★ 1

Facilities never seem to be clean. On top of that setting seems to have gone downhill the past few months, as well as less setting overall.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 3

Edit: please stop calling and texting me. Not okay. Yall are handling a three star review, like, possibly the worst way I can think of. I never asked for anything that you offered me for free and I don’t owe you a glowing review that wouldn’t describe my experience. Wildly inappropriate actions on your part.

In ten years I’ve never climbed at a more discouraging gym. The setting has gotten really weird and grades are all over the map. If you’re lucky enough to hop on any of the boards you’ll get kicked off by the v10 mafia almost immediately. It’s usually too crowded to use the boards or workout area anyways. I’ve never wanted to be a short anorexic person before in my life until I started climbing here. Last night was the last time I was going to climb here before my membership expired and I had the worst time. I’ve left frustrated more than having had fun more times than I can count and that’s not why I climb. I’m over it.

Source: Google

★ 1

I’ve been visiting grotto annually since it opened and have thought of it as one of the best gyms in San Diego as far as routesetting. I’ve been climbing for 13 years and routesetting for 8 and saw it as a place with a lot of potential.

Yesterday I went for my annual visit and immediately noticed a drastic dip in routesetting quality. Movement felt uninspired and boring, ergonomics were not as present, style was pretty homogenous, reachy and sandbagged. I ended up just using the kilter board the whole time which sucked to pay a day pass for.

I wasn’t sure what happened so I asked some folks why the quality dipped so drastically. I learned there was a mass exodus of setters due to lack of adequate pay and really unjust treatment.
This is a tale as old as time for routesetters and it’s sad to see it play out here. Climbing talent & experience is what makes a gym feel unique, and unfortunately grotto ownership seems to view people and their skill as disposable.

I won’t be back. Enjoy your stupid workout machines.

Source: Google

★ 2

I would recommend Mesa rim until they figure out their setter issues. Miss you Tony!

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★ 5

My little one visited this bouldering gym as part of his summer program.

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★ 1

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★ 5

This is a great boulder-only gym. There’s a kilter board, decent sized gym area, some cardio equipment, spaces to sit. The setting took some time to get used to, but the problems are fun. It involves a lot of muscling… I went to Mesa Rim and someone asked why would you get a membership at Grotto when you could be a member at MR for about the same monthly rate with top rope and bouldering, but the bouldering at MR is kind of gross (the holds seem like they’ve been there forever), and the setting is more boring. So, Grotto is worth it if you’re into bouldering.

My main qualm was their membership. I feel like all they care about is money, but at the same time, they have different promotions to lure people in. I joined with 1 month free, but there was another promotion I saw later for 3 months at $150. Then, I was a little annoyed that I could’ve done that if I’d waited. It’s hard to cancel, and they want you to cancel with 1 month’s notice, but then they won’t tell you if they received your request for up to 10 days. (You can Google this for more discussion).

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Great climbing gym. Immaculate vibes, fun setting, and good (most of the time...) music. I like how wide open it is and very clean as well. Easy to make friends and work in with other like-minded climbers!

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★ 5

Love this place... when I used to live in San Diego I'd visit all the time the routes were awesome and the walls are beautiful. I even designed my own home wall based off of the walls here.

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★ 5

Tony was really cool. Greeted me as soon as I walked in. I was on the fence about signing up again but he gave me a great pitch and a deal I couldn't refuse. Stoked to have my membership again. You guys are the best.

Source: Google

★ 4

Really nice gym with super fun boulders! Issues are in the safety aspects. Serious lack of down climb holds, especially on vert/slab terrain. Also some pretty unsafe setting with large volumes low on the wall and in fall zones. I stepped on multiple large screws on the mats as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

Overview: The BEST climbing gym in San Diego, welcoming community, great facilities

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Grotto changed my life. After my first visit, I fell in love with bouldering and signed up for a membership the very next day. The sense of community here is so strong - the people I’ve met here have become like a second family, and this gym feels like a home away from home.

