First Visit
First thing’s first, make sure you sign the waiver!
First-Time Climbers
First time climbing at Ape Index? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Sign the Waiver
First time climbers can expect to be greeted at the front desk and asked to sign the waiver (or sign it now, click here).
Climbing Orientation
All new climbers to Ape Index participate in a climbing orientation to ensure you and your party understand the basics, know how to be safe and keep everyone in your party safe and to ensure you have a blast while you are with us!
Purchase a Pass
At Ape Index we have a variety of pricing options to enjoy our climbing facility. Check out our Pricing page here and see which option fits best for you!
Choose Your Type of Climbing
We have two main types of walls at Ape Index: tall ones and short ones. The tall walls require gear and certification (or an experienced belayer) to climb, while the short walls, or bouldering walls, do not. Check out each type of climbing in more depth below!
Have Fun!
Scroll down to check out additional info on what to wear, the grading system used at Ape Index, and our Adaptive Climbing options. We can’t wait to climb with you!
Bouldering
Bouldering is climbing the rock walls without a rope but with a crash pad and a spotter. At Ape Index, you can climb most routes to the half way mark on the wall. As you climb, your spotter moves the crash pad with you and spots the climber to redirect any falls.
When bouldering, you can focus on strength and balance while learning to climb effectively.
Top-Rope Climbing
Most frequently seen in movies and on television, this is climbing with a harness and rope. As a climber, you tie your harness to the top rope. Your partner will belay you as the rope manager in case of a fall. Remember, our staff members will train you on how to properly belay and how to climb with a top rope.
Additional Info
CLIMBING GRADES SYSTEM
Yosemite decimal rating system and the vermin v-scale rating system for rock climbing
The Yosemite Decimal Rating System, with the 5.0 through 5.15 scale, is used to measure the difficulty of both bouldering and top rope routes. You will find that Ape Index uses a tape system to identify routes, and route ratings can be found on every wall.
The Vermin or V-scale rating system is the standard for rating bouldering routes. It starts at V0 and goes up to V17. You will also find routes labeled VB in the gym, which stands for beginner or basic and is easier than a V0 route.
WHAT TO WEAR
Rock climbing shoes: As a first-time climber, we recommend renting your first pair of shoes. Shoes should be tight but not painful, and our staff can help you with sizing. If you purchase shoes, we recommend you go to a reputable store to identify the correct fit. Shoes are critical in climbing as they have hard soles and should conform to your foot.
Clothing: Be sure to dress for comfort. If you are top roping, remember you will be wearing a harness, so flimsy clothing may not be comfortable. Any clothing with stretch is a good option.
Harness: You are required to wear a harness when top roping. We offer these for rental, or you can bring your own.
Chalk bag and chalk: Chalk keeps fingers and palms dry, which helps you avoid slipping.
ADAPTIVE CLIMBING/ PARACLIMBING
Adaptive climbing or paraclimbing is available at Ape Index, but we ask that you reserve your visit ahead of time so we can make sure you have a dedicated space to climb with a staff member. Contact us to make your reservation!
