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 climbing! If you are climbing for the first time, check out our Starter Sessions. If you are an experienced climber and this is your first time climbing with Planet Rock, visit our Memberships section for options. Please note, regular gym sessions are ages 16+ at this time. If you have a climber age 5-15 interested in climbing, visit our Youth Sessions.
To maintain the highest level of safety + wellbeing (and fun) for our entire community, please familiarize yourself with our gym procedures + policies prior to your climbing visit. The “Climb On” and “Personal Safety” sections are especially important to understanding safety expectations during your climbing experience.
NEW TO THE GYM?
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 + read through our safety procedures. 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 Lesson online or by phone
Our Starter Session includes an introductory lesson, plus all the gear and equipment you need – harness, shoes, chalk bag, belay device – for an excellent climbing session. If buying online, visit our Starter Session section to schedule a time. At this time, lessons are only available for climbers 16+.
Gym Check-In
Please wait in your car until designated arrival time. Upon entering the gym, climbers are temperature checked using a touch-less device. If your temperature is over 100.4 degrees, we will help reschedule your lesson time. Everyone is required to wear a mask that fully covers nose and mouth; no buffs, gaiters, bandannas or masks with respirators. We have plenty of single-use masks behind the counter if you need one! Masks must be actively worn during all times in the gym, including both climbing + belaying and working out in fitness rooms.
Complete your lesson
An instructor guides you through a 60-min lesson covering the basics of bouldering, rope climbing, knot tying, belaying (how to hold the ropes) and gym safety. Lessons are completed with social distancing procedures in place. Lessons are required for all climbers 16 and older – even if climbers plan only to boulder.
Climb!
Your Starter Session includes a 2-hour 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.
ANN ARBOR | Mon/Wed/Fri 2:30-9:30pm Tues/Thurs 2:30-4:30pm / 7:30-9:30pm Sat-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm
MADISON HEIGHTS | Mon/Wed 2:30-4:30pm / 7:30-9:30pm Tues/Thurs/Fri 2:30-9:30pm Sat-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm
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?
Awesome – we are happy to have you climbing with us! At this time, all members must be 16+ in order to climb in an Adult Session. Climbers 5-15 can choose to climb in one of our Youth Sessions.
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 for a 2-hr climbing session. For more detailed information, visit our Getting Started section.
What types of climbing do you offer?
We have it all – bouldering, top ropes, lead climbing and auto belays! 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 the gyms; free climbing sessions and 15% gear discounts for anything in the pro shops.
For brand-new climbers, we offer Starter Lessons that include an intro lesson to climbing + belaying + gym safety, rental gear and a 2-hour climbing session. Purchase your memberships or lessons online or over the phone!
I have prior climbing experience, but haven't climbed at Planet Rock. Can I get a membership?
Yes! We would love to have you join the Planet Rock community! In addition to purchasing a membership, you also have to pass a quick belay check. All of this is easiest to set up by phone, so please call the gym to sign up.
Can I just come to watch?
At this time, only active climbers may enter the gym. We are doing our part to keep our community safe + socially-distanced.
Do you have a boulder-only pass?
Our membership covers both bouldering and rope climbing. You can choose to climb in one area or the other throughout your entire time at the gym.
How do I sign up for a climbing session?
Visit Adult Sessions. Select your gym location and scroll to see all the sessions we offer for a 2-week period. Click the “sign up” button, following the prompts to login to your Planet Rock account. Sessions without a “sign up” button are currently full.
How do I cancel my climbing session?
Canceling your session is really easy and we appreciate the heads up! Log into your Planet Rock account, click the “cancel” button next to the session you can no longer attend – that’s it! You can cancel a session up to 30min prior to your session start time.
Do I have to bring all my own gear?
Yes! (Unless you are taking a starter lesson. Those include rental gear). Pack everything you need for a session on the wall; shoes, harness, chalk bag, liquid or chalk ball, water bottle. 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!