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Campus Recreation
Student climbing the rock climbing wall.

Climbing

Reach New Heights with Indoor Rock Climbing

The Outdoor Adventure program offers exciting indoor climbing experiences at the Student Fitness Center, featuring a 47-foot climbing wall and a bouldering cave. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, our facility provides opportunities to climb, learn, and challenge yourself in a supportive and welcoming environment.

We offer open climbing hours for independent climbers and assisted climbing with staff belays for those who need support or are new to climbing. Beyond open climb, we host special climbing events such as crate stacking challenges, local climbing gym tours, climbing competitions, family climbs, and more.

For those looking to deepen their skills, we also offer climbing workshops for all levels, including Intro to Climbing, Climbing Movement, and Belay Workshops.

Participants interested in belaying at the climbing wall must complete and pass a Belay Skills Assessment to demonstrate proficiency in belay techniques and safety practices. Assessments are available during open climbing hours and are valid for the academic year.

Climbing with us is more than just a workout—it’s a chance to build strength, improve technique, and connect with the climbing community. Join us to take your climbing to new heights!

Hours

Monday: 4:00pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday: 4:00pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday: 4:00pm - 8:30pm
Thursday: 4:00pm - 8:30pm
Friday: 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Special Events

  • First Ascent Peoria Climbing Gym Tour

    Saturday, January 25

    Join us for a day of indoor climbing at First Ascent Peoria! This trip offers students the chance to explore one of the region's premier climbing gyms, featuring a variety of walls and routes designed for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you're new to climbing or looking to sharpen your skills, this trip provides the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with others, and have fun in a dynamic, indoor environment.

    Sign up here

  • Crate Stacking

    Tuesday, January 28, Thursday, March 20, and Tuesday, April 22

    Test your balance, coordination, and courage with the Crate Stacking Challenge at the Climbing Wall! This unique activity involves stacking and standing on crates as you build your way higher and higher. How tall can your tower get before it all comes tumbling down? Perfect for participants of all skill levels, this fun and exciting challenge is a great way to step out of your comfort zone, cheer on your friends, and experience something new.

  • Climbing Competition

    Saturday, February 1

    Show off your skills and test your limits at our exciting Climbing Competition at the Climbing Wall! Open to climbers of all levels, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, compete with friends, and enjoy the vibrant climbing community at Illinois State University. Participants will tackle a variety of routes designed to test technique, strength, and creativity. Prizes will be awarded for top performances, and fun challenges will keep the energy high throughout the competition.

    Sign up here

  • Urbana Boulders Climbing Gym Tour

    Sunday February 16

    Join us for an exciting day of climbing at Urbana Boulders! This trip offers college students the chance to explore one of the region's top bouldering gyms, featuring a variety of challenging routes designed for all skill levels. Whether you're new to bouldering or looking to push your climbing abilities, Urbana Boulders provides the perfect space to climb, learn, and have fun.

    Sign up here

  • Community Route Setting

    Thursday, February 27 and Thursday, April 3

    Get hands-on experience creating climbing routes at the Climbing Wall and Bouldering Cave! Join us to design, test, and refine new routes with guidance from our experienced staff. This event is open to climbers of all skill levels and a great way to contribute to the climbing community.

    Sign up here

  • Southern IL Climbing Gym Tour

    Sunday March 2

    Join us for a day of indoor climbing at Climb So iLL in St. Louis! This trip gives students the opportunity to experience one of the region's most unique and modern climbing gyms, featuring a variety of walls, routes, and bouldering areas designed for all skill levels—from beginner to advanced. Whether you're brand new to climbing or looking to push your skills to the next level, Climb So iLL provides the perfect space to challenge yourself, connect with others, and have fun in an exciting and supportive environment.

    Sign up here

Workshops

  • Belay Workshop

    Saturday, February 8 and Saturday, March 29

    Learning to belay is a key skill for climbing, whether at the SFC Climbing Wall or on a natural cliff face. Our belay workshops cover essential topics such as equipment use, knot tying, climbing communication, belay techniques, catching falls, and safely lowering climbers. Participants will receive hands-on practice to build confidence and proficiency in a supportive environment.

    Sign up here

  • Climbing Movement Workshop

    Saturday, February 15

    Elevate your climbing skills in this hands-on class focused on technique, efficiency, and body awareness. Learn key strategies like foot placement, balance, and route reading, with personalized tips from our experienced instructors. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master the basics or an experienced climber aiming to perfect your technique, this class is a great way to elevate your climbing game!

    Sign up here

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