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Facilities:
This is exclusively a bouldering gym with a variety of sections, competition walls, a spray wall, and an adjustable MoonBoard.
- Route setting schedule posted next to the water fountains and next to the fitness area
- Each wall stays up for around 2 months and a different wall is reset every 2 weeks
- Their mats are soft, a LOT softer than Mesa Rim
- There’s dedicated holds to help you climb down marked by a red tape square
- Also it’s faster to sign the waiver online before coming!

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Fitness Area:
- Great for supplementing climbing, it would be even better if there were cable machines
- Strength Training: Squat racks, benches, free weights, barbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, resistance bands
- Cardio Machines: Elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike, and rowing machine
- Hang Board Area: A wide variety of holds for grip training

Yoga:
- Free for members
- Different types of yoga from slow, rhythmic flows to strength-based power yoga
- Classes are scheduled in the morning or evening depending on the day and location
- Easy sign-up; check the schedule and reserve your spot online
- Make sure you sign up at the correct location! (Miramar and not Mission Valley)

Amenities:
- Bathrooms with free tampons and hair ties
- Two changing rooms
- Water fountains with a refill station
- Dog-friendly! Water bowls are located next to bathrooms
- Plenty of cubbies for storage, including smaller ones near seating areas and a larger storage area.

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Membership Perks:
- 1 free guest pass per month (usable anytime)
- An additional guest pass on the last Friday of every month
- Access to both G1 (Mission Valley) and G2 (Miramar) locations
- Free yoga classes

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Pricing:
- Regular Monthly: $98 (+ $100 initiation fee)
- Discounted Monthly (Military, First Responder, Student): $93 (+ $100 initiation fee)
- 10-Day Membership: $49

Prepaid Options:
- 1 Month: $151
- 6 Months: $540
- 12 Months: $972

Pass Options:
- Day Pass: $31
- 5 Punch Pass: $140
- 10 Punch Pass: $279
- 20 Punch Pass: $476
- 30 Punch Pass: $684

Extras Purchases:
- Drinks, protein shakes, and bars available for purchase
- Shoe rentals $7
- Chalk rentals $4
- Shirts, sweatshirts, pants, shoes, and chalk also for sale

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Seating and Workspace:
- There’s plenty of seating around the gym— plastic garden chairs and wooden stumps with small cushions.
- A large communal table with outlets; great for charging devices or getting some work done (music is always playing, so if you need concentration, bring your own headphones)

Crowds and Parking:
- Quiet Sessions: Visit in the mornings
- Busier Times: After work hours (around 6 PM)
- Extra Crowded Days: Mondays and Wednesdays (UCSD climbing club meets at 7 PM), and Thursdays (adult climbing class starts at 6:30 PM)
- Parking can fill up quickly on busy days, but street parking is available nearby

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The staff are so genuinely nice and welcoming, they set Grotto apart from all the other gyms.

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Overall: Whether you want to try out climbing for the first time or you’re an experienced climber looking for a gym, I can’t recommend Grotto enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Stellar gym. Justin is super friendly and helpful, especially for a first time visit. The setting is quite clever and represents a wide variety of climbing styles. Great fitness area on top of it all.

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★ 5

Loved the layout, problem setting, and old-school hip hop playlist. Great training area with variety of hang boards. Overall, a fantastic experience! A coffee vending machine and improved workspace would make it a 10.

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★ 5

Everyone is very kind and helpful
Maysam was very encouraging

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★ 5

Very large and spacious no ropes, free climbing aka bouldering gym. Cool zen vibes and neat work station so you can really spend hours here. In shopping center with food and boba, convenient.

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★ 5

This gym was such a great place after taking a long hiatus from climbing. Staff was incredibly helpful, the atmosphere was friendly, and the climbs were so much fun! Definitely my favorite climbing gym that I had the chance to try in San Diego.

