January 03, 2019

First look: Inside the massive new climbing gym that's coming to Callowhill

NYC fitness chain prepares to open 39,000-square-foot facility in Callowhill

By Thom Carroll
PhillyVoice Contributor

Carroll - The Cliffs at Callowhill climbing gym

Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice

The massive second-floor bouldering room will be able to accommodate up to 250 climbers at one time.

If you live in Philadelphia and are interested in rock climbing, you’ll quickly realize that indoor rock gyms are the most accessible options to get your pump on. With the increasing popularity of climbing has come a recent influx of new facilities to the area. One poised to stand out comes with wisdom from our neighbor to the north.

Slated to open this spring, the 39,000-square-foot climbing facility — reportedly the largest in the area — will take over a Callowhill warehouse just north of Chinatown. The project is the newest endeavor of The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness, an indoor rock climbing facility that has made a name for itself with three locations in New York City (and a fourth on the way).

Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice

The main roped climbing area will offer top-rope, lead, speed and crack climbing options. The new concrete floor has been poured since the time this image was taken.

“As we looked to bring our first-class climbing experience to other cities, Philadelphia just made sense,” said The Cliffs owner Mike Wolfert in a statement. “The incredible space allows us to bring guests an indoor rock climbing experience unlike any other.”

Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice

The first-floor as seen from the location of the locker rooms and sauna.

The Cliffs’ first location outside of New York will offer many amenities sought by Philadelphia rock climbing community for years, including top-rope, lead and speed climbing routes as well as a massive bouldering area. Also on the bill: yoga and fitness classes, a gym with cardio and strength-training equipment and a sauna for recovery. Youth programming, including teams and after-school clubs, in addition to indoor and outdoor climbing instruction, will make this a full-service facility.

Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice

The large warehouse on 10th and Callowhill will soon be home to The Cliffs at Callowhill - the first location outside of New York City.

The Cliffs at Callowhill will be at 340 N. 10th St. in Philadelphia’s Callowhill neighborhood. More information, membership prices and updates can be found here.