Absolutely love this place. It is the most friendly and welcoming in environment. Their classes are great! Their yoga is wonderful. Highly recommend Ascend even if you’ve never climbed before.

Excellent climbing gym! Probably one of the best bouldering locations I have been to. Diverse set of routes and walls. Climbers are approachable and staff is attentions to customer needs.

Here are all the well earned, positive things about Ascend. I absolutely used to love this gym, I became a member sometime in 2019 after just 1 day pass session and fell in love with it. Spent almost 2 hours (sometimes more) every time I went, which was frequent in the beginning. Their routes were awesome for beginner - experienced climbers alike, with all the room in between for skill progression and learning the sport general. The community of people were absolutely awesome, I made lots of friends and met new people just about every session. So why the 2 stars? During Covid, the gym understandably decided to close down temporarily, due to federal restrictions, and social distancing precautions. Most everyone I knew at the gym understood this and just anxiously waited for the chance to get to use the gym again, myself included. During that time, Ascend asked its members to continue to pay membership fees (if they could) in order to help carry the gym through a financially rough time. So, being a supportive member, I continued to pay my membership fee the entire time they were closed because why wouldn’t I? Right? This was my favorite gym, OF COURSE I’ll give my support. When the gym was finally able to open again, they decided to limit occupancy to 40 people per session and limit sessions to 2 hours to members and day pass purchasers alike. This was frustrating because the federal recommendation for gym occupancy was 50% and Ascend was very clearly adding their own restrictions on top of that. You needed to sign up usually about a week in advance for the busy sessions in the evening which were usually the only ones I could make. I was an on call employee that traveled for work, I never knew my schedule or the days I was going to be home and out of respect for the other members, I wouldn’t sign up for sessions that I didn’t know whether or not I could attend. So if you can imagine, I almost never got to use the gym enough to make my membership worth the money. 5 or 6 times I actually went to the gym anyway to be placed on the waitlist to fill a spot of someone who might not show up and twice I was just straight up told they weren’t going to let me climb. Actually the ONLY employee that even seemed willing to help me with a solution was Elaina. The only solution that we were able to come up with was to sign up for every session I might be able to make and just cancel if I couldn’t make it. Well like I said, out of respect for the other members I didn’t want to limit the availability of sessions for members that knew they would be able to attend. Sometime later, after mask restrictions were lifted and occupancy limits were eased up on ascend decided to continue with mask enforcement (somewhat aggressively) and high occupancy restrictions. I finally just got tired and felt like ascend was just looking at me as income so I decided to cancel my membership. Recently I visited ascend after almost 2 years for a day session at their south side location, I needed new climbing shoes and decided purchase some there only to find out AFTER making the purchase that I was not allowed to climb there because it was a “safe space” night for a social group I was assumed to be no part of. I have not nor will I ever be intolerant of any social group so to be turned down at the door yet again by Ascend is more than frustrating, I feel it’s just plain ethically incorrect. This was my last straw. The point of any social INCLUSION event is not to EXCLUDE any supportive patron. I have never felt more excluded by any business and honestly just can’t stand the politics anymore. After attempting to rejoin the climbing community I realized I am not the only former ascend patron that has this point of view and decided to join a more neutral, inclusive gym. Ascend, it’s not that I feel like your head isn’t in the right place, I just don’t agree with the way you go about it. It’s hurting more members than you realize. Signed respectfully, A former member that supported you through hard times.

#datenight LOVED this place! They were knowledgeable, kind and helpful. The facilities were clean and really it's a super date night plan! (And a great way to shamelessly check out your mate 😉🤪)

