Climbing Wall
A page within Rec Sports
rendering of the new climbing wall
Pardon our dust!
The REC Climbing Wall is undergoing a major renovation and expansion. The new state of the art facility will re-open on Monday, January 27th.
Welcome to the UWL Climbing Wall – your destination for adventure, challenge, and community! Our state-of-the-art facility offers routes for climbers of all skill levels and abilities, from beginners seeking their first vertical experience to seasoned pros. The staff possess the knowledge and skills to help first-time and seasoned climbers alike. Whether you're here to build strength, conquer new heights, or connect with fellow climbers, the UWL Climbing Wall is the perfect place to elevate your journey.
Key features:
- 21 feet high & 2,560 square feet of climbing surface
- 25 climbing lanes, 7 with auto belay devices
- Over 50 routes & bouldering problems
- 12x12 Kilter Board
- Bouldering
- Lead Climbing
- Classes & Clinics
- Open to the public!
UWL students have access to the Climbing Wall at no cost. Community members, faculty/staff and alumni will need to purchase day pass or a membership to climb.
The Climbing Wall is located within the Recreational Eagle Center on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus. Stop in any time the Climbing Wall is open and a staff member will help get you started.
Access, Membership & Passes
In most cases, access to the Climbing Wall is at no additional cost to the student. The only thing you need is your University ID card or Rec Sports App to check in.
Students do not need to purchase a membership to access the Climbing Wall if enrolled for current term and paying the student fee for the REC. Student memberships to the REC are included in your student fees and are based on term(s) of enrollment. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 1 (one) credit to gain access.
Former students who do not meet these eligibility requirements must pay for a membership
Accessible to the general public. A Climbing Wall Membership grants entry exclusively to the climbing wall during climbing wall open hours and includes equipment rental. The wall is typically closed over winter break, spring break and summer.
All people who enter the Climbing Wall are required to purchase a day pass or membership. For example, adults supervising children must also purchase a membership or day pass.
Memberships can be purchased online or at the Recreational Eagle Center (REC) Information Counter.
Membership Rates
| Monthly | Semester | |
| Non-UWL Student (16+) | $40 | $80 |
| Faculty/Staff, Alumni & Military | $40 | $80 |
| General Public | $50 | $100 |
| Child (Under 16) | $20 | $40 |
Accessible to the general public. A Climbing Wall day pass grants entry exclusively to the climbing wall during climbing wall open hours and includes equipment rental.
All people who enter the Climbing Wall are required to purchase a day pass or membership. For example, adults supervising children must also purchase a membership or day pass.
Day passes can be purchased online or at the Recreational Eagle Center (REC) Information Counter.
Day Pass Rates
| Non-UWL Student, Faculty/Staff & Alumni | $7 |
| General Public | $10 |
To gain access to the entire REC facility, a student or current member must sponsor you and pay the applicable fee.
Youth Policy
- Users under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. One adult may supervise up to 3 youth.
- Participants under the age of 18 must have the Climbing Wall Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Waiver
Coming Soon
Parking is a premium on UWL's campus and the parking lots are regularly patrolled by University Police. Visitors must follow University parking policies and procedures. Visitor parking is available in lot C-7. Visitors may purchase short-term or hourly parking at Parking Services during business hours or by using the Passport Parking mobile app.
Policies
Coming Soon!
Classes & Clinics
The Climbing Wall offers various classes and clinics. Pre-registration is required.
Introduction to Belaying
Students are taught how to put on a harness, tie the Figure 8 follow-through knot and properly perform the PLUS (Pull, Lock, Under, Slide) belay technique. On Belay! Belay's On! What is belaying? The process of securing and safeguarding a climber by using a rope and belay device to hold the climber's weight if he falls. The ascending climber and the belayer, or the person holding the rope through a belay device, are a team that is linked together by the rope. Belaying is an important part of the climbing chain of safety and one of the most important skills that any novice climber must master to become a safe climber.
