Awesome climbing gym in west Asheville. I am a beginner and the staff was very informative and friendly. The climbing routes are on the walls and self explanatory. There's snacks and drinks you can get in the lobby along with climbing gear. read more

Cultivate Climbing - Climbing wall - Rock Climbing Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Super nice spot that has really evolved over the years. I like that they are inclusive and trying to incorporate more community events. I used to go to the Riveter, and I loved it. It's just so far. But I loved how spacious it was. Cultivate is much more accessible in terms of location, but it's also much smaller and so incredibly cramped. The staff at the front desk was not super helpful and friendly. The night I went, which was an LGBTQ plus night, there seemed to be less of a welcoming field, then the riveter. I also got incredibly stressed because everywhere I walked I felt like somebody was gonna hit me or fall on me. Nice equipment but still less nice then the Riveter and other places I've been. read more

Cultivate Climbing - So out of shape - Rock Climbing Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Made the drive from Charlotte to check this place out. Paid $20/person for a day pass and spent 30-40 min before calling it quits. Here's what you need to know: - This place is TINY and should have a max capacity bc there were too many people with too little space. - few top rope walls (approx. 4) and too many lead walls. We tried top roping, but the auto-belay walls were too close, and since there were too many people, we couldn't do it. - walls are SLICK, and routes are poorly set. - ropes kept getting caught on our belay device (gri-gri) and did not allow weight difference, making it more like lead falls. + bouldering area looks good read more

I noticed most of the reviews for this place are old so I figured I should jump on and give this place the love it deserves. It's improved a lot over the past year (new boulder crash pad), and they are adding a bouldering gym down the street which should be nice to lighten up the crowds. The space is tight, but they make the most of it. The routes are, in my opinion, the best part about the gym. Very good routes and the grading is pretty on point as well, so you don't suffer from either depression or an inflated sense of being Alex Hannold (both of which are tragic events). Really only minor issue is that some fellow climbers have clearly not showered in at least a month or so and when you get a good whiff, you get a good whiff. But don't let that turn you away, it's all part of the experience. Everyone is friendly and I love climbing here. Keep on sending folks. read more

My family and I live in Northern Virginia and love our home gym (SportRock in Alexandria) so much. I've only been climbing for about a year, and much of the best progress I've made so far has occurred only in the past six months. When we decided to spend 5-6 weeks of this summer in Asheville, it was super important to me that I not lose any of the progress I've made. Climbmax was really the only viable option I saw when I researched gym options. (Side note: I was kind of surprised to learn that there were so few indoor climbing options in the area -- it seems like a place that's primed for a competitive indoor climbing market. And with too little competition, it can be really easy for a business to be complacent. Fortunately that's not the case for Climbmax.) TBH, I was a little hesitant about visiting because some of the reviews I saw seemed pretty harsh. But, again, I didn't want to lose any of the ground I've gained, and my husband and I wanted to make sure our kids -- who are becoming avid little climbers themselves -- didn't lose any of their progress either. So we decided to visit, and, ultimately, I wound up buying the month-long pass. I've been going almost daily now for the past couple weeks, and it is the best $80 I've spent since arriving in NC. First things first: I don't know what ITH other reviewers are talking about. The people who work here are lovely. Super friendly, helpful, very chill, low-pretense, low pressure. The belay test was quick and easy, even during a busy time, and they seemed genuinely happy to welcome new people and show us around. Now, as far as the actual gym: If you want a gym with sparkly clean holds and constantly running air condition, this is not your gym. If you want tons of space for your kids to run around, it's not your gym. If you want super commercial routes that make you feel like a more accomplished climber than you actually are, this is not your gym For one thing, they sandbag their routes so that they more closely align with outdoor ratings. And while it might be a bit of a kick in the ego pants, it also offers a huge opportunity for improvement. One thing that's interesting to note about their route setting: I'm not sure if it's a common practice, but climbers here seem to have a voice in how the routes are rated, which I thought was cool AF. (The day after new routes were placed, I observed a sheet of paper taped to the wall asking members to vote on the difficulty of the new routes. Again, not sure if that's common, but I loved seeing that it largely seemed to be the members sandbagging the routes.) So yeah: If you're looking for an EarthTreks/Movement experience, maybe this isn't your place. But if your biggest priority is to actually grow your skills on challenging routes, find out where you really stand with your climbing and then surpass it, this is your gym. I feel super confident that when I get back to my home gym, I will be a better climber than I was when I arrived in Asheville. And that, to me, is worth ALL the stars, regardless of gym size or chalky holds or whatever. Because in the end, that's all that matters, and that's what we all pay for: To become a better version of the person we were before every climb. read more

We needed a fun activity on a rainy day, so we decided to check this place out with the kids. The prices were reasonable and there were many options for climbing. They loved the challenge! The day pass allows you to leave and come back later the same day, which we did to grab lunch. They do have snacks, drinks, smoothies and coffee on sight. There are also changing rooms and a shower. They have climbing shoes for rent, but they are not mandatory. My kids just used their own closed toe shoes. read more

