Day 57 of my side-by-side comparison of Movement (fka Planet Granite) vs Mission Cliffs (Touchstone…read moreGym)... look. You're both getting five stars but got different reasons, but both have really made the best of their footprint to maximize their space. +Mission Cliffs (MC) change up their routes on a rotating basis and with much more frequency. They now also have partner climbs (5.11- on the left, 5.10+ on the right for two climbers and two belayers!) - while i love/hate the MC double overhang in the corner and the slightly higher number of true stemming routes, +Movement (Mvt) has some very unique and fun features like that monster stalactite, more aggressive "pretend you're Stallone in Cliffhanger) overhangs and way more in the way of slab practice routes (which are NOT my forte indoors) are various ratings from chicken sh-- to "i totally trust my toes" + not for most but crack climbing. I think Movement has easier practice routes for first timers and those who are angry at their palms being TOO supple, but def more variety at Mvmt, but the cracks in the cylinder at MC are truly a level up. - - both have very limited free weights space/benches compared to your normal "gym" gym and you might find yourselves adding a second membership or using your building or friends building gym between climbs. Both also have small footprints and get very busy even outside of peak times ++ amazing classes though at both + see the bulletin at Mvmt for when shoe resoling comes onsite. A+ perk to arrange that onsite. ++ both have tons of community get-togethers ranging from theme nights to run clubs to game nights (last two at Mvmt) though MC started a group puzzle activity (pictured) and love the MC memorial pins for their 30th anniversary (pictured too) + Both have study areas. Mvmt is more of a lounge, MC is a short scramble up from the bouldering. Slight edge to Mvmt but kinda cool that MC requires approach shoes ;-) + love love love the music at MC (Dan is the man), Mvmt is much more "eclectic" but some of the 6am EDM covers by Ava Max could be skipped (sorry). Did love that the next morning it was Bach concertos and Mozart sonatas and i think the same staff. Again "eclectic" +/- Check-minus MC for transit accessibility (not the worst walk from BART) but parking is rough; + Mvmt for parking (though paid by meter after 8am), otherwise great if you're running or cycling from Cow Hollow Both have deals for new sign ups so keep an eye on those. Summer discounts, January discounts/no initiation fee. + way more generous bring-a-friend options at Mvmt (unrestricted plus one each month on top of free days), come on MC! Don't give us bad wedding flashbacks! Everyone loves the option of a plus one (just make sure you take some photos without that person in the shot... just in case... aka HIMYM "who's that bi---???") ++ MC resets like crazy but in a very organized cycle giving you a few months tops to complete your projects; Mvmt ratings are slightly more accurate but MC is starting to migrate away (especially in the new bouldering (pictured) rating approach. Still MC is the Northstar of local climbing difficulty (suuuuure this is a black diamond/suuure this is a 12a) but come on, at this age, I need that ego boost!!!!! In the end, the best gym is probably the one you can get to the easiest and where your most reliable climbing buddy(ies) go(es). Both are gems and we're lucky to have them. And yes... now I've accepted that I'll just have a third gym membership and stopped doing one dinner out a month.

Interesting building ..bigger than the other one ..old hangar ..fun ..climbing the fake rocks and…read morelanding ..exploring new building ..nice ..equipped state of the art ..mission soma ..near the 14 bus

Really great and big bouldering gym. I just started climbing and this gym is not short of beginner…read morefriendly problems and they have a unique arch section with problems as well. I was hoping to grab one of the merch here but as usual with any Touchstone gyms, the designs are basic and weird cut, and the gyms are lacking in sizes. As others mentioned, there are free parking on the long block behind the gym.

I love coming here. Staff is friendly, the routes lots of fun. As a member, I really appreciate the…read moremembers only hour on the weekend. I also find the kids area to be a lot of fun, seeing kids experience the joys of climbing.

