Climbing Center

Climbing Center

Students cheer at the football game

Nebraska's most varied climbing terrain offers climbers the chance to enjoy the benefits of rock climbing in one of the flattest states in the US. Come join a welcoming and committed climbing community.

  • Today's Hours

  • Outdoor Adventures Center (OAC)

  • 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

  • Climbing Wall

  • 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

  • Climbing Center Hours (Fall)

  • Day of WeekTime of Day
    Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
    Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

    • Try-It Climbs and Skills Checks are available Monday-Friday beginning at 12 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday beginning at 10 a.m.

    Pass and Pricing Information

Additional Services

Climbing Basics Class

• Free for student/member

• $15 for non-member

Register Here

Lead Climbing Class

• $10 for student/member

• $20 for non-member

Register Here

Skills Check*

$25 for student/member and non-member

*must be renewed annually

Try-it Climb

• One (1) free per semester for student/member

• $15 for non-member

Shoes

$1.50

Chalk

$.50

Gear Rental Package*

$12 for student/member

*three-month

Try-It Climb

New to climbing and want to try it out? Every enrolled student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is offered a free climb each semester. If you're not currently enrolled at the university, or a current Campus Recreation member, you may purchase a try it climb activity for up to two people. This activity will get both climbers one top rope climb and auto belay use for the remaining 30 minutes of the try-it climb session. We encourage you to book online ahead of time. Walk-in try-it climbs are handled as staffing allows. Try-it climbs are available to climbers ages 5 and up.

Group Climbing

Group reservations are available for the Climbing Center. Typical rentals happen on weekend mornings when the wall is closed. If you're interested in a group reservation, please fill out the Climbing Wall Group Inquiry form.

Climbing Wall Group Info

Expectations & Etiquette

The climbing center is an empowered state where all climbing, bodies, abilities, and identities are welcome. As such, there are expectations that we all must follow.

Expectations & Etiquette

New to the UNL Climbing Center or have not been here for a year:

UNL Students:

Current UNL students will be able to complete the required Climbing Wall Assumption of Risk and release of liability waiver in person in the facility.

Please bring your NCard or government-issued id ready to set up your account.

Adult Climbers:

(over the age of 19)

Will be able to complete the required Climbing Wall Assumption of Risk and release of liability waiver in person in the facility.

Youth Climbers:

(under the age of 19)

Must come with their Parent or Legal Guardian to complete the Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Youth and minor expectations and privileges:

AgeResponsibilities
5 years old
  • Youth climbers must be climbing with their guardian or supervisor.
  • Parent or legal guardian must sign a release, a family friend or temporary caregiver cannot legally perform this duty.
  • Youth climbers cannot belay unless approved by the Outdoor Adventures staff.
  • May participate in try-it climbs, climbing basics classes, or a one-day climbing pass.
  • Youth climbers must pass a Youth Skills Check to ensure awareness of expectations in the facility.
16 years old
  • Climbers are no longer able to climb as dependents on their guardian's Annual Pass.
  • Parent or legal guardian must sign a release, a family friend or temporary caregiver cannot legally perform this duty.
  • May participate in try-it climbs, climbing basics classes, or a one-day climbing pass.
  • Climbers of this age are eligible to take a Belay Skills Check.
19 years old
  • The climber can complete their own release.
  • May participate in try-it climbs, climbing basics classes, or a one-day climbing pass.

If I am not a member or a student of UNL, may I use the climbing facility?

Yes. You can purchase a One Day Climb for $15 at the Member Service Desk in the Outdoor Adventures Center. This provides access to the gym during regular hours. If you do not have a current skill check (bouldering/top rope/lead climbing) at our facility you can pay for the skill check ($25) and the One Day Climb is included.

As a student or CREC member, how much does it cost?

Each semester, students and CRec members get one free Try-it Climb. After using the free Try-it Climb, we encourage you to take a Climbing Basics Class. The two-hour class is free for students and CRec members and will get you up to speed on all the technical skills you’ll need to know to keep climbing consistently. After taking the class and passing the included skills check, you will have unlimited access to climbing during open hours for one year (access is only valid if you remain enrolled as a student at the university or stay a CRec member).

Do I need to have climbing experience before I come to take the climbing class or use my one (1) free Try-it Climb per semester?

No. We see it as our job to help make climbing accessible to you. If you are interested in trying out climbing come on in and we can get you set to go.

Where do I go and how do I use my free Try-It Climb?

Only two climbers are allowed to take part in a Try-it Climb at any one time. Try-it climbs are available from 12–5 p.m. and are subject to availability based on climbers in the space.

I have prior climbing experience. What are the Skills Check requirements for Top Rope or Lead Climbing?

You can perform a Top Rope or Lead Climbing Skills Check with our staff during normal operational hours (Monday-Friday beginning at 12 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday beginning at 10 a.m.). The cost for a skills check is $25 for both Top Rope and Lead Climbing. After passing the skills check, it will remain valid for 365 days. If you are not a UNL student or CRec Member, the rate for a skills check is $25 and includes a One Day Climb for the remainder of the day.

Does the wall have belayers or anyone to climb with?

Yes. Staff are available beginning at noon each day. While they are available to assist you with your climbing or belaying needs, we strongly encourage you to connect with fellow climbers rather than rely on our staff for belays, as their main priority is the supervision of the wall.

Can I bring my own climbing gear?

You may use your own gear at the discretion of the wall staff.

Cancellation & Refund Requests

Have a change of plans? Looking for a refund? Submit your cancellation and refund requests to be reviewed by Campus Recreation staff.

Submit a Request