On July 19, 2025, MoCo Bouldering celebrated its grand opening in Conroe, Texas, about 40 miles north of Houston. Co-founders Zac Shoulders and Chance Alldredge turned their vision of a climbing gym into reality after discussions began in 2020. Shoulders initially considered launching a traditional fitness facility, but after losing his corporate wellness job during […]
Bouldering Project Expands in the Twin Cities with New St. Paul Gym
In November 2025, Bouldering Project marked a significant milestone by opening its second gym in the Twin Cities, located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This expansion brings the chain to a total of 13 locations, following its establishment in Seattle in 2011 and its subsequent growth to cities such as Austin, Boston, Brooklyn, Washington DC, Salt […]
Exciting News: Lake Travis Bouldering Set to Open in Austin, Texas
Lake Travis Bouldering is gearing up to open this spring in Bee Cave, Texas, just northwest of Austin. The gym is led by Rashell Backer, President, and Colin Backer, Director of Operations. The Backers ventured into this endeavor after successfully selling their cleaning business, established in 2016. “After searching for the right opportunity, it became […]
Gravity Bear Opens in Downtown Tulsa
On August 2, 2025, Gravity Bear, a bouldering-focused gym, officially opened its doors in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founder Parker Simms described the venture as a “perfect timing” moment between himself and the local climbing community. After serving 11 years in the military, Simms relocated to Tulsa in 2021 to be closer to his children. Transitioning […]
Odyssey Climbing Expands to Appleton, Wisconsin
On September 9, 2025, Odyssey Climbing unveiled its second mixed-discipline climbing gym in Appleton, Wisconsin. Situated approximately 30 minutes southwest of their first location in Green Bay, this new gym aims to cater to the distinct climbing community in the region. Founders Ben Ganther and Sam Howard initially launched their first facility in February 2023, […]
Touchstone Climbing Opens Hyperion in Redwood City
On May 5, 2025, Touchstone Climbing unveiled Hyperion, its 18th facility, in Redwood City, California, strategically located between San Francisco and San Jose. This mixed-discipline climbing gym will expand its offerings with roped climbing amenities slated for completion by 2026, just months before Touchstone celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founders Debra and Mark Melvin first launched […]
Blocworks Expands with New Location in Midtown, Oklahoma City
In January 2025, Blocworks Climbing launched its second bouldering gym in Midtown, Oklahoma City, five years after the first facility opened in Edmond, Oklahoma. Entrepreneurs Mariah and Evan Small identified a significant opportunity in the local climbing market, prompting them to explore areas suitable for a second location. The Midtown space presented itself unexpectedly when […]
Horizon Climbing Opens in Champaign, Illinois
On August 16, Horizon Climbing officially opened its doors in Champaign, Illinois, founded and owned by Natalie Broadhurst and Mika Malter. After both having fantasized about launching a climbing gym, they realized that their visions aligned perfectly, leading them to focus on creating an inclusive environment for climbers of all levels. “We wanted to establish […]