Just okay. Overpriced rates, training equipment/weights are par at best. Cool walls in general though, both for bouldering (aka freeclimbing) and the tall walls that require a harness (aka belaying, or serious climbing like how you'd do on real rocks). A good spot to try out climbing, though the courses seem to be designed by more experienced climbers for more experienced climbers so aren't really widely accessible to most folks above the 2, or occasional 3. If as much effort and thought went into other aspects of this gym it would be more meaningful. Very lively atmosphere in general, and generally welcoming. That can also translate to an overwhelming amount of humans congesting the space at certain hours, which is otherwise usually spacious enough to accommodate everyone. Would recommend going very early or very late to avoid that. (The broad range of hours is awesome!) Verdict: I went for two months as a member and tolerated it, but the substandard amount of effort put forth by management eventually gets to you if you have higher standards. The sheer crowd volume in general can be a downside with an influx of young, grade school aged kids running around not looking where they're going (ok that's all ages to be fair) who are naturally very naive, wiping their boogers on stuff etc. (I've seen it). On that note the amount of sanitizer available isn't nearly adequate for such a large space, and I didn't feel the yoga room took sanitization seriously at all in light of the fact that mask guidelines were lifted literally the week I started going here and a yoga space is literally the highest risk environment (everyone's so quick to jump the gun and go back to 'normal' but that's the reason we're now in like the what is it? 5th or 9th wave in COVID case surges? Or at least will be...) Sanitization should be done routinely, like every hour or so on high contact areas like railings and door handles but it's clearly not. The electronic dispensers are nice that they don't require contact but honestly kinda sad overall because there are maybe like 5 of them in a space that warrants more like 15. And they arent clearly labeled or situated! Not just for said notorious booger wipers, but for everyone, c'mon y'all... Having more sanitizer is something that probably never hurt anyone, so why not just take a small amount of effort and planning and do it!? This demonstrates the reality that whoever is pulling the strings here either just doesn't get it yet, or just doesn't care. Don't mean to dwell on the negative but it's true. If the Ascend management was really as awesome as they think they are there would be a mature, and concerted effort to reduce, and actively mitigate transmission. It's a cool gym but I'm over it. Your money would be better spent at First Ascent (FA), down the road in station square. Much newer and better equipment, feels cleaner, and definitely friendlier and more community minded, with a way better selection of events and ways to get involved. Check out "Climbing Wall Inc." Out on the east side above the East End Food Co-op too. It's a much smaller gym with a calmer vibe, and not 100 people watching you if you happen to be a new, less confident climber or just don't like crowds. Ascend is an okay Alternative (yeah just "okay"... meaning the walls, aka rocks, are nice but not much serious effort goes into anything else.) 6 out of 10 at best currently...

This place is where I started to learn how to boulder, and compared to the two others I've been since, I am most comfortable here. The mats are very good and really help to prevent injury from falls, especially for beginners. The place always looks clean and the boulders are reset regularly. Even though I'm a beginner, I've heard from friends and other people that this place tends to grade stuff more harshly, i.e. they're harder than the listed grade, and beginners/newcomers shouldn't feel too disappointed if that's the case!

I adore this place! I did an introduction to bouldering class and was hooked. The staff is so helpful, the place is immaculate and most importantly I feel safe climbing here. They have by far the nicest landing mats I’ve ever felt. No more falling on middle school grade gymnastics pads.

I primarily go to Ascend to attend “Slow and Steady”, a yoga class taught by Jessica. Her class has been very helpful for me, and I am more flexible and limber than I have been in years. I no longer need physical therapy either. Her teaching style is very engaging, laid-back, easy to follow, and she obviously cares a lot about her students. Her classes are low stress and beneficial for any experience level one may have with yoga. 10/10

Second time here, routes have changed which was nice. As a new climber I enjoy the friendly and very helpful staff. Felt more like I was at an expensive restaurant the way they treat us. For example, the first time we came, we were told that shoe size is important, and today I decided to go a half size smaller. I started at 11s, and when I came back to change sizes, the moment I got them on the man helping me smiled and asked "Is that better?" Yes it is! Great service, great atmosphere, and polite customers. It's relatively cheap for how well kept and staffed it is. That'll keep me coming atleast once a week. Now... I am on the shorter side, so some routes are out of my reach. That doesn't stop me from ascending the ones that my arms can handle. Then there's routes that look so cramped that I don't see how anyone could do them, just to watch someone come up to it and climb like it's second nature. The major problem I have is going in to Pittsburgh, especially coming all the way from South Franklin township. It's worth the drive and the price, just wish there were more locations. Overall great place to go for climbing, with events and other fun activities throughout the year. Will be going as often as I can. If the V0-V3 routes change often enough maybe some day I'll be climbing the V10+ I'll ascend past my limits, get in shape, grow confidence, and make new friends over the coming years. All for 23 measly dollars for a whole day 10-8.

First time ever rock climbing! What a fantastic experience! The workers were wonderful and the training was definitely short and sweet, but very helpful! Will absolutely come again and potentially look at a membership!

