★ 5

Staff is always helpful and friendly. Fun place to get a great workout

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fantastic day with my niece climbing at Ascend. Lots of bouldering options, which she loved. Employees are friendly & helpful. Facility is clean and well cared for. Other patrons were nice as well!

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★ 5

My son and I went to ascend for the first time today and it was so much fun! The workers there, Zach and sarah, were attentive and informative. The place was very clean. Will be back

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★ 5

Had a great time at the climbing gym, everybody was very helpful and encouraging. Eliana and Claire were both extremely friendly. Will be going back.

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★ 5

Ascend is such a fun, warm, and inviting place. They host all kinds of community events, classes, clubs, and just foster a wonderful environment

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★ 5

Ellie and Sarah were so helpful and sweet!! It was my first time climbing since I was a child and they made the experience so nice. They explained everything and made sure my friends and I were safe. I will definitely be coming back, if not for the climbing for Sarah and Ellie!!

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★ 5

Friendly staff, lots of walls, and fun routes!

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★ 5

I took my 7 year old step daughter and she had a blast! The staff was very kind, welcoming and did a great job getting us ready and comfortable to climb. Amanda was so patient and kind while teaching us the ropes, while Nick did a fantastic job showing us the facility. The space was very clean and they had some awesome promotions going on this month. I really look forward to coming back again soon!

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★ 5

Cool environment, cool staff, cool programming options, cool merch!
I can’t wait to get my son involved in more, and I’m chomping at the bit to get in to climb!

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★ 5

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★ 5

A favorite place for me and my son to go. Rock climbing uses so many muscle groups that we get in a great workout in no time. On the days we don't want to climb, we use the free weights or cardio machines. Friendly staff, clean facility, great for all ages and abilities. The routes are changed regularly so there's always something to work on, regardless of your skill level. Highly recommend

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★ 5

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★ 5

Carla thank you!!! Your rage yoga class was so much fun and healing. You made my group feel so welcome and comfortable and we had so much fun! Would love to come back and do it again!

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★ 5

Our group had a great time there for first time bouldering and auto belay climbing. Thank you!

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★ 5

This was out first time there and we took advantage of their promo offer of the first visit is free. We were celebrating a birthday so this saving made it extra special. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful…knowledgeable and professional. The facility was clean and inviting.
There was plenty of areas for us beginners to try and felt accomplished while there was more that challenged us and pushed us. We had in incredible time celebrating a birthday so the incredible savings made it extra special.
We will be back!!

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★ 5

Very impressed! Friendly and accommodating staff that clearly love their jobs. Andrea is a wonderful Yoga instructor. The facility is beautiful and extremely clean. Far exceeded my expectations.

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★ 5

We took a Scout troop to Ascend Erie to work on the Rock Climbing merit badge and had an amazing time. David and Sarah were fantastic teachers and were really good at getting the scouts to be safe and comfortable with the heights and the equipment. The facility is beautiful and really well laid out. Highly recommend and absolutely want to come back!

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★ 5

Large variety of routes. Staff are friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere. We love the climbing community!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Friendly staff, great experience, self belaying, top rope and lead climbing, highly recommended.

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★ 5

Best climbing gym in the Erie area by far!

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★ 5

Good team. Very clean. Great facilities + fitness center. Overall high quality experience.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Very welcoming very kind and helpful And an overall fun experience

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★ 5

What a great addition to Erie, PA!
I’ve been to Ascend a couple of times, and the staff always makes me feel welcome. As for those without any experience, don't fret, the staff will guide you through the whole process and get you climbing in no time.
Gear (shoes, harnesses for auto-belay, and chalk bags) are provided for an additional charge.
They also offer a variety of gym classes, yoga sessions, and summer camps for kids.

Definitely a great spot to get your workout in, hang out with friends and family, or host a private party!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great climbing gym, clean space, friendly staff, lots of options for climbing.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Ascend was a ton of fun, super clean, and less intimidating for our kids than we initially thought it could be. They loved it, and Josh was super helpful in helping us feel comfortable with the process. All in all an awesome experience and we can’t wait to go back!

