Information about Climbmax Climbing at the River

Amboy Rd 173
28806, Asheville
+1 828-505-4446

Opening hours

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Our comment from FitFit United States about Climbmax Climbing at the River:

Climbmax Climbing at the River in Asheville is a well-loved climbing gym that offers a unique blend of friendly atmosphere, skilled staff, and a variety of climbing options for all skill levels. Visitors frequently praise the gym for its great location by the river, where the vibes are described as 'chill' and inviting. The facility features multiple climbing walls, bouldering areas, and even a smoothie bar, making it a fantastic spot for both exercise and relaxation.

Many users highlight the professionalism and knowledge of the instructors, particularly mentioning positive experiences with guides like Joel and Trevor, who ensure everyone's safety while making the climbing experience enjoyable. Families are welcome, with several reports of kids having a wonderful time during their visits.

However, some reviews mention challenges that could enhance future visits. A few users reported instances of less-than-friendly staff interactions, which could be improved to match the overall friendly atmosphere that most climbers appreciate. Additionally, while the climbing routes are fun and creative, several climbers expressed a desire for more variety and consistency in route setting. The gym's size has been noted to feel cramped during peak hours, which might affect the overall experience.

Overall, Climbmax Climbing is highly recommended for climbers of all levels looking for a community vibe and challenging routes. The staff are eager to help and create a welcoming environment, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned climbers alike.

Climbmax Climbing at the River: Opinions

4.5/5 (110 Opinions)
Top Rated Gym
Mississippi John Fahey 11 months ago

Negative experience: I was just billed the full price for my membership, but this location has not been open since the storm and they are not answering their phone. I know y'all are suffering, but so am I. I haven't had income in nearly three weeks. I sent an email, and I'm going to dispute the charge on my credit card if no one answers by the end of the week. I'd like to see y'all reopen, and help if possible, but being silent and taking money as if everything's normal is totally unprofessional and inappropriate given the circumstances.

David Esposito 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great gym with a good vibe

ryan laff 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Love this place! I have been to many a climbing gym and worked at a few and I love how simple and straightforward this one is. It got what you need and not a bunch of extra stuff you Don’t! Kid friendly, even pet friendly to a certain extent. Grab a yerba matè and get fired up and check it out! Somewhat busy place but overall less lingerers than many many other gyms *cough* Minneapolis *cough *

Abigail Cochran 1 year ago

Negative experience: I wish I could say better things about this gym because it really is in a prime location. Although, between the staff’s arrogance, jacked up pricing and unsafe design there’s not a lot I can compliment. To start, when I called to check what times the gym would be open for this labor day, the worker rudely told me “our normal hours.” After I said, “ok, thank you!” I was not met with a “you’re welcome” or even a goodbye. He just hung up on me right as I finished saying thank you. Then once I got to the gym I payed 20$ to climb on their very limited boulder sets. Which wouldn’t have been a problem if the sets were creative and graded appropriately. I’m not one to complain about prices, but this gym is way too small to be charging big gym prices. The workers are very rude and for some reason they think just because they work at a climbing gym they are the only climbers in the world. Climbing is supposed to be inviting, fun and supportive. The staff and energy in this gym was not it!! The girl who got me checked in was extremely stuck up and even lacked the spatial awareness to recognize that the people she yelled at for having their rope on the ground had just released the rope from the lead wall. The girl she got onto was actively putting the rope up!! At that point she was basically just trying to assert dominance. Plus she kept calling the V scale “rating” and not grade…. Last mention but having the lead wall basically on top of the bouldering mats is pathetic design.

Michelle Berzack 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: My daughter and her two friends did the intro to outdoor climbing with Joel and Trevor. It was awesome!!! Joel and Trevor are incredibly knowledgeable and clearly have a passion for sharing. Both were very professional and made sure everyone felt safe and had a good time.

Jack 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Came from out of town and spent six hours climbing! Lead test was quick and thorough, had a Moon board, kilter and weights/spin bike that I was allowed to use as a guest. Finally, the local Yerba and snacks were great.

Nick Fiducia 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: A wonderful day out with Guide Trevor, who was fun, supportive and safe! My daughter had a fantastic time on her first real rock climb and wants to go again right now!

