The Cliffs at Valhalla

Stopped here over the holidays as I was visiting my sister in the area.
We arrived early on a Saturday morning right at opening and the staff was ready to go and very helpful. The online waiver form made it quick and simple to get in without wasting time doing the paperwork. The gym has a nice setup for the belay test as well, using a set of ropes right by the counter to perform a quick test (in other gyms I’ve been to, staff had to gear up and actually go up the wall to test your fall reaction). I found the prices to be on the high end for the day passes given the size and age of the gym, but not totally out of line.
I really liked the climbing areas with a large dedicated bouldering area as well as some nice walls with overhangs and arches for more interesting variation. In particular, I liked that the bouldering area had a nice selection of problems and color coded holds which made it easier to identify the routes.
That said, there were only three auto-​belays that I could see which could make it a bit of a challenge during heavy traffic times if you want to climb by yourself or for kids. Additionally, some of the route setting on the climbing walls had some rather large lateral deviation meaning that you could easily end up crossing under a neighboring rope and also means that you have to be careful to reposition yourself at the top of those routes before coming down (lest you start swinging widely on the way down).
The wall ratings here are a bit more generous than what I’m used to as well. I found the ratings to be 1 – 2 grades above what I would normally encounter (e.g. what would normally be a 5.7 was rated like a 5.9 here). Makes you feel like a hero :) but may mean that the route setting is not as creative or challenging. V1-​V2 in the bouldering areas were similarly overrated by a grade or two (again, based on my personal experiences), especially for the lower grades.
I also liked that they were very kid friendly. The local gym I frequent does not allow bouldering for patrons under 14, which means that my 4 year old isn’t allowed to boulder (and I have to wait another 10 years before she can partake in enjoying this sport with me). Here, they had no restrictions as long as you followed the rules (and common sense) and supervised your kids during their bouldering. The small handful of kid-​friendly rope routes were also nice with a slight incline and plenty of large holds. However, a few more auto-​belays set up for kids would be great, IMO, as it would allow kids to climb themselves.
One big issue I have with this gym is that the mats are in definite need of repair or replacement. It is a serious trip hazard as the edges have curled up on many of the mats such that they are raised 4 – 6 inches off the ground! You can easily trip over them even casually walk through the gym. This should definitely be fixed as it’s a safety hazard.
All said and done, I would recommend this gym if you are in the area.

It’s about time I pay my respect to this place on the internet. I’m biased, I’ve been employed by the Cliffs, however it is my opinion that you could not find a better team of people to run a gym. Super friendly staff, all psyched and dedicated, if you have a problem, they will do anything and everything they can to fix it for you. And the setting is better nowhere. I Love Cliffs.

Amazing place for rock climbing in the area — the staff seems very helpful.
This was our first time to rock climbing. We used the groupon for top roping 101 class and one month of unlimited membership. Scheduling the class took less than a minute over the phone. Luckily, we were the only 2 people in the class so we got to enjoy 4 climbs each.
Our instructor Hannah was awesome. She taught us all the basics very well — we even passed our belaying test the next day very easily. Although we were finished with our basics lesson in 1.5 hours, she encouraged us to utilize full 3 hours of the class and get as many climbs during that time (1 extra star for Hannah).
I would definitely recommend this place, if someone is looking for some good fun in the area or really want to pursue rock climbing as a profession or serious hobby.

Took my 7 year old here. It’s a decent value at $ 20 for about an hour. Too bad the staff here are clearly coming from a Phish concert or some hippie drum circle — watery eyed and such — and don’t want their mellow harshed. «Instruction» constitutes 21 year old who works here on weekends holding a rope while my kid dangles in utter confusion. update: found a great guy willing to help and not just stand there rolling his eyes. Would return.

Amazing business who took in most of the affected passengers from the Metro Train accident. Good people right here.

If you love climbing, interesting routes and fun projects, this gym is the best. Comfortable, friendly, non-​intimidating and great for everyone from beginners to pros.

These people are amazing. They took in and housed over 200 metro north passengers after the crash. This was during their prime business hours. They gave people water, snacks, chairs, electricity to charge their phones. Thank you!