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★ 5

Spacious space, lots of boulders and dog friendly

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★ 5

So fun! My friends and I had a blast here. I love how the walls were fun for all of us from beginners to advanced climbers. The music was great and the staff were super helpful and friendly. We will definitely be back!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

This gym is the best gym in San Diego. The setting is 100% the best. Justin is really nice, and I like the music he plays. The other climbers are really friendly too. The vibe is right.

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★ 5

Great for bouldering.

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★ 5

Best bouldering gym in San Diego! Always great sets and quick rotation. I never have to climb the same routes.

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★ 5

Such a great place, amazing atmosphere and friendly staff

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★ 5

Love the vibes and culture at the grotto

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★ 5

Amazing gym! The price is definitely worth it. The atmosphere and people climbing there are so nice and friendly. They have spray wall here which is a must for every gym in my opinion. As well as adjustable board climbing and comp routes. Also the setting here is lovely! Kudos to the setters they're doing an astounding job!

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly staff. Clean enviorment. Good place to meet other climbers and maybe learn some tips

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★ 5

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★ 5

The vibe here was awesome. Didn't feel crowded at all.

pros:
I really enjoyed the setting -- lots of lower body engagement. Varied holds and lots of varied angles (plenty of very steep climbing)

adjustable Kilter board, a spray wall, lots of hangboard options, lots of weights equipment.

cons: $30 day pass may be expensive for some folks. But the membership cost is reasonable.

If this was my home gym, I wouldn't complain!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Always love the staff and cleanliness of this place!

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★ 5

Great facility, really nice staff, and a welcoming and non-judgmental culture

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★ 5

Excellent facility with good vibes, numerous options for all skill levels, and fair pricing!

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★ 5

Spacious & new.
Less crowded in morning.

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★ 5

Just as G1, the staff and community are awesome and welcoming. The setting here is one of the best competition setting in San Diego. They have a couple of great spraywalls, world cup style boulders, a kilterboard, weights and they offer classes as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

Diverse and technical route set. Clean and spacious.Good amount of work out equipment and gear. Approachable community, affordable membership and deals. Since I mainly do bouldering, this gym is the right fit for my climbing style.

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★ 5

I usually do not like gyms as someone focused on outdoor climbing over comp climbing, but this gym had very good problems of many styles and grades close to outdoor standards.

Source: Google

★ 5

From a bouldering (no rope) perspective this is the best gym in the area. I spent ten weeks in the area, climbed at all three Mesa Rim locations and still picked Grotto as my climbing home. The staff is amazing, the routes are fun and challenging, and the environment was always excellent. This is the best bouldering gym in the area.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great bouldering gym. Fun climbs for all skill levels. Definitely recommend a visit.

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★ 5

The route-setters here are geniuses, and amazing people to boot.

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★ 5

Best training apparatus (kilter board and spray wall combo is rare). Most wall space, and less crowds than other gyms. Plus Matt, Masom, and Tony always super friendly and consistently climbing hard. Strong standards, friendly people, and positive environment!!

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★ 5

I always have a great time. The facility is very well kept. All of the employees are super accommodating, helpful and friendly. I love the interchanging routes and climbing options. I enjoy and appreciate the gym that’s available, as well as the variety of classes and training programs offered. Plus the community of people there are super cool and the music is always awesome.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym is good. I like it

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★ 4

My partner and I recently visited Grotto during our trip to San Diego.

Pros: The staff at the front desk was awesome. They were very welcoming and generally peppy. The gym also really felt like it was working to cultivate that community that gyms thrive on. Very clean and diverse climbs.

Cons: the day pass was very expensive for how small the gym was. It was almost $30. The workout area also wasn’t great. The treadmills kept stuttering when I tried to run and I felt like I was sort of in the middle of things.

