About the Rock Wall

The UD Rock Wall is a custom A.R.T. Wall by Nicros that is designed to look like a real rock face. The features are cast from real rocks and the surface is coated in a polymer-reinforced concrete, so it has the feel of real rock. The Rock Wall features six stations for top-rope climbing and a bouldering cave. The wall reaches heights of up to 35 feet. The middle cave is designated for bouldering, which may also be done outside the cave. At the wall are crash pads for added protection to bouldering climbers. New routes are set each week to provide varied climbing experiences for our patrons.

The UD Rock Wall provides opportunities to...

Build Community
The Rock Wall is a perfect place for you and your group to come together to climb and meet new people.

Exercise Indoors
With cold weather looming, climbing at the Rock Wall is a great way to stay fit and stay warm. Climbing can burn over 700 calories per hour−more than running 7 miles in an hour!

Take a Study Break
With exams approaching, going to the Rock Wall is a great opportunity to relax and get your mind off the books.

Cross another item off your UD Bucket List
Many students never step foot on the Rock Wall. Don’t miss out on this experience!

New to Climbing?

Never climbed at our Rock Wall before? Not sure what to do or where to go once you get to the Rock Wall? No worries, it’s easier than you think. On your first visit, you will need to complete a waiver at the Equipment Issuance Desk before climbing. You must be 18 years or older to sign the waiver, or have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the waiver. At the Equipment Issuance Desk, also check out climbing shoes and a harness at NO COST. For each check out and check in, you need to present your valid student ID or Camps Recreation membership card. Once you have your harness and shoes, look for one of our Rock Wall assistants—they will be wearing red University of Dayton Campus Recreation shirts. The Rock Wall assistant will check you in, explain how to put on the harness and shoes properly, and then teach you the skills you need to have an enjoyable time on the Rock Wall.

We hope to see you soon!

Personal Equipment

Personal climbing equipment is permitted after reviewed by a Rock Wall staff member. We allow our climbers to use their own climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags. Personal belay devices and carabiners are prohibited; belays will be given using GRIGRI’s and carabiners provided by the Rock Wall.

Children and Climbing

We welcome families, groups, and youth to the Rock Wall. Full body child harnesses and youth harnesses are available for our smaller climbers.

Belaying at the Wall

New to belaying?
No problem! We offer instructional belay classes at the Rock Wall. This two-part clinic will teach you proper belaying skills, basic climbing and knot tying techniques, and bouldering safety. At the end of the second class, participants will complete a belay test in order to belay other climbers.

Safety and Belay Clinics
These clinics are free of charge and will be taught outside of regular climbing hours. If you are interested in taking one of the classes, please email ewilk1@udayton.edu.

Are you an experienced belayer and interested in belaying your friends?
Ask any of your staff members to explain how you can complete our safety and belay skills test.* It takes about 20 minutes to complete. *Please note that passing our safety and belay skills test is not equivalent to passing belay tests at other climbing facilities. You will, however, have the knowledge of the knots and belay technique which will prove handy when you climb elsewhere!