Will Harrison 1 year ago

Positive experience: Old school style of gym with a weight “room” upstairs and plenty of lead climbs. The walls aren’t textured if you are used to that, but climbs are definitely solid. Went when the route setters were changing the rope grading system from +/- to abcd.

david gray 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great great place. I’d give 11 stars if I could

Zofia Freiberg 1 year ago

Negative experience: Great gym to inhale chalk and watch teenagers or camp kids play underneath problems you’re trying to climb. Bonus points for regular unattended dogs and toddlers.

Daly 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing location right by the river. The vibes are so chill here. I’m sure that’s why it’s so busy! Love the dog policy keep that going.

Baiju Sheth 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Jacob was amazing. We had very good time. We will be back soon. Recommend without any reserve

Lucia Nelson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great day and great guide! The kids loved it and so did the adults.

Kris Chadwick 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Can walk in, fill out the waiver, and start climbing. Fun place and helpful staff.

Scott Grande 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: We had a fantastic time with Trevor. Got us all on super fun walls - including my 6 y/o daughter. Will definitely come back next time we're in the Asheville area.

Matthew Petrinitz 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Super friendly staff, great facility!!

Melissa Squier 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Cultivate climbing was fabulous. Associates we're great, took the time to assist and answer questions. Many options for climbing, all ages Definitely going back!

Tyler Sturgeon 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great experience! Trevor was extremely knowledgeable, felt safe the entire time and he provided clear instructions. 100% will be back!

Jason Young 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Cultivate may be the smaller climbing gym in town but what it lacks in size it makes up for in soul. It's a great community, both members and employees. Routes are updated regularly and the setters have a variety of styles. Food and merch is again lower quantity but high quality. The staff is knowledgeable and gives honest, unbiased advice. Exercise and rental equipment is well-maintained, and beyond the usual top rope and bouldering and workout options there are some unique things like a Kilter board and TreadWall.

Jon Louk 1 year ago

Negative experience: To be honest, this place is a nightmare unless you have cash in hand and purchase tickets in person. I live in Colorado and my children live here in western NC. I had called by phone in early December and ordered (by phone) an electronic gift card for my children and their parents to come spend the day, and the passes were all inclusive, with (2) adult passes and gear and (2) youth passes with gear. I gave them an email to send the gift card to and she never received it. I called the river location MULTIPLE times to figure it out. No general employee knew what to do to solve the issues over the phone so I asked for a manager and was told there wasn’t one available. I called back multiple times throughout the following days, and, at no point was I able to speak to a manager. They charged my card and the money was successfully withdrawn according to the bank itself, yet, they said the purchase was declined and hadn’t gone through, (being that withdrawn NOR refunded). the bank confirmed the payment was successful and the company (under the charge CLIMBMAX ASHEVILLE) had the money. I planned to be in the area this week and decided to go in person to The River Location, and solve this. They were less than helpful and continued to say they didn’t ever take the payment and it isn’t in their system and would have to go through the chain of command to figure it out. The bank has confirmed they do in fact have the money. Not only is this extremely inconvenient, it’s very frustrating, and a poor image for this company. They never offered any other option except pay again or wait. This location is recommended 0/10.

Nick Hlavacek 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Nice climbing gym with a very helpful and friendly staff. Good variety of walls. Fun place!

Johnathan Duncan 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Definitely liking the new management! Excited to try this gym out again!

Justina Guthrie 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Excellent day climbing with Pete! We will definitely be back.

Annemarie Cooper 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Kind and knowledgeable staff. Love Gunther too.

Bryant Devlin 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: If you get the chance and you have the funds. Take a private muti-pitch day with Peter. Phenomenal guide who knows his stuff. Build confidence and knowledge while enjoying a wonderful sport in beautiful WNC

Nur Shawamreh 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: This place was freaking awesome! Super welcoming staff! Shoutout to Ryleigh & Eric! Really cool people and positive vibes! Go mentally and physically challenge yourself!! 10/10

Nataly India 1 year ago

Negative experience: I called ahead to let them know that there were five adults that needed to rent bikes. We drove a half hour only to find out that they didn’t have five small adult bikes for us to all go together. It kind of ruined our day.

Jim Canapa 1 year ago

Positive experience: Routes are graded a little low, and you can tell the setters are really tall, but a good clean gym with friendly staff. Wish it was warm enough to try the outside wall.

