other men climbing at the time which I thought was very unusual since I expected it to have a few more spring breakers climbing. Strange fee set-​up — belay certification for two people was extra $ 4 each person which consisted of Richard being impatient with us while giving us a refresher. Floor in terrible condition with large rips/​tears in several places. Saving grace was the fact we had the entire place to ourselves and the fun cave/​slide area where the boys spent most of their time. We will not be returning and I wonder how long they can continue to be in business.

Climbmax was our favorite gym when we lived in the area. The owners and their family were always polite to is and they have the better lead climbing and top rope gym around.
The flooring is pretty rough on the first floor so you have to walk carefully, but it is not a danger.
They so well with parties and children there as long as the parents actually parent and attempt to control their spawn.
For the most part over the years there have been some really good routes here… One of the route setters (not to be named) should be stripped of duties though as his routes are the least desirable and he is kind of rude.
A good gym to frequent for sure!
Still our favorite in Arizona!

Used to be a great gym, but management changed and it all went downhill. I used to go about 3 times a week and loved it, I was on team, had a membership knew the staff. After the ownership changed I noticed the staff change too, people were now very rude. Then I noticed the paths never changed, I mean like it took 3+ months before a new one was introduced. Next the bouldering padding, it was very minimal. It had holes, duct taped on some parts unsafe all around. I jumped down (like I always have) onto a part of the padding that was duct taped, in the shape of a pyramid kind of so the top was sticking out, and rolled my ankle. The staff told me it was sprained and that i should try walking on it. The next day I went to the doctor and it was broken. I was out for 3 months and haven’t been to climbmax since. I’m sure if the management had never changed, it would still be 5 stars like it used to.

In town on business and decided to get a workout in. I brought my own equipment, so I can’t comment on quality of rentals, although they had a well stocked shop, so I’m assuming their equipment is adequate. If you’re renting, the performance difference between a downturned bouldering shoe, or a nice comfy flat shoe probably wouldn’t matter anyways. The gentleman at the front desk seemed friendly enough, I didn’t take a class since I was just there to boulder all by my lonesome, so yet again, I have nothing to say on the safety aspect or quality of beginner instruction.
The bouldering cave was sweeeeeeet! I’ve never seen anything like it in all the gyms I’ve been in. You can basically do a 50 ft overhanging climb without roping up. If you fall, you just slip on down a cushioned slide. Of course you can’t exactly start over where you fell, so just don’t fall… Can’t say that I consistently followed that mantra. There was also a ton of other bouldering routes upstairs and down. It seemed that the mix is 65\35 bouldering to top rope/​lead routes. Although I could be wrong since I didn’t get on any ropes.
The main concern here, I’m probably going to echo other reviews. The floor leaves much to be desired. There were several spots with holes in it, so you have to be careful where you step. I didn’t see or feel any holes near the walls, so you will be safe falling, but walking around might be a different story. The carpet seams are also upturned and will trip you if you don’t pay attention. Of course I don’t go to a gym to hangout on the floor, so onto the routes.
I was fairly impressed with the thoughtfulness of the routes. There were definitely some tricky moves that required some thinking. The varied nature of them was also a nice touch. There were even a few that said no feet, so campus right to the top, cool. The grading wasn’t the most consistent, but it’s better than other places I have been to. Another gripe though, it was very dim in there, some of the routes were hard to find because the tape was hiding in the darkness. I’m sure that I could have got a few lights turned on, but since I was the only one in there for the first hour, no need to cater the whole gym to just me. The training area was also pretty good. Campus board, system wall, power balls even a bachar ladder. No hangboards that I saw up there though.
Overall I was impressed with the number of routes and that sweet sweet boulder cave/​slide. The flooring needs some major work though and I’m giving 3 stars because I should only be falling on routes, and not on floor creases.

Bought the Groupon a few months back for the Rock Gym. It was my girlfriend and my first time ever climbing, the employee explained everything to us in detail and made sure we understood how to climb! They were very friendly and obviously with the Groupon it was a steal of a deal!
There was plenty of wall space and different tracks/​paths all over, the facility is huge! It was a lot of fun and something different to do. After about an hour or so my girlfriend and I were exhausted and our arms can already feel it. Would definitely go back and would recommend to anyone to go here.

I use to come here almost everyday for 3 years. I came in to check it out and not only did it felt incredibly empty (ghost-​town feel), it lacked the essence of what this gym USE TO BE. The prices have gone up as well. I will not coming back to this gym until it is under BETTER management. Whoever runs this place lacks any experience and knowledge of the rock climbing community. Sorry, but I’ve seen this place when it was under the previous management and the place was like «home» to many rock climbing enthusiasts.

