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The Boulder Garden

4.8

328 Roney St
Durham, NC 27701
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Located in the historic Durham Brazing and Welding building in downtown, The Boulder Garden preserves this beautiful space while carefully and intentionally integrating bouldering, local and international art, community building, and environmental activism.


Google Reviews

4.8

Photo of Hazel Hope Hazel Hope
Jan 25, 2025 5

Highly recommend checking this place out! The setting by very high end climbers created the perfect combination of movement complexity and intensity throughout a range of grades. The level of international travel can be felt through the curated climbs. So much fun and not generic ladders! The facility maximizes each square inch of the facility from thoughtful and intentional setting, entertaining games and piano, to the tension board! The TB2 has been an effective tool to getting comfortable on slope-y feet, increasing intensity on focus to grip on wood holds, and gain confidence on pinches! The climbing industry needs to take notes of new industry standards from their widespread adoption of liquid chalk, wood holds, focus on safety and education, as well as a deep appreciation for nature that the Boulder Garden has demonstrated! The air quality is significantly cleaner within the facility due to a shortage of sneeze inducing loose chalk and instead have an abundance of plants. Management’s personalized style of truly listening to feedback sets them apart! I shared frustration about the training set up lacking accessibility to shorter climbers. Their response was to build an entire platform to stabilize the surface and create less distance between climbers and the hang board. Amazing! Their waiver also includes disapproval of individuals who make others unsafe as not tolerated and will result in a ban. Why is this not an industry standard already? It seems like common sense to follow in the standard the Boulder Garden has created. Room for improvement - the wood holds need to be maintained not only by the gym but the community needs to step it up as well. Brushing the combination of chalk, sweat, shoe scruff can significantly increase the friction! More friction means more sending. There is increasing popularity for board climbing, why not offer a board lords 101 class or put a sign up to leave no trace (grease on holds). Tldr; if you want to make friends in the gym brush the holds! Fun fact - they provide allergen friendly snacks thats dairy and nut free. They use eco friendly containers and get their products from Part and Parcel, which employs those on the spectrum. So sweet!

Photo of Jenn Allen Jenn Allen
Jan 12, 2025 5

Stepping into The Boulder Garden, I immediately felt calm. The boulder problems are intentionally and thoughtfully laid out. You can top out on many routes, which I find rewarding. I attended a yoga class Sunday morning led by Olivia. It was tailored to climbers and was challenging and relaxing.

Photo of Ben Westlund Ben Westlund
Dec 25, 2024 5

A truly amazing climbing gym in the heart of downtown Durham. You won’t find a more community-oriented gym anywhere in NC. The owner, Johnny, has curated an amazing atmosphere and has put together a truly special setting team to keep you wanting to come back for the amazing boulders. Come for the boulders, but stay for the immaculate vibes.

Photo of Marley Cornette Cook Marley Cornette Cook
Dec 21, 2024 5

The 30 min time limit was just for opening day when it was free to attend! It was because there were so many people they had to cycle who would be on the wall. Of course this will not be in affect during normal hours. The gym was absolutely lovely, with very good setting and a tension board. It is definitely small, so if you want a big commercial climbing gym this is not for you. But for those who want to climb with the community, with good local setting, this is perfect.

Photo of Lee Setzer Lee Setzer
Dec 21, 2024 5

This is such an amazing new bouldering gym! It's the smallest bouldering gym in the country and is located in the historic Durham Brazing & Welding Works. They also have a no waste mindset. Very environmentally conscious