John Fusco 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Did a full day of climbing at looking glass rock, Trevor was a great guide and made for an amazing experience! Wil book my next climbing trip through Cultivate!

Stacey Vargas 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great climbing gym! The people are so nice and helpful. Lots of different runs. Bouldering, top rope and belay. They even have a climbing tread mill, so cool! I highly recommend them. Great for kids too!

Christina Coury 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: My husband and I had a wonder time climbing with Trevor at Looking Glass Rock. He was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable. We were fortunate enough to be able to reschedule with the company last minute due to forecasted rain.

J Sley 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Josh Whitmore was (is) an incredible guide. We had a beautiful day scaling the sides of Table Rock up to the summit. It's a little costly and a bit terrifying at times, but it's worth every penny.

Kristin Cox 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great gym! Everyone there was friendly, and it had a relaxed vibe. The bouldering problems were all well and fun to climb. Lots of overhung problems! I didn’t bring a harness for top rope, but those routes looked fun too.

Jamie Rutkoski 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: We did a full day single pitch with Trevor. There were 6 in our group- 4 who had absolutely no climbing experience and 2 who had pretty extensive experience in the climbing gym. Trevor went above and beyond to ensure all of us learned how to safely climb while also making sure all of us were challenged to our skill level. He was so attentive and intentional about safety while also encouraging us to be independent about our climbing which made for the absolute best experience. Can't wait to do it again soon! We will be back!

Josh Folse 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Easy to find on Amboy road. There's a parking lot in front of the business and across the road. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. We went through a small orientation before we began climbing. It is a little small. But even on a busy day you don't have to wait long to climb. They offer rental equipment for climbing. They have food and snacks. Cubbies to place your stuff. Overall a great experience. I look forward to bringing my son back.

Ben Rempe 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: My family (me, wife and 3 girls - 8-14) have done rock climbing road trips the past 3 years. After heading west the past two years, we decided to go east to Ashville. I found Cultivate Climbing by doing a google search for climbing guides in the area. We've had good luck in the past finding a skilled guide that knew where to go, brought the supplies needed and set routes. Again, this year we hit the jackpot. The scheduling process was easy and done completely online. The price was reasonable. They reached out shortly before our excursion so we knew what to expect. Trevor was our guide and he was exceptionably knowledgeable about the area, navigated us on a great hike to the rock face, skilled in coaching us up the right routes, and empowered us to have a great time. I would 100% recommend Cultivate Climbing if you're traveling in the area and looking for an adventure.

Christa Sperling 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: My partner and I signed up for the outdoor climbing class. It far exceeded my expectations. We had a wonderful time and I left feeling like I gained solid skills I can build upon. Our guide Jamar was wonderful, patient, and safety-focused. He made sure we felt comfortable and confident throughout the experience. He also shared his knowledge about local flora and fauna. Highly recommend this course if you have any curiosity about climbing outdoors. Experience isn’t necessary—just a positive attitude.

Madison Taylor 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Such an awesome experience today. My friend took me climbing today for the first time and it is very beginner friendly so if you are nervous, get out there and give it a shot! The day pass and shoe rental was only $25. The gym size was wonderful and has lots of different climbing options. They even had a snack bar, some coffee, and climbing gear to buy! Can’t wait to come back. Awesome experience.

Melissa Santos 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: First time rock climbing with my girlfriend and Trevor was absolutely hands down the best instructor we could have asked for. He was very understanding, patient and explained every step throughly. He was also very chill, funny and just a nice person to hang out with for the day, overall this experience has pushed me to want to start a new hobby! Thanks again Trevor! :)

Lindsey Wright 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great place if you're a beginner or skilled climber. Many different types of climbing walls with routes changed regularly for new challenges. Everyone there is so open and friendly, staff and climbers alike. Always ready to help out or cheer you on. They also have a great work out area with weights and stationary bikes.

Robin Salmani 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Joel was more than a climbing guide, he made our whole trip. Not only did we have an amazing time climbing, where he helped us to feel comfortable and confident, he also taught us about mushrooms and plants on the hike. And suggested the best eats in town. Will be back to see him in the near future.

