ASCEND South Side - Rock climbing gym in Pittsburgh - 2141 Mary St, USA

Have been here a few times, and love it more each time! Took my BF for his 1st climbing experience and he loved it as well! The staff is so friendly and helpful. Tried auto-belay for the 1st time and I have to say, that was pretty cool! Definitely will be back, and i think the bf will be too! Would LOVE Ascend to come to Cranberry Twp/Wexford. They'd do so great in this area!!

Great place to climb at! I have 2 small gripes that don't outweigh the greatness of the gym. The membership is quite expensive at $70/month because of all the classes and benefits that come with it. I wish there was a lower tier membership that didn't include access to the classes and rewards so that it could be less expensive. My other small gripe is that most to all of the beginners' yoga classes are during a typical 9-5. I wish there were some evening/weekend classes where the yoga focused on stretching and beginners forms. Other than those 2 small things, Ascend is awesome. The facilities are always clean, the staff is very nice, and there is a lot of route variety to sample from.

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

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”.

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.

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.

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.

Ascend is the first company I have used for a climbing gym membership and I have to say I am blown away, I mainly use the south side location and the staff are Friendly, Nice, and also super approachable. I would highly recommend climbing here!