Our rope walls deliver big adventures indoors — from the 28-foot teaching wall built for new climbers to the 52-foot main wall that dominates the facility. With 35–40 routes set across slabs, vertical faces, and steep overhangs, there’s always something new to try.
Whether you’re learning to belay, pushing into lead climbing, or chasing that next send, these walls are where skills and confidence grow.

Standing 16 feet tall with 2,116 square feet of climbing surface, our bouldering zone is the heart of Hadley. The terrain ranges from balance-based slabs to a 36-degree overhang built for powerful moves.
With 35–40 problems rotated in every few weeks, every visit feels like a fresh challenge. No ropes needed — just shoes, chalk, and plenty of energy.

Our 15-meter, dual-lane speed wall brings competition-style climbing to campus. Built to IFSC geometry specs, it’s perfect for friendly races, training sessions, or testing your limits.
The custom Michigan Blue holds give the wall its signature look — a nod to campus pride and the adrenaline rush that comes with racing to the top.

Two custom fiberglass cracks — one stretching 52 feet and another on the 28-foot teaching wall — are seamlessly built into the walls for a realistic, natural-rock feel.
Both are hand-crack width, perfect for learning jam technique or refining your skills before heading outdoors. Few university walls in the country offer anything like it — and you can climb it right here at Michigan.

• Check-in and Assumption of Risk form
• Short climbing center walkthrough
• Review of facility rules and safety expectations
• Equipment distribution and instruction
• Introduction to bouldering
  • Grades
  • Safety
  • Fall practice and demonstration
• Staff-supervised climbing time where participants may climb in designated bouldering areas

Participants will receive a rental chalk bag and a pair of climbing shoes. Our staff will assist you with sizing and proper usage.

Please visit the Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center front desk in person. Participants will need to sign up on the Introduction Session schedule for their desired date and time.

All participants will be required to complete the Climbing Center Assumption of Risk Form before participating. If you are under 18 you must have a legal guardian sign the form prior to participation. Phone permission is not accepted.

You can access the form here.

Participants meet at the Climbing Center Front Desk on the first (bottom) floor of the Hadley Center at the start time of their session. Sessions begin promptly and late arrivals may be moved to a later session.

Make sure you are wearing athletic clothing—shorts, leggings, athletic pants, t-shirts or athletic tops are perfect. It is best to avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry. Bringing a water bottle is also a good idea.

If you have other personal belongings, they should be stored in the cubbies or lockers just outside the climbing area.

1. Rock climbing and related activities involve inherent risks, including the possibility of serious injury or death. Participants assume these risks when choosing to use the facility.
2. Participants must complete the Climbing Center Assumption of Risk Form prior to entering the climbing area.
3. Participants must check in at the Climbing Center Front Desk before accessing climbing terrain.
4. Participants must complete the Climbing Center Orientation prior to use of the facility.
5. Participants must follow all posted signage, facility rules, and staff instructions at all times.
6. Access to climbing areas may be restricted due to programming, route setting, facility maintenance, special events, or staffing limitations.
7. Participants must respect all area closures related to route setting, maintenance, or safety operations.
8. Climbing Center staff members have final authority regarding safety decisions, facility use, and enforcement of policies within the climbing center.
9. Participants who fail to follow facility rules or staff instructions may be removed from the climbing center and may lose access privileges.

1. Participants must use climbing equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and as instructed by Climbing Center staff.
2. Rental equipment must be checked out through the Climbing Center Front Desk and returned immediately following use.
3. Climbing Center equipment may not be removed from the facility.
4. Personal life-safety climbing equipment is not permitted in the facility at this time. Participants may use personal climbing shoes and chalk that comply with Climbing Center policies.
5. Participants may be responsible for repair or replacement costs for equipment damaged through misuse or negligence.
6. Participants must report damaged equipment, loose holds, or safety concerns to staff immediately.
7. Participants should be aware that climbing holds or equipment may occasionally loosen or fall during normal use.

1. Participants are expected to climb within their ability level and maintain awareness of others in the climbing area.
2. Running, horseplay, or disruptive behavior is not permitted in the climbing center.
3. Participants may not use headphones or other devices that interfere with communication or situational awareness while climbing or belaying.
4. Participants may not sit, stand, or store personal belongings in designated fall zones.
5. Food and open containers are not permitted in climbing areas.
6. Loose chalk is not permitted in the climbing center. Liquid chalk may be used where permitted.
7. Participants must comply with all University of Michigan policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws while using the facility.
8. Climbing Center staff reserve the right to refuse service to any participant at any time.

1. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete the Climbing Center Assumption of Risk form prior to participation.
2. Additional supervision requirements may apply depending on the age of the participant and the activity being performed.
3. Unaccompanied minors who arrive without the required documentation will not be permitted to participate.

1. Participants must remain aware of climbers above and around them at all times.
2. Participants may not walk, sit, or stand beneath an active climber.
3. Climbers should descend using designated downclimb holds whenever possible. Jumping from height is discouraged and increases the risk of injury.
4. Only one climber should be on a boulder problem at a time unless the route is clearly designed for multiple climbers.
5. Participants should maintain adequate spacing between climbers to avoid collisions.
6. Recreational spotting may be used when appropriate. Participants should not attempt to catch falling climbers.
7. Participants may not move or alter bouldering pads. Any gaps, uneven surfaces, or pad separation must be reported to staff immediately.
8. Participants must respect all posted height limits and staff instructions within the bouldering area.
9. Climbing Center staff reserve the right to restrict access to specific climbing areas for safety, route setting, or maintenance.