When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
The Front Climbing Club
Why The Front Climbing Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Front Climbing Club in downtown Salt Lake City offers a dynamic and vibrant setting for climbers and fitness enthusiasts to connect and challenge themselves. Boasting nearly 10,000 square feet of world-class indoor rock climbing walls, including top-rope, lead climbing, and bouldering areas spread across three floors, The Front is an ideal place to meet friends and enjoy an active day. Beyond climbing, the facility features extensive fitness equipment, cardio, and specialty training boards such as the Moon Board and campus boards, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned climbers. The club also hosts yoga classes covering a wide range of levels in a beautiful yoga shala, and members can partake in various group fitness sessions including Ashtanga yoga, Jiu-Jitsu training through the Front Jiu-Jitsu Collective, and upcoming offerings like Spin and TRX. With an onsite gear shop stocking premium climbing gear and top outdoor apparel brands, visitors have everything they need for their climb or workout. Additional amenities such as custom dry saunas in locker rooms and a dog-friendly park provide comfort and relaxation options, making The Front more than just a climbing gym. Its welcoming atmosphere and variety of activities make it an exceptional spot to get fit, socialize, and explore creative pursuits nearby, including the adjacent ceramics and art studio, Studio 1396.
Here's what people think of The Front Climbing Club
As of recent, The Front Climbing Club holds a 4.2-star rating based on 442 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Front Climbing Club reveal a mixed but generally positive perception. Many users praise the club for its lively community vibe, well-maintained climbing facilities, and excellent variety of fitness classes. Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff and welcoming atmosphere, along with the convenient downtown location and comprehensive amenities that cater to climbers of all skill levels. Users also appreciate the inclusiveness offered through perks like free belay classes and equipment discounts for members. However, some negative feedback focuses primarily on management issues, with complaints about leadership professionalism and workplace culture from former employees, describing challenges such as inadequate break policies and stressful work environments. Despite these internal concerns, the majority of visitors and members seem satisfied with their experience as climbers and fitness participants. In conclusion, while internal staff experiences suggest room for organizational improvement, The Front Climbing Club maintains a strong reputation for delivering a vibrant, well-equipped, and community-driven climbing and fitness experience for Salt Lake City residents and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Matt Meredith
I’ve climbed here over 2.5 years. South Main, and The Original Location Downtown (OG). Briefly, the community (very good adaptive program), facilities, various classes, art galleries, cheap coffee, community nights (chess!), hmm music, sauna, now pottery, all the things 👍🏼👍🏼 if I could. I personally really like the auto belays; I find them a valuable tool in a training modality called “ladders”. The rates vary. Be careful, switching from bouldering to them. Or auto belays to standard (different clipping). However; I’m a big fan they invested in the technology despite some very public issues they troubleshooted through. I happened to have met the man, Adam, pretty in charge of that and a lot of safety there. They from my visual impression of watching what he does and communicates seem so dialed and you’d think they’d be with an inherently “risky” technology. Adam is also an awesome chess opponent (partner in some crazy modes?). -Matt
Heather Marsh
Really an impressive climbing gym, but also a legitimately great normal gym. There are plenty of classes for things like yoga and cycling, but they also offer connections to classes like pottery and music in the courtyard. The layout is set up to allow social events in addition to a grueling workout. There are three stories of climbing walls you can watch from the cafe (which has an impressive selection of wine and beer for a gym), multiple wings of different height and difficulty levels, and excellent gear for sale in the shop. A relative teaches climbing, and said this gym looks like her version of paradise. If she ever leaves California, she'll get one of the apartments across the street to minimize her commute. As an overweight & middle aged lady walking in to pick up my son after his 4 hour climbing session for a day out, the staff was very friendly and welcoming. I don't consider myself their target audience AT ALL, but they acted as though it was perfectly possible I could fit in. They looked to have more than a dozen hookups for electric vehicles to charge on different sides of the building (not just one entrance) and a surprising amount of other parking available. Much of it is not visible from the street due to some beautiful and water-wise landscaping, but it is easy to navigate. There were plenty of bike racks as well.
Andrew Wheeler
I love how huge this gym is! And the fact that we got a south main location and salt lake location I get a ton of variety. Even though it still gets so crowded. Hopefully the expansion fixes some of that but the parking issue will always been such a problem. But what can you do. I ride my bike most of the time to the gym and I get a little bonus smoothie every time I ride 10 times however every time I I go to get it they say that they aren’t serving them that day which is insane. But this isn’t a smoothie shop. It’s a gym. And at the end of the day the climbs are fun and they do have a lot of great amenities even though it’s pretty expensive. I’d still recommend it.