Great place for climbing if you are a novice or expert lots of exercise by climbing and helpfull staff

I am partial! But this is my favorite climbing gym. It all started for me at this locale. The have the best climbing class I have ever seen anywhere. They staff is very helpful and they are on top of people being safe at all times. They have a great climbing store, good snacks, rest area and show some fun videos. There is a great variety in climbs and a whole area just for kids — adults can climb there too! There have a great deal of instruction here all very useful. I recommend going even if you are not in the area! It is worth the drive.

Stopped by this place on my way to CT. I wanted to get a climbing session in and chose this place for the ratings.
Overall, the gym is on the better half of ones that I’ve been to. The top roping is pretty serious and the boulder problems are unique. What I noticed with the boulder problems was that most of them required interesting moves that I hadn’t been forced to do in a long time. I would have liked to meet the problem setter because there was clearly a lot of thought and creativity that went into setting them up. The grades were also fairly consistent which is greatly appreciated.
The atmosphere was laid back and relaxed as it should be. The problems were getting slightly on the worn side but they might be up for a reset soon. They definitely weren’t in a bad state yet. If I lived in that area, I’d definitely be returning to get a membership.
The only down side was that there was a massive birthday party going on with screaming kids in the background. I suppose that’s what I get for going on a weekend.

I took my son there for their «Friday Night Rocks» Kids event. I did it to see if my son wanted to have his 7^th birthday party there… well we have been back every Friday since. The staff is fantastic and super friendly and more importantly KNOWLEDGEABLE. He loves going and is really looks forward to it every Friday. The price is great for a 2 hr drop-​off. We will be having his birthday party there for sure.

My roommate and I purchased a two person Groupon for a climbing 101 class and a month of unlimited climbing time and rentals back in September of 2013. After several rescheduled classes later, we finally activated our Groupon earlier this month.
Although I think that the quality of the climbing class really depends on the instructor and number of students in the class, I do think that Cliffs does a very good job of ensuring that every new climber learns the proper techniques and knows how to keep themselves safe.
Since we got belay certified, we’ve been to Cliffs several times, both to top rope and to boulder. I like the openness of the gym, and the fact that everyone is friendly and willing to share the equipment/​space.
There is a broad range of climbing routes, from the most elementary to the most expert, which — as a climbing novice — I really appreciate. Also, everything that you need to climb (shoes, harness, ATC, carabiner, chalk, etc.) can all be rented, and everything seems to be sanitized/​cared for properly (although the shoes do tend to smell bad after a while).
Depending on how the rest of our trial month goes, I’d definitely consider a monthly membership here!

Fun time with a knowledgeable guide. DH and I took a three hour beginner’s class with two other couples.
The time passed quickly, because the course was well timed. The instruction was very clear, and we had lots of practice with safety harnesses, etc.
Overall, a really positive atmosphere, filled with enthusiastic climbers.
We still need to go back to pass a ropes test, before being able to climb without supervision. Looking forward to it!

Not bad as a climbing gym from the previous generation (one step above wooden plank boards for walls). Much like a lot of the previously established gyms from around the turn of the 21^st century, Cliffs at Valhalla has rough-​texture climbing walls (probably old-​Rockwerx), blue padded floors, and big crash pads to pull around for landing areas. The gym’s atmosphere is also very much reminescent of the growing climbing gyms: dimly-​lit, chalky air, and aged climbing holds on walls erected in a warehouse.
That being said however, it’s a decent gym. The layout allows for a lot of the climbers to be relatively close together (boulderers and rope climbers) without overcrowding, allowing for a very social atmosphere. Simple campus board system and training area is there for those that want it (although having a system board right next to a cubby wall probably isn’t the best of safety practices). The shop is also a good size, featuring a lot of merchanidse that you can’t buy from REI, EMS, etc., such as Organic and Verve products.
The most important factor, for me anyways, that determines if a climbing gym is worth staying is the route setting quality. I have yet to try the rop routes, but the handful of boulder routes I’ve tried are pretty good. Clever beta, and many that tests your movement limits. Setters do tend to over-​crowd the walls a bit by putting on too many holds and tons of multi-​taping, so quality may suffer in some cases, but if you pick your routes, you’ll be sure to find some gems.
Overall this gym isn’t bad. For what you get though, $ 18/​day for a pass is a little steep. There are similar gyms that has is similar in size and quality that charge only around $ 12. They also don’t have separate pricing for boulderers and rope-​climbers only either — it’s $ 18 flat for everyone (not including rental gear).
I’ll update my review as I visit there a few more times, but so far the route setting and the friendly climbers there are enough to keep this gym on my list of neighborhood-​places-​to-​climb.