I’m really glad we checked it out, but we are going to keep exploring other gyms in the area.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Best bouldering gym in SD. As good as it gets.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love the setting at this gym!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great staff, great facility, great experience

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Good low key atmosphere. Fun workout.

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★ 5

Great vibe, sets, and people :)

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★ 5

Grotto is amazing. Everything from the facilities, to the staff, to the route setting is top notch. They always have killer sets at both locations that make you stoked to climb, send, and train for more. The community is open, friendly, and a serious family. Both fellow members and staff cheer each other on during projects, help with beta, and get stoked to see you walk through the front doors. There just isn't a better gym and community than Grotto!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I have to leave another review for the Adult Climbing League program offered by Grotto.

I've taken a few of the lessons offered by Maysam and Marco and I feel like I've learned 10x more than if I climbed with friends or by myself. These guys are world-class climbers and coaches that seriously know what they're talking about.

Most recently they broke down the mechanics behind a collection of dynamic and competition-style climbs and it feels like I'm looking behind the curtain and understanding how climbing mechanics work in the background.

Additionally they offer advice on training plans, warm ups, cool downs, competition mindset, outdoor climbing preparation, prehab, rehab, and more.

Seriously, they have so much knowledge and experience to share, you'd be doing yourself a disservice to your climbing journey by not giving the Adult League a shot

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

A variety of climbs available for all levels. Cheerful and friendly staff.
Bathrooms are clean and well equipped.
Yoga room is spotless and floors are organically designed.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

I've pass the one year mark of being a regular customer at Grotto and I truly appreciate the staff, the yoga instructors, the facilities, and the overall vibe. The climbing problems are appropriate for the level and they're always varied. Big shout out to Tony, Maysam, Nate, Carly, Eli, Lauren, Stella, and Colby for taking Grotto beyond the average climbing gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Grotto is awesome, both locations. The staff is friendly, open and helpful. For a beginner like me who was very intimidated they help my wife and I be more comfortable on the walls.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Rad front staff and yoga instructors.
Between the two gyms and the rotation of the climbs there is something new and fun to keep ya coming back in for more.

Love the 11 o'clock yoga classes throughout the week too.

great laid back atmosphere.

Source: Google

★ 4

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★ 5

Its mint 10/10 but it's my first/only climbing gym I've been to so don't know what to compare it to

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Chill, supportive people (and dogs) and routes for all levels.

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★ 5

The Grotto has always felt like home. The entire staff is warm, welcoming, and supportive! The routes are always different and set with a high level of creativity. When you join here, you’ll see quickly that you’ve joined an excellent family. You’ll be happy you did!

Source: Google

★ 5

Extremely personable staff welcoming me in. I believe it was Carly who was at the front desk and she was really attentive while not making me feel uncomfortable like she just wanted to sell me on a membership or anything. The problems were dynamic and had ample levels of difficulty. The music was slappin the whole time. My only complaint was not knowing about the gym sooner.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great staff, good atmosphere, great route setting, clean

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★ 5

Clean spacious center. Tony is always very courteous and helpful! Just took fiancee here to climb for the first time and she had a lot of fun. Our go to spot for bouldering

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Coming from a climbing trip to this indoor facility at first I was annoyed with the overstimulating rap music and not stoked on being indoors, but by the end I had a good hangboard / kilter board session and met some nice people, so def a good experience overall. A good gym, route setting was pretty good; not too many hard (5+) overhanging boulders (other grotto is more overhanging) but the kilterboard makes up for it. Was very clean and good hangboard /training setup. A weighted pull up setup would be nice, couldn't find one but might've been there. You can get a good training session here but due to the overstimulating nature of the environment I wouldn't be able spend much time there unless I was focused on climbing or training, just a personal thing though. The gym sesh made me feel well trained, but not healed; the outdoors made me feel healed and fulfilled. Would go back on another rainy day.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Such a great community. The setting is phenomenal. One of my favorite climbing facilities I’ve come across in my climbing career adventures.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome, welcoming and encouraging staff! Great variety in routes with a great balance of difficulty. Really love the atmosphere, makes it easy just to relax and take time between sets. Instead of feeling like you need to rush and be constantly climbing which leads to getting pumped out, ending your session. Was here visiting from canada with work for a month so was great to keep up my climbing routine especially being right across the road.