Paul-Elie Nauleau
Nice gym when you first walk in it doesn’t seem like much then if you wander around there’s tons to do and see. They have autobelays, lead climbing, top rope, a good amount of bouldering, and tall walls. There is also a good gym area with lots of workout equipment and space and an additional training area with tons of moon boards and hang boards that is very nice if you’re serious about training. They have a wide selection of merchandise and the front desk was nice. The cafe is perfect for working and hanging out while watching climbing. It even looked like they have indoor bike racks and additional outdoor spaces, but I couldn’t quite tell. Overall this gym has everything you need especially if you’re a serious climber.
Bryan B
Quiet vibe as dedicated climbing experts mixed with novice climbers respectfully took turns. I was impressed by how focused everyone in the gym was. The staff was friendly. The monthly cost is extremely high for the average person. You need to climb 5 times in the month to get your money's worth. The gym has repelling, bouldering , spin classes, weight training and a restaurant.
How to reach The Front Climbing Club
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Why The Front Climbing Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Front Climbing Club with your friends?
Gathering friends for a meetup at The Front Climbing Club is an exceptional choice because it offers more than just a typical hangout spot — it’s an experience that combines physical activity, social connection, and personal growth all under one roof. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a complete beginner, The Front provides a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that invites everyone to join in the fun and challenge themselves. The club’s spacious indoor climbing facilities, modern amenities, and variety of activities stimulate interaction and camaraderie, making it ideal for groups looking to bond while engaging in a healthy, adventurous pursuit. The sense of accomplishment from scaling walls together or cheering each other on creates a special kind of shared memory, unlike the casual meetups at cafes or bars. Plus, with multiple locations and a strong community vibe fueled by regular events and classes, The Front truly fosters connections that go beyond the climbing gym. All of this has earned The Front Climbing Club a solid 4.2 rating from over 440 reviewers, testifying to its appeal as a prime meetup destination.
What activities does The Front Climbing Club offer for groups?
The Front Climbing Club is a multifaceted venue offering a diverse range of activities perfect for groups of friends or family members wanting to engage in active socializing. The centerpiece is its extensive indoor rock climbing facilities, which include both roped climbing and bouldering areas spread across nearly 10,000 to 15,500 square feet depending on the location. Climbers can challenge themselves on walls up to 60 feet high with lead climbing, top-rope, and auto-belay options, making it accessible for all skill levels. The bouldering areas are spread over multiple floors and include a unique wave wall that adds fun and difficulty to climbing sessions. Beyond climbing, The Front offers fitness classes such as yoga, tai chi, group fitness, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — all designed for diverse fitness levels and interests. Their fitness centers are well-equipped with cardio machines, weights, and specialty training boards including Moon Boards and campus boards, perfect for those seeking targeted strength or endurance training. The club also hosts community events like trivia nights and craft markets, which provide additional social opportunities for groups to enjoy together.
Why is The Front Climbing Club perfect for hosting a group meetup?
Hosting a group meetup at The Front Climbing Club is ideal because it caters to both active and relaxed preferences, creating a dynamic environment for everyone. The large and versatile space allows groups to split their time between climbing, fitness, and socializing without ever feeling crowded. Its multiple floors and zones enable diverse activities simultaneously; some can focus on climbing while others attend fitness classes or relax in the café lounge with WiFi and coworking spaces. This flexibility is perfect for groups with mixed interests or fitness levels. The Front also nurtures a vibrant community through organized meetups, free climbing classes for members, and special events that encourage interaction and bonding. Its dog-friendly policies and shady dog park allow pet owners to bring furry friends, adding to the welcoming vibe. After working up a sweat, members can unwind in custom dry saunas located in the locker rooms, enhancing the post-activity relaxation experience. This thoughtful blend of fitness, fun, and community makes The Front a prime choice for memorable and inclusive group gatherings.
What amenities and facilities enhance the group experience at The Front?
