Exploring Different Types of Climbing Walls: Bouldering, Tall Roped Walls, & More
Climbing walls come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, each offering a unique experience for climbers of all skill levels.
Whether you're a beginner looking to try out the sport or a seasoned climber seeking a new challenge, understanding the different types of climbing walls can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Eldorado Climbing, a leading manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, offers a wide range of climbing wall solutions for recreation centers, schools, climbing gyms, parks, and more.
Custom Climbing Walls
Eldorado Climbing specializes in creating custom climbing walls tailored to your facility's unique needs, space constraints, and budget. Their team can design and build walls for various climbing styles, including top roping, lead climbing, and bouldering.
Tall climbing walls, where the climber is kept from hitting the ground through ropes and a belayer or with an auto belay device like the TRUBLUE Auto Belay, are typically 30-50’ tall.
Climbers ascend tall walls either secured from above using a “top rope” or auto belay, or “lead climb” where the rope is clipped into protection points on the wall as the climber moves upward.
“Tall walls” can be designed to simulate many of the features found in outside rock formations like chimneys, roofs, overhangs, dihedrals, and aretes.
Bouldering emphasizes power, technique, and problem-solving skills. Bouldering walls are typically only 10’ to 15’ high but no ropes or harnesses are used. When a climber falls or jumps off of a route on a bouldering wall, they land on a thick, foam padded surface.
Bouldering walls are typically steeper than most tall walls and can be severely overhanging or even horizontal.
Custom walls can be built indoors or outdoors and can match your facility's aesthetic.
From natural wood, to artisanal hand-sculpted rock realistic formations, to geometric shapes of any color, Eldorado has the widest range of products from which to choose.
Modular Climbing Walls
Eldorado Climbing offers two modular climbing wall systems: the Gecko and the Chameleon. These fiberglass systems, less expensive than custom walls, come in a range of sizes allowing facilities to create engaging climbing experiences in limited spaces or expand their offerings over time.
The Gecko Wall and Chameleon Tower bolt together and can be assembled by anyone with handy-man level skills.
a. Gecko Modular Climbing Wall
The Gecko system is composed of 4' wide x 7' tall panels that can be attached to an existing wall using a steel substructure. This modular system allows for various heights and widths and can be used indoors or outdoors.
The panels are lightweight, durable, and UV-resistant, making them easy to install and maintain.
b. Chameleon Modular Climbing Tower
The Chameleon Tower system is a freestanding tower with an 8' 6" diameter base. It is composed 4' wide x 7' tall curved panels and is typically assembled in 21’, 28’, or 35’ tall heights.
The Chameleon is perfect for creating a focal point in your facility and can be placed indoors or outdoors.
Custom Boulders
Eldorado Climbing designs and builds custom ‘boulders’ out of either wood or concrete that can be placed indoors or outside. The boulders mimic freestanding rocks and are typically 10’ to 12’ tall, 8’ to 10’ wide, and 10’ to 40’ long.
The boulders that are made of concrete are hand-sculpted and painted to look like real rocks simulating granits, sandstone, limestone and more.
Eldorado’s Landmark Series takes artificial boulders to the next level with hand-sculpted, hand-painted structures that resemble iconic rock formations.
Imagine the surprise, excitement, and Instagram posts that will happen when your guests and community members see a climbable Delicate Arch or Devil’s Tower in your local park. These instantly recognizable boulders create a unique and memorable climbing experience for your facility.
No matter which type of climbing wall you choose, Eldorado Climbing Walls is committed to providing solid service, design, and construction. With their expertise and experience, you can trust that your new climbing wall will be a durable, engaging, and valuable addition to your facility.
FAQs on Types of Climbing Walls
Can Eldorado Climbing help me choose the right type of climbing wall for my facility?
Yes, Eldorado Climbing’s experienced team can work closely with you to understand your specific needs, space constraints, and budget, helping you select the best climbing wall solution for your facility.
What are the main differences between the Gecko and Chameleon modular systems?
The Gecko system is designed to attach to existing walls, while the Chameleon is a freestanding tower. Both systems use 4' wide x 7' tall panels which are bolted together and range in height from 21’ to 35’.
Can Eldorado Climbing’s custom boulders be used outdoors?
Yes, Eldorado’s custom boulders are designed to withstand outdoor conditions and can be used in playgrounds, parks, and other outdoor spaces.