Some of the most fun climbs I've had in my entire climbing journey so far. I had the chance to…read morecheck this place out very early into getting started with climbing so many of the climbs back then were out of reach as I was climbing fairly low grades at the time but they really do have a lot of fun climbs that incorporate a variety of skills/techniques My main reason for the high grade despite a fairly large lack of amenities that my primary gym has is they just create a welcoming third space that overshadows their lack of space and feature rich gym equipment. The climbs are some of the more unique ones I've encountered with many of them challenging your sense of body positioning/tension with a good range of beginner styled climbs that allow for a friendly atmosphere. This has been my second time come and the community here seemed quite close knit as many were cheering for each other wrt their "projects" As for some nitpick downsides, the seem to only have one shower area for men's bathroom with a fairly small open changing area that is tucked into a corner. Given the space is nearly quarter to half the size of comparable SF climbing gyms I guess I could see the reasons behind it. Their sets were also a bit inflated imo but my reference points are Movement, Touchstone, and Mesa Rim gyms so it's not quite fair to say it's a universal truth but it felt like their climbs were a tad too easy for the higher grades. Maybe it's a reason people find it more welcoming but regardless the way the climbs are setup it felt exciting which is rare after climbing for nearly two years now They also have beer on tap (for members) which was surprising but seemed to really emphasize on the community focused aspect and their smaller membership size One other drawback as I think back is this location is honestly terrible for parking as it's on a busy corridor of Van Ness St so parking is really only good after 6 PM since meters stop charging then. If I take all these into consideration this place would be a 4.5 stars. I really like their sets, they have a two-week membership that is $50 / two-week period with discounts for students and Medi-cal You can probably try most of their problems within the two week period given how small the gym is but for now I see this as a slept on gym primarily because it doesn't have the same presence that larger corporate gyms in the Bay have

This place is sick, they have a 2024 set moonboard. I think what stands out for benchmark is their…read moresetting. Really stiff. Really easy to get to from union square. I just took a bus from union square to van ness then walked a few blocks. There is plenty of restaurants/bars down the hill.

5 Stars - Outstanding Backcountry Experience in Lassen I…read morejust returned from a weekend of guided backcountry skiing with the outdoor adventure club in Lassen Park, and it exceeded all expectations. The trip was exceptionally well organized from start to finish. Our guide, Richard, was excellent--not only in leading us through the backcountry terrain but also in smoothly handling any logistical issues that came up. I learned a tremendous amount about backcountry access, avalanche assessment, and understanding danger in the field. Having the park essentially to ourselves made the experience even more special. The food and lodging were both great, providing comfort after long days in the snow. Most importantly, this trip taught me a lot about myself and my limits in the backcountry environment. Special thanks to Richard for professionally managing my health issues during the trip while keeping the experience fun and seamless for all the other participants. Highly recommended for anyone looking to develop their backcountry skills in a supportive, well-run environment. Disclaimer: written with the help of AI, but truly reflects my state of mind and impressions of the weekend.

My friend introduced me to OAC on our first backpacking trip on the Lost Coast Trail. I knew we…read morewere on a great adventure when I met our guide, Mike and the other OAC members. This trip is an unforgettable experience that no words can do justice to my feelings and thoughts of my journey. It is a bucket list check off for sure and a milestone in my life. It was more than a backpacking trip, the conversations and scenery made me reflect on me, my life, and what's important moving forward. My husband is now eager to backpack and join OAC after my stories and pictures of my journey. I appreciate our guide, Mike Boyd. WOW! I'm in awe of how he led us (with a very heavy bag and a big smile) in situations that others might doubt whether we would even make it to our next camping spot, however, he did with his grit, determination, patience, and love. With our teamwork and collaboration plus sense of humor and the motto of "never leaving the team behind" made me realize why OAC is so special. I will definitely keep in touch with Mike, Richard, and some of the OAC members. Who knows I might see them again on our next adventure. I highly recommend joining OAC and start making memories.

Took the Portola trail with the dog. Path was well maintained and relaxing with lots of birdsong…read more There are benches, a playground, field, picnic area and water stations prior to the trails.