Mason Gray 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome environment to learn and have a good time 10/10 great people good climbing

Benjamin Lee 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, higher density boulders with a kilter and moonboard. Great gym for training!

Sophie Mullinax 2 years ago

Positive experience: Great location and very convenient to me. However, it's small to the point of feeling cramped and having to really be careful not to fall or lower onto other climbers. A little grungy. Not much care taken for stuff like missing/rubbed off route ratings. I find the routes as a whole not very thoughtfully or skillfully set. Top ropes are stiff and full of chalk, which makes belaying jerky and annoying. The whole place needs a deep cleaning. All that said, I'll continue to go once a month or so because it's less than a mile from me. I much prefer Riveter, though it's a trek from me.

David Grimes 2 years ago

Negative experience: Gym is nice but if your a single day climber staff will fail you in any climbing test. With no ability to retake. Be warned if you go in you can only auto belay and boulder. Side note after failing my top rope Test I observed some staff climbing and the person belaying him(not staff) was not breaking from a position of strength which was why I failed. Super disappointed in that. Seems like a clicky gym where outsiders are not welcome

Arianna Adams 2 years ago

Positive experience: Very easy to sign waiver and pay for passes ahead of time. Staff are pleasant and helpful. Gym was busy on a Wednesday night. Parking lot is small and fills up - Had to circle once to get a spot. Gym has interesting and challenging routes set. Walls are slick with no coating, eliminating the option to smear on most top rope walls. Overall decent gym with a good amount of top rope, auto belay, lead, and bouldering options.

Mariah Havlicek 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great community, wonderful staff.

Jeff Anderson 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: There are bigger gyms, but Cultivate Climbing has that little something extra that makes you feel like youre a part of it's community. Often route setting keeps the climbs interesting and challenging. Boutique and engaged.

Josh L 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, clean and suitable facilities, positive environment! Jacob was especially helpful and welcoming, helping me get set up and safe with this new sport in no time. Six stars.

Trey Andrew 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: 2 level climbing gym with peg board, treadwall (like a treadmill but a wall), hang-boards, some workout equipment, bouldering walls & caves, self balay, lead climbing, and top rope. Decent prices and good routes.

Karen Fields 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: My kids had a blast! Staff was very friendly and inviting

miranda palma 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Friendly people in the place. Completely recommended for a first timers my husband and I enjoy it a lot if you willing to try it this is the best place. The people climbing are extremely friendly and They are willing to help you

eric terral 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: This place is totally epic. My favorite route setter River, has been a huge help in my climbing career. He is a top tier guy.

SEER Music / Yoga with Matthew 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I've found amazing community at this gym of friendly climbers that love to connect! The staff is wonderful and genuine. The climbing is great - the routes are challenging and creative - great for outdoor training. As a full time traveling van dweller, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite gyms in the country!

William Oglesby 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. The bouldering routes are updated frequently, and the gym has solid training equipment. Great place to go with friends!

Ted Goranson 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Big Daddy with the 9 and 7 yr old grands, first time at the wall Surperb, professional staff, kind and tuned in to the kids. Flawless waiver process, new equipment. Orientation on point, crisp and concise. SOOOO much FUN. We will be back!

Gary Davis 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Staff is always friendly and helpful. Climbing gym is always clean. Great place to go!

Max Petersen 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sweet gym! Shout out to my bud Laszlo for helping me learn a bit more about climbing!

Daniel bustillo 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Love this place. It can be crowded sometimes but it’s always a good atmosphere and the staff is very friendly. Clean facility, and the routes are challenging but fun. I’ve been coming here for about a year now and have nothing but positive things to say. Great place for all skill levels. SMAC is the bomb!

Julian 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: This gym is well kept, has a great atmosphere, and very helpful staff. I recommend climbing here. Also, it's the only full service (or near full service) climbing gym in Asheville. The prices seem average compared to other cities. They lack locker rooms. They always have several good routes, but some of the route setting is lacking. I've noticed that some of the route setters more often only reduce hold sizes instead of adding technical moves to achieve a higher grade. By no means am I saying there shouldn't be small holds in a gym, it's just that some of the setters set the same frontal route over and over and just change hold size to get their range of grades. Some setters are excellent, taking in to account technical moves. So keep a track of the setters' names and stick with your favorites. They do not do customer rating here. Their isometric and plyometric area is sufficient, but nothing special. It was recently enlarged with the removal of the upstairs bar. Free weights and exercise machines are ok but wanting. There is rumor that they will be expanding soon, so keep your fingers crossed! Updated, 05/2021 - The routes were awesome, and they do customer rating now (I think they have done it for a while and I have delayed in updating my review). The staff was awesome, as always! They are easing restrictions on covid, reservations no longer needed. Still no locker rooms, that I could see, but the floor is new and everything was very clean with lots of fresh paint. I am so thankful that this gym survived covid!