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★ 5

The staff are phenomenal, very informative, and helpful! The facilities are super nice and clean! Overall great experience, and you are sure to have a blast!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome climbing gym. Clean, safe, fun environment. Helpful staff and crew on hand. Routes are always changing, giving you new challenges to conquer regularly.

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★ 5

Welcoming environment for all! Excellent yoga instructors and studio; community oriented and family friendly.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Excellent staff, facilities, support, & opportunities. Definitely recommend!

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★ 5

Staff is so friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The facility is clean and the environment is so chill and comfortable. Everyone was so nice and willing to step in and help us and show us new things. People cheer you on and encourage you. They offer a lot of programs you can get yourself or kids involved in. The yoga studio and gym are a great added bonus. Will definitely be coming back!

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★ 5

Here's a secret if you are hesitant about trying climbing- Ascend is only $5 on Fridays, and the harness is $6, so you get to try it out for only $11. You sign waivers, of course, and they give you climbing shoes and chalk for your hands.

If you are bigger, don't worry. Heather and Josh were so kind, patient, and informative and will answer any questions you may have.

The climb activated every single muscle in my arms and legs, and I was breaking a sweat in no time. You are free to go at your own pace, rest, and come back.

I climbed all the way to the top and most of the way back down. You are supposed to fall back and use the wall to come down like a graceful gazelle.

No shame, I'm not coordinated and preferred to grab on to the rope to free fall like a potato, flopping like a fish down on the mat.

I am still a little sore hours later, but the activity made me feel really good for the rest of the day. It does scrape up your nail polish, so know that and keep them short if possible. That was limiting. They even sell nail clippers there.

Exercise gloves might be a good idea because the wall is rough.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Thank you sooo much josh for showing/helping my son for his 16th birthday! Today has been a great day! Your place is nice and clean and when we come back we will definitely be looking for you :) thank you !!!

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★ 5

I have walked/run past the climbing gym since it opened and kept saying I wanted to try it. Finally went on Saturday with a running girlfriend and my daughter and we had a great time. As first-timers, it's easy to feel intimidated in a new situation with regulars, but the staff at AscendErie made us feel comfortable and showed us all the ropes (pun intended). We started with the boulder wall and quickly learned climbing was going to be a challenge! It was HARD, but fun. Our arms were shaking after an hour. Definitely an upper body workout. Much more fun that lifting weights!

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★ 5

wow! what a great climbing gym in Erie, PA
Wish it was here 20 yrs ago, but so happy to have a first class wall close to home now.

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★ 5

Was there with an adaptive climbing group, Dani, Josh and Sarah were the staff members assisting us and they did a wonderful job. They were very helpful and attentive.

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★ 5

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★ 5

A very open facility with friendly staff and members. The climbing community is awesome at making newcomers feel welcome, even when I am old enough to be their grandfather, and I am talking about adults here. I am also attending Yoga classes to improve flexibility. There are also physical fitness classes for members. I find the membership costs to be quite reasonable. The climbing walls are exceptional and are changed often. I was most concerned about safety. The ways climbers are kept safe is incredible.

This picture was from Friday, April 25. At ASCEND Erie (Erie, PA). I am at the top of a rope wall, about 50 feet tall. This is the easiest climb of that height. I am rehabbing a strained right elbow tendon (it was not injured while climbing), so I am sticking to less challenging climbs (except for the height). Why the selfie? I needed a little more challenge!

It is hard to believe that two years ago when I started climbing, at age 75, I was afraid of heights. I guess it would be more accurate to say I was afraid of that sudden stop at the bottom if I fell. The rope and harness are not visible in the picture, but they are there and I would not climb this wall without them.

This climb has an automatic system to "belay" if I fall. In this case, I actually dropped intentionally shortly after taking this picture. Coming down is actually fun for me.

Some otherclimbs on this wall require a partner to belay you. That is even safer with a trained partner, and even more fun. Your partner will catch you if you fall or let you rest if you tire. You can then continue the climb instead of having to go back to the beginning.