My wife got me a «learn to climb» package almost a year ago. This place has officially replaced a conventional gym for me.
The staff couldn’t be more helpful, generous and genuinely stoked to have you there. Al and Roger were my two teachers and I can’t say enough positive things about them. Routes are very regularly re-​set, but not so fast that you don’t get a chance to master the toughies.
Some weeknights get crowded, but I have never had to wait in a line to get on the wall.
Bouldering problems are fun and a-​plenty.
As an added plus, the jerky they sell at the front desk is really damn good.
If I ever move I will really miss this place as it is the standard by which all other climbing gyms I go to will be compared.

I’m very new to the sport of rock climbing so I don’t have anything with which to compare, but I think this is a great facility. Located just off the Bronx River Parkway between North White Plains and Pleasantville, it’s quiet on Saturday and Sunday mornings and pretty busy on Weekday evenings and Weekend afternoons.
I recently bought a package for the 101 and 201 classes. The package also includes a free month membership. The 101 course was great. I completed the class with a nice foundation of basic climbing knowledge and took and passed the Belay test so that my husband and I can come and climb on our own/​belay each other without supervision. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The space is large and there are many walls for climbing and bouldering.
It’s pretty amazing to sit back and watch the folk who are seasoned climbers. People weightlessly scale the walls like they’re Spiderman. And even though, as a new climber I feel a bit like an outsider looking in, the Cliffs seem to foster a true sense of community and comaraderie among its members.

Not bad. The belay test is more intense than the ones i’ve taken because it was a pop quiz along with the usual belay stuff.
REMEMBER TO ANCHOR YOURSELF IF YOU ARE BELAYING!
I got pulled up a foot or two (I’m short) because I clipped on the last loop. Boy did I learn the next time to clip lower down the anchoring loops.
A little disappointed that they rope off a section (which can be a lot considering the size of the area) for parties. So we just rush over when we see it free. Otherwise you have to wait around.
I suggest you rent the shoes if you don’t own a pair. It’s sad to watch people not getting the maximum grips for an ultimate climb when they’re in street shoes.

The climbing walls here are fantastic — there’s a huge variety of levels and a really nice section for bouldering. Add a few auto-​belays and you have a winner.
My complaint is with the staff. They were severely understaffed on the Friday night I went there and the result was confusion checking in and getting equipment. The few staff they did have didn’t seem helpful or eager to answer questions. Once we got started climbing though, everything was fine.

I just started climbing, got my belay cert here through their 101 class. Immediately took up a fascination with Bouldering. I have been going every few days for the last month. The staff knows what they are doing and the instructors are really patient and have a great grasp of their craft. The atmosphere is friendly and most of the people will help you with anything that is on your mind about climbing even the people that don’t work there. Whether you are a beginner or an expert this is a great place to be. I saw plenty of kids parties and classes being taught and they all seemed to work out well.
This is also a great supplement to any type of training you are doing. Best place in the area.

I must be dumb. Valhalla is clearly the best gym in new york besides brooklyn boulders. They have so much bouldering it’s ridiculous. Why would I even think the roc club had more? That place sucks so bad. I’ve only been climbing for the summer (almost 3 months) and I’m working V5’s. Everyone here is so friendly. A lot of the people that work here I’ve become friends with. The problems are so good that I don’t even mind climbing them over and over. There’s also a little section in the cave with maybe 10 bouldering problems (a little hidden gem). Kootz is the best setter ever. PJ sets good shit that he thinks are V3’s and V4’s but they are really V5’s and V6’s.
Don’t worry the music is good.
Don’t go anywhere else (besides BKB) because Valhalla is the bomb.
Plus if you had a summer membership then you get one month free off a yearly membership.