This social club is the best spot in da burg! Supposedly, there is "rock climbing" as well but my gums do most of the work when I frequent this establishment. 6 out of 5 stars!

We took our two granddaughters last weekend and they had the best time. They loved every thing about it. The employees are super helpful and everyone was so nice.Great atmosphere where everyone respected each other’s space. We will be going back for sure.

We did a guided group outdoor climbing activity with a Girl Scouts group and Bree, Alex, and Connor were absolutely wonderful. They were highly competent, well organized, knowledgeable, supportive, and great with the kids who ranged in ages from 8 to 14. Highly recommend.

I love climbing here! So many great options and friendly staff. Luis stands out as a great help in the climbing community. He is super friendly and helpful. When you are climbing and at a tough spot, he will be there with a smile and encouragement when you need it most. Will be bringing friends here!

Had our boy's birthday party here today with 10 kids varying in ages. The instructors for the climbing were absolutely great and the kids had a blast. Will definitely be back to climb around again. Thank you for such a great day!

I LOVE ASCEND!!! Wish I could give it more than five stars. So much to say. Amazing community, unbelievably welcoming to new climbers, interesting and innovative route setting, very clean space, spacious facilities, the list goes on. I come to Ascend about twice a week and it’s my highlight each time. Something about the vibes of this place is just so special, and I can’t put my finger on it. They also have affinity sessions which I really appreciate as a female climber. I love it so much and any time I go to climb in my hometown, Chicago, I’m yearning to be back in PGH. I’m so happy to call this my “home gym”.

Welcoming place to climb for anyone of any level. Staff and patrons are both super friendly and willing to help. They offer a lot of different meet up groups as well which is nice. I like that you can go and spend the whole day there with the kitchen and charging ports. A good place to go if you're interested in climbing!

I came here this morning with my sons (11,9). Kat, Louis, Summer, and Liam all helped us out and were amazing!! We had a great time and we will be coming back!!

HUGE shoutout to Wade and the entire Ascend team in both locations. My husband and I decided we wanted to learn to rock climb as our next adventure and we were fortunate enough to train and learn from Wade. He is extremely knowledgeable and teaches you in a way that is fun and comprehensive. We were able to really dive into our first lesson with him and are looking forward to going back to work on our individual goals with him as well. Highly recommend!! 10/10

ascend is awesome !! very fun place to challenge yourself. the gym is super clean and the problems are changing often so there is always something new to try. the staff are kind, caring people. Louise, in particular always has a smile on their face and makes guests feel more than welcome !

Typical indoor gym, mostly bouldering but has a lifting area and some climbing walls. Great for beginner climbers but if you're looking for taller walls or lead climbing, you won't find it. A location is supposed to be opening soon in E. Liberty so that will hopefully bring some of those elements. If you're more of a climber than a boulderer, beware: routes change very infrequently. Still the best climbing (not bouldering) gym in the area. Clean, friendly staff, and I'm a big fan of their adaptive climbing program.

A friend took me to Ascend today. They were very sure to explain how everything worked. It was my first climbing experience but you didn’t feel out of place. Everyone just did their own thing. And shoe rental is on them your first time!

I come to Ascend 6 or 7 days a week; it’s one of the better bouldering-focused gyms I’ve been to in terms of community. The lifting area and yoga classes are a definite plus. The routes are reset pretty often which is 🤌🏻

It was our first time, and it was great!! Easy check in and they take first timers on a tour to explain everything. My daughter and I had a blast!

Visited on a short work trip. Ascend is a fun spacious gym. There is a hood variety of bouldering walls angles. Loved the arch. Fun feature. The setting was good with interesting movements. Training area is also solid with a spray wall and moonboard. Nice shop too!

Went with friends who are members, for the first time, got in free and had so much fun! Definitely coming back here for more

This place is awesome. The climbs are absolutely bussin (fantastic). Not too hard not too easy. You can tell the second you enter that safety is their top priority. The bouldering climbs are fantastic and very intricately designed with all of the volumes and overhangs so they're super fun to climb. Climbs are changed frequently so you're not stuck with doing the same climb over and over again. I should also mention that the drinks there that they sell are tasty. The root beer slaps so hard (bussin beyond belief). It may be a little ways out but it is so worth it to come here.