The climber community here is wonderful. Most of the climbers are young enough to be my grand children. I am welcomed enthusiastically, so is every climber. I am told the climbing community around the world is like this. There are many places where people that are different in some way are tolerated at best. This is a place where they are enthusiastically welcomed.

The staff is friendly and highly competent. The facility is kept in first class condition in all ways and kept clean.

I would say to anyone who is just a little adventurous, come and get high with me.

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★ 5

Staff was very helpful getting us started! Challenging and exciting climbs. Great place to take family and friends!

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★ 5

We went to Ascend today for our first time ever Rock Climbing. Josh welcomed us with excitement to share his love and knowledge for the sport! He checked on us multiple times and gave the kids tips on how to achieve their goals!!
And to top it off the facility is clean with many areas all spaced out!

We can’t wait to go back!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

It was great, great service, fun climbing, 5 out of 5 stars, recommend for fun day with friends or by yourself

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★ 5

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★ 5

The staff are so kind and attentive. The gym is always clean and safe to climb (no loose boulders). I am always welcomed like family. This gym is truly a gem in Erie and I highly recommend it to anyone interested!

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★ 5

Really enjoyed my day at Ascend! I hadn't had much experience rock climbing before so I was pretty intimidated by the size of the walls and the skills of the other climbers, but Dani was so helpful and encouraging! She showed me around and explained things to me in terms I could understand and encouraged me to give it a shot and go at my own pace, which is really important to hear. I'll definitely be coming back!

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★ 5

Great place great fun and clean bathrooms
Josh and the rest of the staff is very helpful and patient with me and my 4boys lol

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★ 5

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★ 5

Friendly atmosphere and staff, all very helpful, nice facility!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Always a wonderful time here, the staff is super friendly and so very knowledgeable. I learn something new every time I’m in.

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★ 5

Staff is great! Very clean and welcoming atmosphere! Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to give climbing a try!

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★ 5

Love it here so much!

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★ 5

Awesome place to climb! It’s super clean and the staff is always friendly.

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★ 5

Awesome place to get a workout

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★ 5

So great to have climbing available in Erie, and the yoga and workout classes are great. Welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, and plenty of wall for beginners and veteran climbers alike.

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★ 5

Great gym! Everyone is super nice and helpful. Climbing is incredibly fun.

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★ 5

Huge thank you to Heather and Josh!! Before taking my 3 grandsons (12, 11 and 9) to Ascend I called and had the pleasure of speaking to Heather… I asked a million questions and she was so patient and informative. So once arriving we were welcomed in and one of those people happened to be Heather! Again, Heather was patient and so friendly. I will admit walking into Ascend I was a bit overwhelmed - it’s way larger than I imagined. Heather accessed what we needed and introduced us to Josh. Again, another awesome staff member! Josh gave us a full tour and explained everything to the boys … he even return multiple times to check on us and provide demonstrations when the boys wanted to try something new. Josh and Heather made our experience so pleasant and fun we can’t wait to visit again!!! I would recommend Ascend a thousand times over - fabulous staff and experience!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

A wonderful asset to the downtown community. Friendly staff and a beautiful facility.

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★ 5

Josh really took me and my 3 year old daughter in when we decided to travel 45 minutes to check the place out. We really liked getting a tour and learning the basics on belaying so she could get on a wall for a few moments. He was thorough and safety focused. This trip really helped gain confidence for a future visit. Thanks Josh, the place is generally awesome!

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★ 5

Great place, friendly staff

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★ 5

We’ve enjoyed the friendly staff, challenging climbs, and adventure at Ascend. Take a chance and enjoy the facilities. This is truly fun for all ages.

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★ 5

@FredoniaSt_MBB hit @ascend_erie for a day of climbing, bouldering and yoga to close out our preseason and kick off the opening week of our 2024-25 season. Hi-fives all around to the Ascend Climbing staff for their help in planning and running this team-building event for our guys. A great way to experience embracing new challenges and learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Highly recommend for teams of all types.

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★ 5

Really great addition to downtown Erie. Very nice facility and well kept. For anyone looking at starting a new hobby, staying busy during the snow months, or just getting in some exercise this is the perfect place to check out.