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Hi Julian,Thanks for your review; we are glad you enjoyed our atmosphere and will pass your feedback on to the routesetting team. If you join us the week of a new set, we're happy to collect grades and feedback from you on the spot!

Kevin Hyatt 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism I think Taylor Murdock did an outstanding job here. He is a very Professional young man who takes the time to make sure the customer is happy! I recommend these guys to everyone simply because they have a happy and positive worker like Mr. Taylor!

Sally May A 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fun. Nice and helpful staff.

Flying Avocado 3 years ago

Positive experience: Been taking my oldest daughter here for a couple years off and on. Today I brought my wife and both our girls. My oldest daughter and I were excited to show them how cool it is there! Then…. masks. My wife and I are fully vaxxed. But our girls (both under 10) would need to wear masks. Nope. We followed the science. Our girls hate the masks; we won’t be part of the grooming to accept to do what your told- that feels too close to saying, “Boys will be boys.”. We were polite, the staff is great- but our money and support are not with businesses that push the masks. Riveter is a longer drive, but the atmosphere is perfect. We’ll be back when the masks are gone.

Brian Adrian 3 years ago

Negative experience: Extremely limited bouldering. The space they’ve dedicated to it feels like an afterthought. The setting is extremely inconsistent. Anything V0-V2 is a ladder with progressively smaller holds, and anything V4+ feels like it would go that grade outdoors. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, a stiff set is ok, but only when there are options for people who don’t necessarily want to practice outdoor style climbing, inside. I should mention that some of the problems are great, but it’s really only like 25% of them. The taping. Oh my god the taping. You can’t set two different problems of the same color that intersect each other. I’ve worked in a smaller gym than this one, I know it’s not rocket science. Go for quality setting, not quantity.

Emily Quinlan 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Good vibes and good routes all around! The entire staff are friendly and informative, the class I took was phenomenal, just an amazing community to be a part of. We love SMAC!

Denise Reidy 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing time with Rick! I cannot wait to come back. Highly recommend him as a guide- so knowledgeable and patient with us as our first time trad climbing.

tinatoombs 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Had amazing beginner instruction! Learned climber knot, belaying, bouldering and equipment. Highly recommend it!

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Hi Tina,Thanks for your review! We're glad you enjoyed your instruction and hope to see you back again soon!

Katie Wersel 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I am a huge fan of SMAC! As someone who was new to climbing, their staff made me feel so welcome and handled my jitters with grace. I’ve since invited plenty of other friends to have their first climbing experience there and they have continued to come back as repeat costumers. I highly recommend them as an energy and social outlet for climbers both seasoned and new!

Mya Hamilton 4 years ago

Negative experience: I’ve been to a lot of climbing gyms all over the US and I will never be returning to this one. The staff acts as though they know more about climbing and safety than anyone else, including manufacturers of the climbing gear you are using. A terrible place to teach beginners. This is the first gym I’ve seen where the top roping isn’t double looped at the top, making it extremely difficult and unsafe for beginners. As for people with experience, it’s difficult to shoot up on a drop when the gym is so small and there’s just not the space for it. This gym is way too small for the prices they charge. I’d rather spend the extra money driving to Charlotte for a climbing gym than spend money here.

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Hi Mya, thank you for your feedback. We try to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome, and take your comments to heart.I hope you will give me an opportunity to learn more about your experience so we can ensure you have a better one next time. Please reach out to me directly at [email protected]. Thank you.