Will definitely be back again next time my Sqn comes down.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

I came to a fundraiser here summer 2021 and later ended up joining. #TeamGrotto for life! Climbs at ALL levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing new bouldering gym in the heart of Miramar.
Awesome sets and variety, super cool staff, and tons of fun!!!

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★ 5

Great problems/setting/holds. I love climbing on these big unique holds - creative problem settings.

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★ 5

Awesome staff, great community, overall amazing gym.

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★ 5

Super fun, great people!

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★ 4

Super fun atmosphere, staff and members are very kind, really love that yoga and access to gym equipment comes with the membership. Only downsides are that the holds on the routes seemed a little bit dirtier than I've seen in other climbing gyms and the mats on the east side of the north wall seemed like they didn't extend away from the wall far enough and could pose an injury risk if someone fell off the wall at a weird angle or with a lot of momentum.

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★ 5

Fun and exhausting . Friendly staff and clean facilities!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Just started going as a total beginner and everyone has been friendly and helpful

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★ 5

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★ 5

Grotto has a dynamic, inviting atmosphere. Starting with the warm welcome you get at the front desk to the encouragement climbers give each other, Grotto is a great place for a complete workout and meeting awesome people!

Source: Google

★ 5

Very inviting atmosphere, great music, great routes, workout area clean and accessible, lots of mat space to stretch and chill. Great gym to improve bouldering

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★ 5

Awesome!

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★ 5

Doesn't feel like a gym, feels like a cool hangout where anyone can climb, feel comfortable, not be judged, and not big crowds. The management and customer service are exceptional. Tony is awesome and so knowledgeable and supportive! Best hangout in SD to get a workout in, have fun and learn and develop your climbing skills!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great people, great vibes, and great problems for many climbers. It's clean, spacious, and there's a ton of parking.

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★ 5

Great gym to climb and train at. If you are looking for a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party climbing experience, this is not it. If you are looking to climb in an un crowded gym and not have pizza grease on the holds and young children running around, drive the extra 10 mins and treat yourself. Good route setting with a variety of rock style routes and newer comp style setting as well.

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★ 5

Love the new location! Space is huge, equipment is new, clean, and organized. Plus I appreciate that I can finish up computer work (with speedy WiFi) here before my work outs. I've already referred two friends and will refer more in the future!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome new climbing gym with great staff, cool routes, and overall chill environment.

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★ 5

Overall I really like this gym - it is a great facility and the employees are always nice. I'm a intermediate climber with roughly beginner climber strength due to a long break so take the below points with that in mind. I climbed regularly for 3 years, then didn't climb for 3 years and have been getting back into it over the last 8ish months. I can complete roughly 1/3rd of the routes here overall which I think speaks to a nice balance of advanced vs beginner/intermediate routes.

Great route setting - there are lots of really interesting and fun routes. The route setters do an especially good job on the intermediate/advanced routes making them feel unique and difficult in their own ways. I really like how one intermediate route can be easy for me because it plays to my strengths and another one can be really difficult because the source of difficulty is one of my weaknesses. The variety definitely keeps it interesting for repeat visits (I go roughly twice a week)

Facility is incredible. Really nice walls, solid gym area, well ventilated. Pretty much perfect

Highly recommend Grotto as a whole - both locations are great!

Source: Google

★ 5

It is an aesthetically pleasing awesome facility with great setting and nice staff!

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★ 5

Diverse selection of routes, great space, good climbing, great staff!

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★ 5

Best climbing gyms in san diego. Nobody does it better.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome new location!

Source: Google