Stefanie Reitz, member of Rocks and Ropes. photo: Ariel Campbell
Tucson’s indoor climbing gym, Rocks and Ropes, 330 S. Toole Ave., was originally designed as a ropes course, an experimental treatment center for climbing. It has transformed into a gym that provides an incredible fitness work out while uniting a community.
The gym, which was built in 1992, was the sixth climbing gym built in the United States.
“Tucson has historically been a good place for climbing,” said owner, Jason Mullins. “The length of the season is virtually year round.”
Rocks and Ropes rents out equipment and has a group of employees to help assist anyone who walks into the gym, regardless of climbing experience.
“Rocks and Ropes is a great establishment for beginning to established climbers,” said member Stefanie Reitz. “People are friendly, have a lot of experience and there is a variety of routes and boulder problems.”
The routes on the walls are changed and cleaned constantly; at least 15 new routes are put up weekly. “We have seen absolute body transformations over the years doing nothing but climbing,” Mullins said.
Rocks and Ropes just re-launched a ladies only class, BellaRock. The 8-week class is dedicated to introducing women to the proper foot and hand, balance and problem solving techniques of rock climbing.
This summer Rocks and Ropes offers a new summer camp for ages 12-18. The camp, Rock 4, is for kids who have been to Rocks and Ropes camps before and are looking for outdoor climbing experience.
“All ages climb, it’s a good teaching environment, learning environment. A good place to establish trust, something for children at a young age,” said Paige Snowe, a 4 year member.
For more information on Rocks and Ropes, their summer camps, climbing groups and rates, visit RocksandRopes.com or call 882-5924