Brayden Hamilton 4 years ago

Negative experience: Absolutely by far the worst indoor gym I've been to. There is so much about this place that I could rant about. Climbing is a fun and relaxing sport for most people who do it often. It's a community where people meet and have fun together. The staff is a horrible example of what it means to be a climber. They are rude and they are on a horrible power trip. They offer recommendations where they are not wanted and are horribly judgmental about things they didn't need to bring up. Just because you working a gym doesn't mean you know everything. The route setting is a joke. I climbed a V5 that felt like a ladder, but was unable to complete a V2 for a warm up. I went back a dozen times and there was no way I could top it. I was next to two route setters at the time and they were making fun of bigger gyms that needed "professional route setters" when they were just as good. Obviously they were not. It annoyed me greatly. The gym was very small, which is totally fine. What was not fine was how much the gym costs for the size and the quality of routes. They are not a large gym so they should not charge large gym prices. With only 70+ routes total, I would expect them to be significantly less. All in all, it was awful. We are frustrated that this is the only gym around for the winter months. I dislike this gym greatly and I don't understand how they have such a high rating.

Dave Braverman 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Cool place, good routes, mostly rope stuff but some bouldering. Friendly staff.

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Thanks for your review Dave! If you're looking for more bouldering, check out our other location, Climbmax Downtown. We have special bouldering rates there!

Melissa Veasey 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: I took a CPR certification with Nathan, and was so impressed at how efficient, objective, and honestly enjoyable it was. The blended learning format made a lot of sense. Super glad to have places like Climbmax offer this service!

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Hi Melissa, thanks for your review! We appreciate your support at glad to hear you enjoyed your CPR class with us.

Will Nelson 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great gym!! We visited the Asheville area with some friends, and brought some new friends here to try climbing for the first time. They loved it! Lots of variety in the difficulty of the routes, but they were set harder than the climbs of the same rating at our home gym. The staff was very friendly! We forgot a pair of shoes here, and they went out of their way to return them to us! Top notch service!

Valentina Marginean 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: My fiance and I booked a private guide to Rumbling Bald. Rick was by far the most knowledgeable climber we have had the pleasure to meet. He was smart, fast, efficient, safe, and patient. We could not have had a better time with him and are so happy we made the investment to learn from him!

Sydney Epter 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: This climbing gym is great! It has lots of different routes at different difficulties for a lot of skill levels. I've been going regularly for a few months now and the employees are nice as well as other climbers. I took the basic climbing class and it was very informative. Although, I knew some of it, the class covered all the basics and it was still worth going to learn some techniques as well as the proper way to do things.

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Hey Sydney, thanks for your review! We're glad you enjoyed our Climbing Basics class and we're happy to have you as part of our community!

The Wayward Nurse 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Super friendly staff. This location has a lot more top rope and lead climbing than the downtown location. Good intermediate and up routes

jacob kozyra 5 years ago

Negative experience: Really the only option for a climbing gym in the area. The pads in the bouldering area are about as plush as the carpet in my living room. The problems are reset infrequently which is nice if you like projecting but I would not risk a fall on the poorly protected floor. Seriously tho I’ve had better protected landings outside. Space is a serious issue the unused “bar” takes up more space then entire bouldering area. There is no space to use aged fitnesses equipment. You end up doing push-ups and abs in/on the bouldering area pads. There is not even a pull-up bar, yes they have hangboards which are crusted in chalk but no straight pull-up bar. On a positive note they have a Moon Board on a good night a group gathers and you can get a solid session in.

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Hi Jacob, we appreciate your feedback on the space, and it is unfortunate we were unable to meet your expectations. We care about safety, which is why we have 10-12" of layered foam padding in our bouldering areas and extra crash pads that are always available. We hope you'll still climb with us and consider checking out our Downtown location now and then for variety :-)

Adam Gallimore 5 years ago

Negative experience: The lead climbing is alright, but the bouldering and toprope routes are severely lacking as far as route setting goes. It would be nice to have a more technical style of setting rather than having a lot of the routes use awkward holds. The grading also seems to very inconsistent across routes. I can send one v4 no problem but have a hard time on a v2 elsewhere. Overall I don't think the experience is worth the $16 entry fee, as you can find better gyms elsewhere.

Manuel Dye 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Best climbing gym in area. Friendly staff and vary good routes.

Ben Miller 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very fun, looking forward to it's continued growth

Jordan Garmon 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Nothing but positive experiences at SMAC. From the fun, creative and challenging routes and problems to the communal enviroment!

