If you haven’t heard, Bentonville isn’t just a mountain biking hotspot—we’re big on climbing, too! While we’re lucky to have plenty of outdoor climbing spots, indoor climbing spots like Climb Bentonville are essential as the weather cools off. Located just a few minutes from Downtown, it is situated at the corner of SW 14th and SW I Street, right next to the scenic Osage Park and Bentonville Brewing Co.
If you’re biking to the gym, take the I Street Trail, make a quick turn off the trail, cross the wooden pedestrian bridge, and arrive at Climb Bentonville. You can securely lock your bike at the custom bike rack out front, ready to enjoy a great climbing session in the welcoming gym!
When you enter the gym, the friendly staff will be there to greet and assist you. Just follow their instructions! They’ll guide you to an iPad station where you can watch a short video and sign the gym waiver before you get started. Once you’re all set, head back to the front desk to borrow equipment or check out our retail store to find gear to call your own!
Explore Different Climbing Styles at Climb Bentonville
At Climb Bentonville, you can experience a variety of climbing styles. Here’s a brief overview of the types of climbing you will find at this gym:
Bouldering: Bouldering involves climbing shorter walls, usually 10 to 12 feet high, with soft mats for safety. It requires only climbing shoes and chalk for grip.
Top Roping: Top roping involves climbing while secured to a rope anchored at the top. A belayer uses a Petzl GriGri to catch falls, requiring a harness, chalk, climbing shoes, and a partner.
Auto-Belay: An auto-belay is a mechanical device that safely lowers climbers after their ascent, allowing for solo climbs without a partner, requiring only a harness, climbing shoes, and chalk.
Lead Climbing: Lead climbing is a more advanced style that requires a gym test. It involves clipping the rope into protection points while ascending with a belayer to catch falls. It requires a partner, rope, Petzl GriGri, chalk, and climbing shoes.
Now that you’re familiar with the climbing styles and have grabbed your gear, it’s time to get ready to hit the walls!
Top-Rope and Lead Climbing Areas:
As you enter the gym, you’ll encounter impressive walls, including the “lead wall,” which reaches a height of 50 feet. Each wall has distinct features, and as you navigate around the main ropes climbing area, you'll notice the textured wall surfaces that allow you to smear your climbing shoes for better grip on challenging routes. You'll find various climbing options, including overhangs, slab sections, two featured cracks, and vertical walls, catering to different climbing styles.
If you're new to the gym, the staff will guide you to the left, where you'll find the top rope training area. You and your climbing partner will learn the proper belay techniques to ensure safe climbing there. Once you’ve taken the class, it’s time to climb!
The walls feature a variety of colorful holds, each grouped together vertically to create a “route.” These routes vary in difficulty, ranging from 5.6 to 5.13. New climbers can typically complete climbs between 5.6 and 5.8 with relative ease. Grab your partner, clip into a climb, and head on up! You might witness experienced climbers leading challenging routes and taking falls, known as "whips." Don’t worry—they’re safe!
If you’ve come alone, no worries. It’s time to try out the auto belays or go bouldering!
Auto Belay Climbing:
The auto belay climbs are located upstairs. If it’s your first time, be sure to ask the staff for directions. Once you're clipped in, enjoy the shorter 25-foot routes, with plenty of options for different skill levels. After finishing a route, simply let go of the wall, and the auto belay will gently lower you to the ground.
Bouldering Area:
If you’d prefer to stay closer to the ground, check out the large bouldering area downstairs. You can climb to your heart's content on the many routes! Follow the color-coded grading scale in the bouldering area, as it differs from the difficulty scale used for rope climbing.
Beyond the Climbing
This gym offers more than just climbing. Enjoy the fully equipped fitness area, featuring free weights, resistance bands, and cardio machines. If you're visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, don’t miss the yoga class—it’s included with your day pass! The gym is also great for those with flexible schedules. You can work upstairs using their Wi-Fi, take a quick break on the Kilter Board between Zoom calls, and get back to work in no time.
Insider Tips for a Great Day of Climbing
Get ready for an awesome day of climbing with just a few essentials!
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Comfy, stretchy clothes for climbing
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Water bottle to stay hydrated
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A snack for energy between sessions
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A small bag for your phone, wallet, and keys
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A lock for a locker if you want to stow your stuff
Climbing’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon—or the whole day! If it’s your first visit, plan for an extra 30 minutes for training and gear fitting. Most climbers spend about an hour on the roped walls and 2-3 hours bouldering.
The supportive and welcoming atmosphere created by our climbers is truly special. You'll find some of the most amazing people here! The gym hosts numerous community events and social gatherings, making it easy to connect, share experiences, and build friendships while pursuing your fitness goals.
Make sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to keep up on the latest!
Plan Your Visit
If you need additional help planning your visit, give us a call or stop by!
We’re happy to help you with any additional information needed during your stay in Bentonville. Our Visitor’s Center is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. Stop by and see us at 406 SE 5th Street, Suite 6.