You can explore the great outdoors and indoors in San Francisco at different parks around the city…read more What if I told you there is a place which has an outdoor pickle ball court, basketball gym, and indoor climbing, and a baseball field all within less than a half block of each other. What if I also told you it was the location were the first dynamite factory in America. You would have seen lots of different dynamite fire at this location in 1868. Today this place is located in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco and it's called Glen Canyon Park and Recreation. On a Spring stroll you can enjoy the sun in San Francisco and go out for a jog and hike and also walk the dog at Glen Canyon Park. This place feels as you stepped into nature inside a forest and canyon outside San Francisco. This place looks far from the scenery around the Civic Center. You will also find a community painted mural which reflects the Glen Canyon Park habitat like the animals and birds designed by animated television series Bob Burgers artist Sirron Norris. There are no amusement parks in San Francisco but you can be amused at the different local parks the city has by living that park life. Make " sometime "to go on a stroll to Glen Park Canyon you will see flowers the color of lemon and grass the color of "lime" don't be sour in SF you can book online for some "pickleball time" or an indoor rock wall "climb" Hike around the canyon and get view of some birdies like the owls and the coyotes and" Sutro Tower" Glen Canyon Park a former site in 1868 of a place which they built dynamite with blasting "fire power" now you can do some rock wall climbing for "$15 an hour"and go outside and see the purple and yellow "flower"

A really great little bouldering location! Cost is much better than the Bay Area chain by…read moreTouchstone Climbing, especially for my first visit (slight discount). The cost's like half of that of other climbing gyms! I love that the vibes are unpretentious, facilities are thoughtfully laid out and accessible for all levels, and staff are friendly and kind. I'm quite a beginner but found that there were still ~8-10 problems of the lowest challenge level for me to tackle, which was nice because sometimes there aren't as many beginner friendly routes available. My climbing partner is of moderate skill level and he found that there were plenty of routes to interest and challenge him too, and we even saw some high level climbers enjoying routes at Mosaic as well. When we went, the little gym (just two long walls) was pretty full with ~20 people climbing, but the layout allowed for not too much waiting. Courses are fairly clearly marked. Shoe and chalk bag rentals are also available. Probably will be my go-to climbing spot in the area, and even more so if I lived closer!

Place is a vibe, not as expensive as other gyms as well. Cool place to climb and also just hang…read moreout. Staff has no problem answering all the questions you have and people who climb there are super chill and welcoming. 10/10

I've been here a few times and it's always so mesmerizing looking at the sheer size of the gym/rock…read moreclimbing walls as well as it being 2 floors for bouldering! Their traditional part of the gym with weights had a good selection of accessories and equipment. I love how there are big areas for both top rope and bouldering. I can't imagine how it will be during rush hours as I've only tried to go on the off hours. I usually chance it and park on 20th street instead of parking in the lot as it can get pretty tight. Everyone I've interacted with was pretty nice and efficient! Definitely check it out if you're in the area- it's so pretty'. Theres also a coffee shop on 20th street too if you need a pick me up!

This gym is really great in terms of the scale and options you have to choose from. The gym is big…read moreand the facilities are well kept. Points deducted because although some of the staff are super sweet, the others are literally the worst touchstone staff I have ever had to interact with. The catty tone that a majority of the staff have at this location is insane. You can walk in with a smile on your face and be as polite as possible and 2/3 I have been treated like I just walked into the DMV. It's especially demoralizing when me as a calfresh user has to do this interaction each time and can't just walk in. What other reviewers have stated about the customer service here is exactly on par with what I've experienced. Obligatory complaining about touchstone in general that isn't specific to Pac Pipe: touchstone sucks. The performative compassion and wokeness that the company has for both its employees and their visitors is ironic when they charge insane monthly memberships and day pass prices ($30 for a day pass plus additional if you need gear). They'll claim these prices are to pay their staff (it's not - their setters are still underpaid for their work). The student monthly discount is also so laughable compared to their normal fee. They're greedy and heavily corporatized, which is really reflected in a lot of their gyms and can lead to some locations' sets feeling stale and uninspired.

Touchstone gym located in downtown Oakland…read more This is a more small and intimate gym in comparison to Pacific Pipe. There is a small Boulder section, top roping, work area, weights, and workout area. The staff here is super friendly. My friends took the intro to climbing class here and they really enjoyed it. The staff was really helpful in teaching them the ins and outs

I love the structure. Super fun, climbing competition. Great stuff. Super fun…read more I came for the 2024 climbing competition. I had such a great time so glad I came. This building is gorgeous and so fun so aesthetic. The staff was super friendly. When I made a joke about my chalk, they were receptive and fun. Their store was pretty well stocked. Grab myself an adorable, red crop sweatshirt. They're set up was very organized. Literally zero drama. Highly recommend, and I'll be back.