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★ 5

As someone who'd never been to a climbing gym before, my visit to Ascend was safe, fun, and challenging! Sarah the employee was especially helpful in my check-in and learning processes. Both bouldering and getting to use the belay were great!

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★ 5

I had stop by the ascend in Erie pa on state street. Dani, Claire D, and Josh P was at the front desk and as soon as I entered the building they immediately greeted me with a great welcoming smile. The made me feel welcome into the ascend. Dani, Claire D, and Josh P. Were very friendly and respectful. I enter to drop some flyers and I left with a great smile. If the rest of the employees are are them 3. I highly recommend this place to the world. If google would allow me to rate them 100stars. I would probably rate them 200 stars. They are very professional at what they do. I highly recommend this place to every one. I hope the owner could read this rate. If you do. They deserve a pay raise. Very professional great job.

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★ 5

Outstanding! I travel a lot & this is one of the best gyms I’ve ever been to. Huge (incl 50’ wall w/ auto belay routes!) friendly helpful staff, clean, lots of sunlight, low price. Highly recommended!

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★ 5

We always have a great time at Ascend! Staff is very helpful. The facility is very nice.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Hands down one of the finest climbing gyms I have been to. Awesome routes awesome people.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome place! Had a great time! So many different climbing options

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★ 5

This place is fantastic! I’ll start off by saying I’m an Erie native, but have lived in SoCal for the past 8 years. I’m an active climber of 6+ years (indoor and outdoor) and love a good climbing gym. My wife and I were stoked to visit Ascend Erie during our most recent Erie trip. Ascend is the most perfect addition to Downtown Erie and a beautiful space overall. The gym itself has a great flow, it’s super clean, it’s bright, and it has plenty of downstairs and upstairs walls to explore. The route setting was soooo fun, creative, and challenging (shout out to the excellent route setters!). We had a blast bouldering.

I loved that this gym has auto-belays, which is a rarity at climbing gyms these days. Ascend’s process of training new members about how to use auto-belays and requiring them to pass a test is a concept that I haven’t seen before, but a great idea to ensure safety and awareness around the common, but avoidable injuries surround auto-belays. Props to Ascend for implementing this great process!

Final thoughts: The staff is very helpful and friendly. Thanks to Jenny for giving us a great tour, auto-belay walk through, and an overall great experience during our first visit! The merch is super cool. There are plenty of lockers, clean bathrooms, and comfortable seating / common areas throughout.

If I lived in Erie, I’d be a member here hands down! This is my go to spot during any future Erie trips.

I highly recommend Ascend whether you’re a first time climber or experienced! You’ll love it.

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★ 5

Great staff and facilities!

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★ 5

My first time rock climbing EVER. Honestly terrifying but it was so fun too. Will be back for more thrill seeking, problem solving and strength training 💪

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★ 5

Been here a few times with friends. This is an awesome facility in the Erie area. Extensive bouldering and two rock walls, one over 50ft high. Auto belay and top rope options as well as a few others that I am not familiar with. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Friendly staff, superb members! Amazing community!

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★ 5

Been coming here since they opened. Really welcoming place. Great staff, but big shout out Daniel. His approach during my friends top rope test was top notch.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome place that is very clean. Very nice staff and very helpful with kids. The kids $5 for 5 and under is a GREAT DEAL and our kids love going. Experience could not have been better can't wait to go back

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Everything’s amazing!!! The staff is super friendly and helpful. They are consistent adding new routes and keeping things fresh. The community is also fantastic!

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★ 5

Amazing gym. Stopped on Mt drive across PA. First visit to downtown Erie and this gym really is an awesome urban climbing gym. Can't wait to visit again soon!

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★ 1

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great gym. Very clean. Good quality rental equipment.

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★ 5

Normally live by and climb at Ascend SS in Pgh, but stopped by while visiting family to check it out. Very nice and clean with a good mix of problems. Stoked to see Erie starting a climbing culture of its own.

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★ 5

Super friendly staff upon arrival. Ample, clean, and bright facilities. Loved my first visit, sent some good routes, looking forward to coming back and moving beyond the bouldering.