Went to ClimbMax yesterday with a friend. Walked in and no one was there besides the staff. We decided it was probably because we were there earlier in the afternoon and «Saturday business» hadn’t picked up yet.
We go up to the counter, mind you there are two people there, and they do no acknowledge us at all. We said hello and were thrown clipboards with liability forms. No pens given. I just reached over and got them for myself and my friend.
After filling out the proper paperwork. The older man at the table asked us if we had climbed before. We both had, but not in a long time. We turn around to see two harnesses thrown on the floor for us to get into. We asked which way we get into them and he remarked, «I thought you climbed before». I said that I had, but in no way was an expert.
After loudly asking for help with getting the harnesses properly fitted. The young man came over and showed us how to properly use the equipment and climb. His name was Kevin, I think, and I would have rather just interacted with him. He was a lot more helpful, patient, and had the capability of smiling and had some good customer service skills.
I heard that this place has the best air conditioning and I believe it is because of the extremely cold reception that is received at the front desk. If I was that cold to people my AC bill would be nonexistent.
Eventually more people arrived which made the experience less uncomfortable and I was just glad that I was there with some good company.
My ranking goes.
1 star for Kevin. He helped out a lot.
1 star would have been for atmosphere, which was a bit chilly and weird that no one else was there for such a long time.
1 star would have been for basic common courtesy from all the staff. I felt like we were bugging the staff and inconveniencing them. Like I had accidentally walked into a funeral or something.
1 star would have been for equipment, which some seemed worn and needing some TLC. It is rock climbing so I don’t like to feel like I am gambling with my life. Also the floor mats were lifting up and we kept tripping over them.
A 5 star experience would have been all of the above.
I wouldn’t go here again and in fact, we later ran into someone who had a similar experience the same day. Word travels fast and I think that if they put a little more effort into their people skills that would improve their attendance and the ClimbMax gym. ClimbMax gym is ghost town filled with the ghosts of climbers past and will stay that way if their attitude stays the same.

This used to be a 4 – 5 star gym, sadly that has changed since the management shuffle.
The new management has done a good job of shunning the climbing community and scaring away repeat customers (monthly paying).
Next time you see an ad for a climbing event, look at the sponsors. Almost every other gym tries to be active in the climbing community, not Climbmax. Sponsor climbing events? nope. Give discounts to other gym employees, AMC members, etc? nope.
In addition to the above,
–Prices have gone up.
–Routes aren’t changed up enough. 6+ month old boulder problems, weak!
–Landing mats are not being replaced.
Most of the regulars that used to go to Climbmax have now switched gyms, mostly PRG and Focus. Every now and then the topic comes up and we all agree,
Climbmax used to be great, it still has potential, but the new management has to go!

This used to be my favorite gym but they changed ownership and the place seems run down. Still the features and routes are interesting and the «super cave» — climb through boulering area is great! Lots of lead climbing and good bouldering. Staff is less obnoxious than PRG.

Patient staff took the time to show a first timer how to operate the ropes confidently. Was having issues figuring it out and when he noticed he took the extra time to do a few trial runs until I got it right on my own (would hate to be responsible for my boyfriend falling to his death so thank goodness). So really had a good time and it was a fun very physical activity to do with the boyfriend. My first time ever going to a climbing gym and due to the good experience I had with it at this location I will definitely be going back and maybe try other climbing gyms.
The only issue I might have was there wasn’t a lot of selection for newbies like myself. There was probably 6 climbs for newbies and it jumped from newbie climbing, to really advanced pretty quickly, and not a lot in between. Good selection for advance climbed though.

Been here a handful of times. It gets a bit crowded, but most climbers here are friendly and will belay for you when needed.
Main drawback for us was it was slightly more expensive than the other we also frequent. However, we appreciate the fact that the orientation/​quick training guide is facilitated by a knowledgeable climber in person rather than watching it on the tube.
I’ve recommended this spot to my mates… and they enjoy it too!

This place was Ok to bad. We had a groupon for the experience and the guy at the counter explained that the groupon did not pay for taxes so we’d have to pay the $ 3.36 to cover the expense.
Seriously? Two brand new customers just walked in and you are going to charge them pittance for taking advantage of an offer that you agreed to? We will be contacting Groupon about that, it seemed rather chinsy to me.
Then there was the belay class, which apparently costs $ 5. We have climbed before at Phoenix Rock Gym, and they give an instructional video and then personalized instruction in belaying at no extra charge… what is the deal here?
We did not take the class, as the guy at the counter let us know that he could just give us brush up on belaying for free, thankfully.
The routes here are nice, I enjoyed the various levels of difficulty and the well marked routes. However, there were a number of routes that were set on the wall but the top rope for them was not available, if you aren’t sure what that means its the rope that allows you to climb the route without falling to your death.
I was not impressed with the ropes, I even bypassed some routes because the ropes were really frayed and I am not sure they were still viable if I fell. Climbing rope is dynamic rope that does have a lifespan (number of falls, or stretching) after that, it is no longer lifesaving rope. A lot of the ropes here did not look good. I noticed that a few of the climbers that looked to be regular climbers, they had a bit of gear that was not rented, also had their own rope. Perhaps that is their solution to the rope issue?
I was not impressed, I believe I will continue on a Phoenix Rock Gym. I hope nobody dies because this place has old rope. Perhaps that is why they were charging extra on a groupon? Also it was really hot in there… sure its summer in PHX but, c’mon turn the AC up, people are being active! The chinsy-​ness did not end at the reception desk…