Cultivate Climbing - Rock Climbing Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

This place is wonderful! There is a great community and the staff are super helpful and friendly! I'm brand new and always feel supported and welcome. read more

If I could give it 0 stars I would. We tried to go to the riveter but they were closed today, so we ended up going here. Terrible idea. The staff was extremely rude, it's way to small and an unsafe environment because of so many people. The routes next to the auto belays are extremely too close, I almost came down on top of someone doing a route on the wall next to us. People wear their climbing shoes into the bathrooms. There's no instructions given to first time guest on how to fall while bouldering. Please don't waste your money here. read more

Closed for the summer except for private events. Hours not updated anywhere. No answer on phone.

My beginning climber had fun using the auto belay routes. We felt comfortable as beginners even though this place is also attracting serious climbers. The staff was friendly and helpful. read more

I was super excited to climb at this location since it was so close to where I live. However, after having two bad experiences, I will not be climbing here again. The staff that I interacted with was extremely rude and arrogant. As someone who has climbed for 4 years, I could not believe the lack of customer service. Not to mention, the staff failed my friend who has also been climbing as long as me and worked at a rock wall over some meticulous and that doesn't affect the safety or ability to properly belay. I was taken a back when the staff failed someone on something that could be so easily fixed. In my 4 years of climbing at different gyms nationwide, this was by far the worst experience I have ever had. Go check out the riveter if you are looking for a more enjoyable climbing experience and acccomodating staff members. Don't waste your time at this gym. read more

If you're looking for a place to start for a kid (or an adult), this probably isn't right for you. COVID guidelines are understandable and are a given, but I left feeling unwelcome. I had checked it out online for my daughter and I and had followed up with a phone call. The staff person told us to stop by and visit and ask questions, and someone would show us around. We visited and felt like lepers - my questions got abbreviated answers and we were told we had to leave and return by reservation only. Okay, I get it, but it could be done in a friendly and welcoming manner. And the message could be consistent. We will go somewhere else, and you might want to too. read more

Great service! They rent bikes too! We had a very nice ride down the French Broad river and to the Arts District. I'm very glad we found this place in Asheville. read more

I am one of those outdoor enthusiasts that loves embarking on adventures but is not necessarily well skilled in any particular sport. Climbing is one of my favorite pastimes. I'm not an expert by any means but I enjoy the physical and mental challenges that climbing provides. The Smoky Mountain Adventure Center is a fun, laid back, educational place to "get your climb on". The patrons of this facility are more than happy to help you reach your next climbing goal! Most people who frequent this gym seem to be very advanced but I never feel out of place because every one is so encouraging. The only negative is that it is a little pricey. read more

This new facility is in a great location, has accessible parking, and is plenty of fun for all ages. Come for the superb climbing gym, stay for the beer featured at the bar upstairs. While you're sipping the beer you can enjoy the view of the double height climbing area. It's really great and locally owned. Support those who support you! read more

Good space but both horrible padding and horrible holds. The holds seem like they have never been washed and are completely covered in chalk. Because of this they have lost all grip on them making the routes completely inconsistent in rating. They are also lacking bouldering mats. All they've done is stack mats that are used for top roping and lead climbing on top of each other making the falls horrible. They have crash pads as well but I don't think a climbing gym should be using crashpads. I would recommend in washing ur holds at least once every 2 weeks and investing in some better mats. read more

Fun for the entire family! There is fantastic rock climbing for people of all skill levels, including first timers. There is a coffee and smoothie bar downstairs and lots of exercise equipment, a yoga room, and a bar with local beer upstairs. The location is right across from Amboy park and the French Broad river so you can also rent bikes, kayaks, inner tubes and stand up paddle boards. It doesn't get much better than that! read more

My husband and I took a belaying class with Phil. He was fantastic. Very knowledgeable about every aspect from equipment to technique to procedure--not just what but why as well. He answered all our questions, very patiently. I could say more but I will suffice it to say we enjoyed this class so much we plan to take another class to improve our technique. read more

Having been to other gyms over the years, this gym is super reasonably priced for a membership-it also allows you to go to the downtown location. The staff are awesome, Stuart the owner is so helpful and knowledgeable and makes an effort to know his customers! The routes are great-there is a wide variety and they're changed often! There is a workout area upstairs with plenty of equipment, plenty of bouldering upstairs and downstairs, lots of top roping, and lead climbing routes. There are 4 auto belays inside and two outside for those that want to climb solo on the ropes! Outside there is an incredible view from the river! And if you want to get a good run in before or after your climb, the gym is conveniently located directly across the street from the park where you can run along the riverside! There's a coffee bar downstairs and a bar upstairs with great beer! There's really nothing to even critique, I love this gym and the hella motivational and supportive community that thrives there! This gym can get very busy at times but I still find there is plenty of room to climb! read more