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★ 5

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★ 5

What a great addition to Erie

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★ 5

As a big fan of Pittsburgh Ascend, I'm very happy to have one in Erie. They did a great job with it!

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★ 5

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★ 5

I love Ascend! The only improvement would be more autobelay stations as there are a lot more top roping stations and as someone who climbs alone, I would love more variety as an autobelayer! The bouldering is awesome and my arms are dead :)

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★ 5

Phenomenal facility, helpful and kind staff, really fun! I am so grateful Ascend is here!

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★ 5

Went earlier in the day with our 3 children. They all had a blast and kept asking when we could go again! It wasn't too busy when we went and suggest to go earlier in the day if you can. It was starting to get busier when we were leaving.

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★ 5

A fantastic addition to downtown. Friendly staff, clean facilities, and lots of ways to enjoy yourself. Perfect for beginners and veteran climbers, and great for kids.

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★ 5

Great place to hangout and climb, glad we got something like that in the Downtown we needed it.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I had a great first experience at Ascend Climbing Gym right here in Erie. The facility is well-equipped for all levels of experience, and the tour was informative and engaging. The staff member who guided me around was friendly and knowledgeable, which made the experience even better. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone looking to try out indoor climbing, no matter what level of expertise you have.

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★ 5

Ascend Erie gave my two teens and myself a fantastic welcome. We enjoyed interacting with the friendly and helpful staff, appreciated the safety measures put in place and were impressed with the facilities. Get yourselves to Erie Ascend ASAP for an awesome experience! We will be regulars!

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★ 5

Great addition to the Erie downtown

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★ 5

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★ 5

Tons of space to climb and boulder (you’d be surprised) and plenty of awesome staff like Chris and Daniel.

My only wish would be for even more auto belays.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fun times and lots of walls to choose from for a good climb.

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★ 5

Ascend is a shining star of climbing gyms and Erie is so lucky to have it! I’m a regular at the Point Breeze location in Pittsburgh and made the drive just to check the new one out (and hit Wegmans, of course). This location is larger than Point Breeze, with much taller rope walls and an extremely cool & unique layout—I love the sectioned off areas with spectator windows, particularly the one on the second floor where you can see people do top roping and lead climbing. I was a huge fan of the coordination challenge in the second floor bouldering area (pictured). I will note that the customer service at this location was rougher than at the others: they seemed to have staffed a lot of non-climbers who have no idea what is going on & don’t understand the vibes—the girl giving us our walkthrough said she’d never been on a wall before in her life because she “didn’t have time” 🤨 I do expect this will get better as the location is open for longer, though.

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★ 5

Fantastic addition to Erie.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Incredible gym, incredible staff. A gem in Erie.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Very swag.

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★ 5

Excellent gym, super nice friendly atmosphere, sick equipment. 5/5

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★ 5

Fantastic addition to Downtown Erie!! So great to see families enjoying a healthy activity together. Can’t wait to go again!

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★ 5

Awesome facility and super friendly staff. If you're in Erie and looking for something to do, go check Ascend out!

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★ 5

Great time and lots of fun!

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★ 5

A perfect, much needed addition to the Erie community. Knowledgable, fun, and appropriately cautious of climbers with their own gear that may not know the full requirements of such a facility (for all us goons out there). They are polite, quick to assist with proper paced certifications and testing, and respectful if you do not read the very first sentence of a sign and need a certification to use that system still. 😅 The facility is clean, spacious, very well laid out, and the building fits right in with downtown. The OnSite walls are fantastic offering a wide range of grades and styles. Parking is perfectly acceptable right now on the street, and there are plenty of parking garages just nearby (it’s a growing city!) Looking forward to a relationship with the team through re-training on top roping and learning the skills required for lead climbing.

Just an analog guy loving life. Stay classic.

- C.

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★ 5

A really nice gym. Glad to have Ascend in Erie-- they are first class.

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★ 5

The space is amazing!!

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★ 5

So excited that we have a climbing gym in Erie! It has something for all ages and abilities. Everyone there has been so kind and helpful! Can't wait to go several times a week!!

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★ 5

So exciting to finally have a real rock climbing gym in Erie

Source: Google