Who should attend: Any person who wants to belay other climbers indoors or out
Fighting Gravity
Are you looking to jump-start your climbing ability? Want to learn more about rock climbing techniques that will improve your balance and strength? This introductory class will teach you the basic climbing fundamentals from footwork to body positioning, to handgrip, and balance. This class will help you master all these techniques on a variety of terrain to be used for both bouldering and rope climbing. So if you are interested in becoming a well-rounded climber or seek personal training to just pull down harder, then this is the class for you!"
Who should attend: beginner climbers and those starting to really get into the sport
Fighting Gravity: Advanced
Alright gym rats, I know you've been looking for a class to overcome that plateau you been stuck on. This advanced-level rock climbing movement class is for the experienced climber who wants to see immediate gains in their climbing performance. This class will focus on advanced-level techniques that will dial in your technique on the rock. So if you want to have precise footwork, incredible body position and movements, the ability to onsight more difficult routes, and learn other advanced techniques like heel hooking, toe hooking, twist locking, and drop knees, then enroll in the Fighting Advanced Gravity Class to receive experienced coaching and motivation to help you reach your highest climbing potential.
Who should attend: Climbers who can climb V2 / 510 or greater
Route Setting 101
Route setting is an art that takes time and experience to master. This orientation clinic is a mandatory first step for all students who want to try their hand at setting routes in the REC Wall. We'll discuss basic procedures, hold and bolt selection, taping etc. Then you'll get a chance to create your first route and get it evaluated.
Lead Climbing
Make a Reservation
More information coming soon!
Events
Coming Soon!
Parking
Parking is a premium on UWL's campus and the parking lots are regularly patrolled by University Police. Visitors must follow University parking policies and procedures. Visitor parking is available in lot C-7. Visitors may purchase short-term or hourly parking at Parking Services during business hours or by using the Passport Parking mobile app.
Recreational Eagle Center (REC) Hours
Regular Hours
Monday - Friday: 6am-11pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 11am-10pm
Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break
Wednesday, December 18: 6am-6pm
December 19 - January 1: CLOSED
Facility Schedule
View the facility schedule to see what is going on at the REC.
Contact Us
608.785.5225
recoffice@uwlax.edu
Outdoor Connection (OC) Hours
Regular Hours
Monday - Friday: 12pm-6pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break
December 18- January 1: CLOSED
Contact Us
608.785.8860
outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu
Fitness Center Hours
Regular Hours
Monday - Friday: 6am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-9pm
Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break
Wednesday, December 18: 6am-6pm
December 19 - January 1: CLOSED
Contact Us
608.785.5210
recoffice@uwlax.edu
Climbing Wall Hours
Regular Hours
THE REC CLIMBING WALL IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATION. WE LOOK FORWARD TO REOPENING ON MONDAY, 1/27.
Contact Us
608.785.5225
recoffice@uwlax.edu
EZONE Esports & Gaming Hours
Regular Hours
Monday - Friday: 3pm-11pm
Saturday: 12pm-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-10pm
Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break
December 18 - January 1: CLOSED
Contact Us
608.785.8921
recsportsesports@uwlax.edu
Mitchell Hall Pool Hours
Regular Hours
Monday: 12pm-12:50pm, 8pm-10:30pm
Tuesday: 8pm-10:30pm
Wednesday: 12pm-12:50pm, 8pm-10:30pm
Thursday: 8pm-10:30pm
Friday: 12pm-12:50pm, 8pm-10pm
Saturday: 12pm-3pm
Sunday: 1pm-4pm
Adjusted Pool Hours
The pool will be closed for Winter Break/Session. Regular semester hours will begin on Monday, January 27.
Contact Us
608.785.8698
recoffice@uwlax.edu
Hetzel Fieldhouse Hours
Access to the Hetzel Fieldhouse during open rec hours is restricted to those who have a current REC membership (student, faculty/staff, alumni).
Regular Open Rec Hours
Sunday: 6pm-10pm
Adjusted Open Rec Hours
Closed until January 26
Second Floor Track Hours
Managed by the Athletic Department
Monday-Friday: 11am-1pm
Adjusted Track Hours- Finals Week/Winter Break
December 19 - January 5: CLOSED
Contact Us
608.785.5225
recoffice@uwlax.edu