Zenith Climbing Center

Category:	Rock Climbing Gym
Address:	3534 E Sunshine St #3, Springfield, MO 65804, USA
Phone:	+1 417-986-3869
Site:	zenithclimbing.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 12–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Amanda Marie

Im an intermediate climber who has visited 8 sport and bouldering gyms around the country, and I was very excited for the opening of this new gym here in my hometown! While I dont doubt the dedication of the staff or the owners in terms of their love for climbing, Im disappointed in the lack of inspiring intermediate routes and boulder problems here. I tried a month-long membership and came in most days of that month, but there didnt seem to be a consistent schedule for re-setting the walls. There is no feedback system or comment card box, so theres no way for climbers to share with other climbers whether routes seem above, below, or on-grade. The atmosphere is good and the holds are great, it just seems that there are two types of setting: ladders for beginners, and difficult routes with a lot of pulling, big moves, and dynos. I think you could retain a lot more business from new climbers (and appeal to older, overweight, or long-time climbers returning to the sport after months or years away) by adding beginner and intermediate routes with interesting moves that dont require a ton of pulling -- dihedral climbs with more push than pull, slab climbs with large foot holds requiring balance, and traverse routes would all be a great start. This facility is great for experienced climbers and kids parties, but the new climbers I observed in the space while I was there seemed frustrated that there wasnt much they could hold onto. If you want to retain new climbers and encourage them to pursue the sport (since its so fantastic), a facility more conducive to their success would be a better way to do business. I may still come back if the intermediate setting improves and theres some way to provide direct feedback on route comment cards.

James

This climbing center is incredible! They offer bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing. With problems suitable for all levels of climbers. They even have a yoga studio where they offer classes, and have open hours where you can practice yoga or stretch by yourself. Quality is on par with climbing centers I have been to in San Fransisco, Chicago, Berlin, and Copenhagen, but priced way more affordably. They have a very nice campus and systems wall setup where you can diversify your training. Also, there is a small gym area with machines and free weights. The walls themselves are built by Walltopia, which are both high quality in design and aesthetically pleasing. All of the staff is super friendly and helpful, but most importantly they emphasize on safety. **In depth detail** They have three separate areas to climb one is for top rope / lead and the other two are for bouldering. One bouldering area has a cave with hanging problems, and tops out where you do not have to climb or drop down. The other wall has a less aggressive angle great for new climbers. All of the walls offer a variety of difficulty from v0/5.5 to extremely difficult. Compared to other gyms the ratings are a little more difficult, but when you go out doors or to other gyms you will appreciate how the setters rated and setup the problems. Oh and they have two showers if you ever need to climb/train and go somewhere right after.

Michaelisgreek

Great climbing center. The materials and equipment are top notch, the staff is wonderful, and the environment is great. Several of the negative reviews of this center seem to hinge on a few vocal people simply flaunting their inexperience or limited understanding of the nature of climbing (things like expecting to be allowed to teach yourself to belay without any previous experience or being angry about liability precautions and personal waivers). Climbing is a dangerous sport, thats all there is to it, but the staff and owners provide very good instruction and policies to ensure everything is as safe and enjoyable as can be expected. The facilities are kept clean and maintained, and it seems like theyre really working to provide all kinds of additions (yoga classes, fitness center, etc.) to make it a well rounded center and a good experience for everyone. Plus, the owners will bend over backwards to make sure everyone gets as much out of it as they possibly can and that any issues are addressed quickly and efficiently (literally, theyll bend over backwards. Theyre climbers, theyre very flexible). Again, great center.

ReservedClimb3R T0pped out

After I went to see an imax movie on national parks and watched rock and mountain climbers see the beautiful views I instantly fell in love and wanted to do what they did so I got on Google searched for rock climbing gyms near me and zenith was the closest I was nervous at first cause I never climbed in my life well rock climbed that is important in army and afraid of heights lol but as soon as I got there the very nice gentleman at the counter gave me tour help me out with shoes and harness and even encouraged me to do a V0 which is the easiest problem there is and I completed it and he gave me a motivating fist pump. Lol. Then I came back Saturday with my wife and daughter and the female behind counter helped us get our 1 year old almost 2 lol into a harness great help no complaints yet everyone motivates each other to push to next level or even next hand holds.

Sebastian Trader

I dont think the staff at Zenith Climbing Center should be concerned with the deleterious claims of these uninformed, would-be climbers. Extensive surveys have not been conducted, and the ease of likening a personal problem to a bad experience holds no accountability. I for one have climbed at Zenith for more than 4 weeks now, without one complaint! Indeed, climbing/belaying are not challenges for me, which makes a positive experience come very easily. However, two or (potentially) three employees hosting a room full of people who all need different assistance does not make their job easy. Lets all be clear: Everett Pauls does not have a reason to heed the complaints of inexperience while helping to ensure a safe session for entire groups of people. Shall we say? For one example.

Nick Hartman

My wife and I joined the gym during Zeniths soft opening. She is a first time climber and I have climbed off and on for several years. The employees are first class in knowledge, experience and professionalism. I cant walk in without somebody cheerfully greeting me. My favorite part about Zenith is that its immaculately clean and clutter free. The gym has enough wall space that I rarely, if ever, have to wait on a route to open up. There are a ton of routes and boulder problems to solve. I think the route setters are a bit evil though - in a good way. We havent tried the yoga classes yet, but have plans to. Overall, we are both enjoying our memberships and have zero regrets. This is a first class climbing gym and Springfield is lucky to have walls of this caliber.

Chris Sircher

Zenith itself was a very clean place with a lot to do. However, the staff was very mean and pushy. I am a beginner rock climber and they did not help me one single bit! I bought the whole package and was then informed that I could not belay with my friend. I understand the rules and for insurance reasons but they could have still talked to me about it before I bought everything. They told me I could get certified but would have to schedule for a lesson at a later date. They were also very understaffed and had three employees working with about 12 adults and a birthday party attending. I will not be back to this joke of an establishment. Please think long and hard before you go here! Save your money!!