FIRST TIME INFORMATION
First time climbing? We have options for everyone.
Welcome to Planet Rock – we are excited to introduce you to the awesome sport of rock climbing!
Safety is the number one priority at Planet Rock – and safety starts with proper education and training. All first-time visitors to our gyms are required to take a Starter Package or pass a Belay Check (test of belay skills) prior to climbing inside either of our facilities.
Starter Lessons may be scheduled through our website or by phone. Minimum age to take this lesson is 16 years old. The Starter Package cost is $45 per person and includes rental gear and a day pass on the day of the lesson – as well as an additional day pass to be used within 30 days of the lesson. Planet Rock offers Starter Packages every day of the week at both locations, however times and availability are subject to change. Visit our Starter Package calendar to book your first-time visit!
At this time, we do not offer any introductory classes for children under 16. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian who has successfully completed a Starter Package. For climbers between the ages of 5 and 15, we also offer Youth Programs and Summer Youth Camps. Our Youth Programs are 11-week commitments, and are available seasonally (3-4 times a year).
PLANNING YOUR FIRST VISIT? PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
Create a Planet Rock account + read & sign a wavier
Create a Planet Rock account online. Everyone who enters the gym has to sign a waiver. Climbers under the age of 18 are added to a parent/guardian account. For complete instructions on how to set up an account + read & sign our digital waiver, click the next tab.
Purchase Starter Package online or by phone
Our Starter Package includes an introductory lesson, plus all the gear and equipment you need – harness, shoes, chalk bag, belay device – for an excellent climbing session. It also includes a Day Pass for future use (additional day pass must be redeemed within 30 days of the lesson)! If buying online, visit our Starter Package section to schedule a time. At this time, Starter Packages are only available for climbers 16 years of age and older.
Complete your lesson
Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start of your lesson. An instructor will guide you through a 60-90 min lesson covering the basics of bouldering, rope climbing, knot tying, belaying (rope management for partner climbing) and gym safety. Lessons are required for all climbers 16 and older – even if climbers only plan to boulder.
Climb!
Your Starter Package includes a climbing session with full access to all climbing areas + fitness equipment. You can choose to boulder, top rope or both! We hope to see you soon!
There are a few ways to create your Planet Rock account
1. Follow this link to create a Planet Rock online account.
2. Select the option that best fits your needs.
3. Every adult, 18 or older, creates their own account – separate from spouse or partner. We’ll link all your accounts together later when you come to the gym.
4. Add any children/minors to a single adult account. Optional check box indicates if adult would like to pay for child.
5. Read the digital waiver in full. Climbing is a dangerous activity. Understand the risks – your safety is your responsibility. By checking the box, you agree to follow our gym waiver, gym procedures and safety expectations.
6. Sign your name. Check the first box to indicate you have read/agree to the waiver, and any additional boxes to receive more information from us or a copy of your waiver.
7. Click the button to accept the waiver and create an account!
When you arrive at the gym, check-in at the front desk. We’ll link any accounts together at this time, plus answer any questions you may have. See you soon!
We have multiple locations in Michigan - bringing climbing a little closer to home.
Mon 2:00-10:00pm Tues-Thurs 8:00am-10:00pm Fri 2:00-10:00pm Sat-Sun 10:00am-6:00pm
ANN ARBOR
82 Aprill Dr. | Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | (734) 827-2680
- Our A2 gym facility features top rope, lead, auto belays and boulder routes
- 50′ wall sections + formations such as chimneys, arêtes, stalactites and caves
- 15 meter speed wall
- 2 areas for bouldering
- dedicated training area with hang boards, campus boards and Moon board
- retail pro shop with latest gear, brands and styles
- fireplace + common work space + free WiFi
- full fitness center + showers
- full coffee bar + snacks
- private room available for groups + parties
MADISON HEIGHTS
1103 W. 13 Mile Road | Madison Heights, MI 48071 | (248) 397-8354
- Our MH gym facility features top rope, lead, auto belays and boulder routes
- 50′ wall sections + formations such as giant overhangs, caves, arch and slab
- 15 meter speed wall
- dedicated training area with hang boards, campus boards and Moon board
- retail pro shop with latest gear, brands and styles
- fireplace + common work space + free WiFi
- full coffee bar + snacks
- full fitness center + showers
- private room available for groups + parties
I am totally new to climbing. How do I get started?
Climbers under 18 are welcome! A parent or guardian will need to set up an account, the child will then be added to that parent/guardian account. Climbers 16+ may belay and may be in the gym unaccompanied. We also offer additional options for youth climbers ages 4-15.
To start, create a Planet Rock account online and read & sign our gym waiver. Then purchase a Starter Lesson. We supply all the instruction, gear and equipment you need.
What types of climbing do you offer?
We have it all – bouldering, top ropes, lead climbing and auto belays! Madison Heights also offers simulated Ice Climbing on telephone poles! No matter your climbing preference, we have a route for you.
What do I wear?
Dress for comfort! Think fabrics and styles that you can actively move in. Your clothes don’t have to be form-fitting, but really baggy pants may not fit as well underneath a harness. If you are planning on renting shoes from us, make sure you wear socks!
* Climbers cannot go barefoot in the gym – we recommend flip flops when you aren’t wearing your climbing shoes.
What memberships do you offer?
For experienced climbers, we currently offer Monthly or Annual membership options. Either gives you full access to all locations and 15% gear discounts for anything in stock in the pro shops.
For brand-new climbers, we offer Starter Lessons that include an intro lesson to climbing + belaying + gym safety and rental gear. Purchase your memberships or lessons online or over the phone!
I have prior climbing experience, but haven't climbed at Planet Rock. What are my options?
Come on in, complete a waiver, and spend a few minutes with our team on a Gym Orientation that includes instruction in our safety procedures and a Belay Check. Once you have completed these items, you can access any climbing via a regular pass or membership. There is no charge for the Gym Orientation or the Belay Check.
Do you have a boulder-only pass?
We do not currently off a Boulder Only option. Our memberships and passes cover both bouldering and rope climbing in all of our locations. You can choose to climb in any area during your entire time at the gym.
Do I have to bring all my own gear?
While we do recommend using your own gear, we also offer rental gear (limited rentals available daily): harnesses $4, shoes $5, ATC $2, lead ropes $7. If you are taking a Starter Lesson, all rental gear is included. If you need anything, our pro shops are open + helpful staff are happy to assist you in selecting the best gear for your next climb.
How long do lead ropes have to be?
40 meters, or around 135’. We have a selection of ropes in our Pro Shop if you need to pick one up!