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Louisiana may not have the mountains and hills for natural rock climbing, but there are still places that offer opportunities to practice, train, and learn safety tips for those traveling to mountainous states to climb or repel. Below are five of the coolest locations across the state to experience rock climbing if you’re new to the sport, or refine your skills if you’re a seasoned climber.
Even though Louisiana isn’t known for having many natural rock formations that lend themselves to climbing, you may have climbed one of the beautiful oaks trees found here. And if you don’t have an oak tree in your backyard, or feel you’re ready for more of a challenge, Uptown Climbing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has an oak tree tower that might be just what you need. Uptown Climbing is a new state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire and encourage the art of rock climbing, and the largest facility of its kind in Louisiana. Partnering with the leading climbing wall manufacturer in North America, Uptown Climbing has a 90-foot bouldering wall, more than 60 rope stations, areas where you can challenge yourself or others in speed climbing, or just sit back and relax in the lounge and let others inspire you. Day passes and memberships are available and gear can be rented for use in the gym. Whether you’re a novice to climbing or getting ready for that trip to the mountains, you’ll find the instructors and classes that will help prepare you for your rock climbing adventure.
From basic hand and foot holds for beginners to lead certification for advanced climbers, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of scaling up simulated rock walls, boulders, and overhangs at Southern Stone Indoor Climbing located in Lafayette, Louisiana. Special classes are available that will teach you how to spot other climbers, proper falling techniques, climbing commands, and more that will prepare you for the outdoors. For family fun, discounted rates are offered for college students and kids on certain nights, and if you’re looking for a great place to have a birthday party, Southern Stone can accommodate groups up to 15 and overnight lock-ins.
If you or someone you know wants to learn everything there is to know about rock climbing from certified experts and in a safe environment, Slidell Rocks Climbing Gym is the place to visit. This well-maintained gym is clean and provides a fun atmosphere that will help prepare you for outdoor climbing. This gym also provides a great place for exhilarating indoor activity that will stimulate your heart and test your endurance. Open every day except Monday, they offer weekly discounts for high school and college students, ladies night, and active military. There’s also a kids’ climbing night where kids can be inspired to climb to the top, and a Merit Badge course for boy scouts that teaches location of climbing areas, verbal signals, ropes and knots, equipment, and repelling.
If you’re training for your next outdoor rock climbing event and are looking for a top-notch place to work out, G-Rock Climbing in Shreveport, Louisiana, has the experienced trainers and courses that you need. High Intensity Interval Training, muscle toning, cardio workouts, and even weight loss classes will help you be in tip top shape when you climb your mountain. With a firm belief in safety, there are strict requirements for certification and everyone who comes to G-Rock Climbing has to go through a facility orientation where all the rules for proper conduct, equipment handling, climbing, and policies for minors are reviewed. Before moving to the next stage, climbers must understand the risks associated with their level of qualification and demonstrate various techniques. G-Rock Climbers can customize your next birthday event or team building activity at reasonable per-person rates.
If you want a place for family fun, stop by X Fusion Family Arena in Covington, Louisiana. This is the place you wish existed when you were a kid. And for those of you who already love rock climbing and want to introduce your kids to it, X Fusion Family Arena is perfect because it’s a controlled environment that’s safe and fun, but provides plenty of opportunity to try challenging and physically demanding activities. Equipment can be rented and there are games and climbing exercises that simulate actual rock climbing. Kids can get used to what a harness feels like, and the bouldering wall is very kid friendly. There is also a zip line, tunnel and obstacle courses, and a fitness center. Visit X Fusion Family Arena and conquer new heights.