The Front Climbing Club boasts a wide array of amenities that elevate the group meetup beyond just physical activity. The climbing walls themselves are world-class, including two impressive 60-foot towers and a bouldering area that spans three floors, including challenging and unique features like the wave wall. This ensures that climbers of all abilities have engaging routes to conquer. The fitness and wellness facilities complement climbing perfectly, with offerings such as yoga studios featuring the state’s most extensive Ashtanga program, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, and general group fitness classes like HIIT and TRX, all suitable for beginners through advanced practitioners. The facility supports members with professional trainers and coaches who can personalize workouts to meet individual or group goals. Additional perks include a full gear shop stocked with top outdoor brands and climbing shoes, so groups can easily equip themselves onsite. The café area serves as a comfortable social hub where groups can eat, drink, or even work remotely thanks to free WiFi and coworking spaces. Changing rooms with dry saunas provide a relaxing retreat post-activity, enhancing recovery and comfort for all visitors. Artistic touches, such as monthly exhibitions of local art and the nearby ceramics studio, add cultural interest that groups can explore together.
What kind of community and social environment can groups expect at The Front?
The Front Climbing Club prides itself on cultivating a friendly, supportive community atmosphere that makes group meetups feel more meaningful and fun. Membership includes access to a variety of free social events like climbing meetups, trivia nights, and local craft markets, which provide natural opportunities for groups to mingle, compete, and cheer each other on. The inclusive "come as you are" philosophy embraces climbers and fitness enthusiasts regardless of experience, encouraging newcomers and experts alike to connect and grow together. Staff and fellow members are known for their welcoming attitude, making first-time visitors feel comfortable and supported. This positive environment is perfect for groups aiming to deepen friendships or establish new social circles around shared interests. The presence of regular classes and community-driven events fosters bonds that extend beyond the gym. For pet owners, the dog-friendly policies, including a dedicated dog park, add a unique social dimension that pet lovers within groups will appreciate. Overall, The Front’s community-centric approach enriches every visit and gives groups an energetic yet relaxed social space.
How accessible and convenient is The Front Climbing Club for group visits?
The Front Climbing Club is conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City and has multiple venues around the area, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. One of its primary locations is just off Interstate 15, ensuring a straightforward commute for groups traveling from different parts of the city or neighboring regions. Its large parking areas and nearby public transit options enhance convenience for group arrivals. The club maintains extensive hours, typically open early in the morning until late at night seven days a week, providing flexible scheduling options for group meetups, whether they prefer daytime, evening, or weekend sessions. The availability of rental gear and onsite coaching reduces the hassle for groups who may not have their own equipment or climbing experience. The comfortable café and coworking spaces also allow groups to extend their time at the facility beyond climbing, whether for casual hangouts or informal meetings. Such thoughtful accessibility and amenities demonstrate why The Front is a practical and appealing destination for any gathering centered around fun, fitness, and friendship.
What safety measures and beginner support does The Front provide?
The Front Climbing Club takes safety and beginner friendliness seriously, making it a reassuring choice for groups that include newcomers to climbing or fitness. The facility offers free Ascent Series climbing classes to all members, which are designed to teach essential skills such as how to climb safely, use ropes, and belay effectively. Professional instructors and coaches are available to guide beginners and answer questions, ensuring a supportive learning environment. The range of climbing options—top-rope, lead climbing, autobelay, and bouldering—allows participants to choose the style and difficulty level that matches their comfort and skill, reducing risk. The equipment is regularly maintained and inspected to meet high safety standards. The presence of multiple certified staff members on-site during all operational hours adds an additional layer of supervision and immediate assistance if needed. These safety standards combined with educational offerings make The Front an excellent place for novice and experienced climbers alike to enjoy the sport confidently, which is especially important for groups with mixed experience levels.
What makes The Front Climbing Club stand out among climbing gyms?
Several factors set The Front Climbing Club apart as a premier climbing destination beyond just its walls. Its commitment to community-building and fostering meaningful connections is central to its mission, recognized in its vibrant calendar of social events and welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are top-tier, featuring some of the tallest and most diverse climbing structures in the region, including unique floors of bouldering and an extensive fitness area tailored to climbers’ training needs. Offering not only climbing but also yoga, tai chi, Jiu-Jitsu, and group fitness classes distinguishes The Front as a holistic fitness hub. Its inclusion of amenities like dry saunas, a premium gear shop, a dog park, and art exhibitions addresses lifestyle interests beyond climbing, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Furthermore, The Front’s locations have been carefully developed to blend urban accessibility with inviting spaces where members feel at home. This broad approach, blending sport, fitness, social interaction, wellness, and culture, makes The Front Climbing Club an unrivaled destination for groups seeking diverse, enriching experiences in one place.