Chris Sutton 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to climb. Routes for everyone from V-fun to V-hard and some nice lead and auto-belay routes.

Asheville “Homes” Local 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I climb here all 2 to 3 days a week. :)

Maddison Venezia 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing people and atmosphere :)

Arian Bates 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Staff- the friendliest group of people in Asheville! I always felt at home and super comfortable when talking to any of them - great group of people! Owner- Stuart is the exact embodiment of the Asheville climbing scene. For the past 25 years, he has poured his life and soul into creating a wonderful climbing community, and it shows. A fantastic human being inside and out, he is a true friend, and very hectic (read:fun) person to be around! Facility- with outdoor climbing, top notch Walltopia lead walls set monochromatically, great top rope terrain, 2 crack simulators, a training area with 3 hangboards, a dedicated campusing area for everyone, free weights, and a moonboard, to the best bouldering terrain in all of western NC, this gym has it all! It even has a smoothie bar, showers, and an outdoor area where you can rent bikes and river tubes in the summer! Overall, a world class training facility.

Jamar Woods 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I'm new to climbing so I bought an instructional course about a month ago. I had a great instructor who went out of his way to make sure I was using good technique and was always safe. I went back today today to climb and I was greeted by very friendly staff who got me quickly outfitted to climb. I noticed one staff member by the boulder wall and asked how I should start. He also went out of his way to show me technique, proper foot placement, and a great number of other things to help me on my way. After I tackled a couple of V0's he came back and checked on me. I'd been nervous about starting a new hobby and almost didn't go today. I'm glad I made the decision to drive over. I felt very welcomed at this gym and I most certainly will be back.

Climbmax Climbing at the River

Hi Jamar,Thanks for your review! We're always happy to see our community grow, and glad you enjoyed our Beginner's Instruction Package. We look forward to seeing you again at Climbmax Climbing!

dan mcauliffe 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Dura dura

Deric Skinner 6 years ago

Positive experience: Good place to train, just wish it wasn't so small!

Nathanael Silvius 6 years ago

Positive experience: This was my first time going to a indoor rock gym. It was a great experience. Pretty good prices, and nice staff.

Aaron H. 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: The best and only climbing gym in town for rope climbing. The gym can be a bit crowded at peak hours. The staff is friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean.

Cassandra Parisi 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great gym-top rope, lead & bouldering up & downstairs. There's also a yoga studio with a variety of yoga & exercise classes that it hosts. And it wouldn't be Asheville ready without a beer. Drink some beer after climbing, the wrap around patio is lovely on a beautiful day, over looking the French Broad River & Carrier Park.

Cory Longenecker 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Has both top rope and bouldering area, but definitely geared toward rope climbing. Clean with good lines.

Nick 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Had a blast bouldering, here. $10 for a day pass is super reasonable. It's not the fanciest or the most polished gym, but the problems are fun, engaging, and challenging at all levels. They have a 45-degree wall upstairs, plenty of vertical wall (you can technically 'boulder' on the top-rope and lead areas up to where the color of the wall changes), and a sizeable 15-degree (I assume it's a 15) wall. NOTE: Problems are marked by tape, so the holds aren't monochromatic, and that takes a while to get used to, if you're a noob like me. Just plan on investing a few extra brain cells in your beta. Mega kudos to the route setters and the friendly staff. I look forward to checking out the downtown area, but if I'm ever in the River Arts District again, I'm definitely coming back!

Moses Perry 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome climbing gym. Lots of great routes and super smoothie bar.

Javier Licon 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Best gym for a crimptastic workout!

Vittoria Rose 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great gym! Friendly staff.

Chad Wilson (Life of Chad) 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Me and my brother came in for a day of fun, after snowboarding. What a great place. Can't say enough good things about the staff and climbers there. A+++++ facility's and personal.

Micah Rogers 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great climbing, staff, and atmosphere.

Rafael Gomes 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff! For us newbies, this place feel huge and like there are plenty of climbing options for our beginner level as well as tons to grow into. We've only done bouldering here with no ropes but they've got a few self-belay devices that seem popular as well as options for top-roping and lead climbing. Rental gear is available and is very decent.

Cari Kresa 7 years ago

Positive experience: Good time white water rafting

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