Crux Climbing Center officially debuted its newest location in South Austin on May 5.
The details
The new climbing facility features:
48-foot-tall climbing walls, which are about 20 feet taller than in the original South locationRope climbingBoulderingStrength training, fitness and yoga spacesLocker rooms and saunasA kids areaAn elevator with access for adaptive climbersWellness space with recoveryRemote work podsOutdoor turf space
The facility offers rope climbing in addition to bouldering, with walls up to 48 feet tall. (Courtesy Merrick Ales)The location will also feature food and beverage options including Switchback Coffee & Beer in addition to Granny’s Tacos.
“Opening Switchback was a natural extension of what we’ve built at Crux,” Crux and Switchback co-founder Grace Nicholas said in a news release. “We wanted a space where people could gather, work and unwind, before or after time in the gym.”
The background
The local rock climbing and bouldering gym can also be found in Central Austin and Pflugerville, with a Houston location slated to open this summer.
The gym’s original South Austin location was located at 121 Pickle Road across from Cosmic, but closed at the end of 2024 after operating since 2016. Crux officials cited affordability concerns as a reason for moving, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
That space is now set to anchor This Gym, after Austin Bouldering Project pulled out of taking over the space amid controversy.
Quote of note
“With this new South Austin location, we’ve created a more versatile, community-centered environment that reflects everything we’ve learned and where we’re headed next,” Crux co-founder Kevin Goradia said in a news release. “South Austin is where we started and where we built our community. We’re proud to share this facility where people will want to spend their time together.”
What’s next
A grand opening celebration will take place on May 30 starting at 11 a.m. at the new gym. The celebration will coincide with the Come and Send It annual climbing competition.
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