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 the COVID-19 pandemic, he sought a new direction. A casual dinner discussion about the possibility of opening a climbing gym ignited the partnership; Alldredge was immediately on board.
After forming MoCo Bouldering and Fitness LLC in early 2021, Shoulders faced the challenge of securing a location. He embarked on negotiations for various sites, but COVID-related uncertainties made landowners hesitant to lease to a gym. Determined to find a space, Shoulders reached out to the Mayor of Conroe, who not only understood their vision but also helped connect them with a willing commercial real estate partner, facilitating the search for their ideal location.
The gym, constructed on a pre-existing paved area near Interstate 45, benefits from high visibility and accessibility, making it an ideal spot in the bustling area north of downtown Conroe. Shoulders emphasized the need for a climbing gym in the community, particularly given the closures of several local businesses due to the pandemic. Before MoCo, Conroe climbers had to travel over 35 minutes to access climbing facilities elsewhere.
MoCo Bouldering integrates fitness and climbing, a combination Shoulders believes is crucial for member retention. “Climbing gyms have immense growth potential, but their retention rates are often lower than those of traditional gyms,” he explained. “We aimed to create a gym that takes fitness seriously.” The facility boasts a 4,000-square-foot weightlifting area, a 2,000-square-foot fitness classroom, and various climbing-specific amenities, including a Kilter Board, hangboards, and more.
With 6,000 square feet of climbing walls reaching 15 feet, MoCo also offers CrossFit-inspired classes and adult bouldering teams as membership options. Recognizing that many of their members are new to climbing, Shoulders has placed a strong emphasis on community engagement and education, aiming to foster relationships between staff and climbers. “We want to build camaraderie and provide structure to help our members avoid plateaus,” he stated. The gym’s structured programs, including coaching, personal training, and youth initiatives, further enrich the climbing experience, making MoCo Bouldering a pivotal addition to the Conroe community.
