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Climbing & Bouldering Wall

Phone: (574) 631-3068 • View on Campus Map - Access in the Duncan Student Center, 2nd floor (north end)

Climbing & Bouldering Wall Hours: August 22 – December 16

Upcoming Modified Hours & Closures

Who can climb

Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students may utilize the Climbing & Bouldering Wall.

In order to prevent exposure to the on-campus Notre Dame community, the purchase of guest passes and admittance of visitors is suspended until further notice.

Location

The climbing & bouldering walls are located in Duncan Student Center. The entrance is on the north end of the 2nd floor. After coming up the grand staircase, walk directly to the end of the building where the check in desk will be on your right.

Steps to climb

The climbing & bouldering walls are open free of charge to all Notre Dame students, faculty, and staff. Children under 18 are not permitted to use the climbing & bouldering wall. There are 3 paths toward climbing.

1. After signing the climbing wall waiver and taking a short orientation of the facility, you will have access to the facility.
2. If you would like to try climbing the vertical surface of the climbing wall you can wait for the next available staff member to belay you.
3. If you decide climbing is something you want to do on a regular basis, you can sign up for a FREE Belay Clinic and learn how to use the equipment yourself. Upon passing the belay clinic, individuals will be able to come during open hours to belay each other instead of waiting in line.  

Belay Certification Clinics

The two hour belay clinic will teach you the basic skills needed to start climbing safely and proficiently. You can expect to learn about the necessary equipment, knots, top rope climbing, belaying, communication, lowering, basic movement techniques, and our facility policies. All necessary equipment is provided. These clinics are limited to the first 8 individuals to sign up.

Upcoming Fall 2021 Belay Clinics

*Additional Belay Clinics will be available following Fall Break.

Belay Test Outs – Walk-Ins

If you already know how to belay with a GriGri using the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) technique, you can attempt to get your belay certification by testing out with one of our Bouldering & Climbing Wall Staff during normal operating hours. Each step of the test out must be performed with 100% accuracy. If you do not pass with 100% accuracy, you will be required to take a Belay Clinic in order to receive your belay certification. Each test out session should last approximately 15 minutes. No pre-registration is required; test outs are on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak times of Climbing & Bouldering Wall usage, test outs may not be available.

Climbing & Bouldering Wall Policies

Shoes must be worn at all times inside the climbing area. Climbing shoes are available to check out free of charge on a first come first served basis. Closed toe shoes with backs are allowed on the wall as well as climbing shoes. No sandals, Crocs, winter boots, etc. Please consult with staff for shoe approval. You are required to clean off shoes of any dirt, snow, or mud before entering.

Click here to learn about our policies.

About the Walls

Built in 2017 by Eldorado, the Climbing & Bouldering Wall are made up of both high performance paneling and real rock textures for the maximum variety of terrain. With over 2,000 sq. ft. of climbable surface, the walls feature a diverse mix of routes accommodating all climbers from beginner to advanced.