Climbing & Bouldering Wall
The Mt. Mendota Climbing & Bouldering Wall supports bouldering, top roping, and sport climbing. The Bouldering Wall is 13 feet tall and the Climbing Wall is 32 feet tall, for a combined 1,900 square feet and 8 lanes of climbing surface. Climbing is free for all members during regular hours, and all gear including shoes and harnesses is free for all members as well! No experience is needed to participate. We’ll have staff to help out anyone who’d like to climb.
Bop to the Top
Mt. Mendota is located on level 3 of the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center.
Hours of Operation
August 25 – December 18
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Noon - 10pm |
| Tuesday | 2 - 10pm |
| Wednesday | Noon - 10pm |
| Thursday | 2 - 10pm |
| Friday - Sunday | Noon - 8pm |
Adjusted Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| August 31 - September 1 | CLOSED |
| October 5 | Noon - 7pm |
| October 10 | CLOSED |
| November 2 | Noon - 7pm |
| November 25 | Noon - 6pm |
| November 26 - 29 | CLOSED |
| November 30 | Noon - 7pm |
| December 11 - 18 | Noon - 6pm |
December 19 – May 10
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | Noon - 10pm |
| Friday - Sunday | Noon - 8pm |
Adjusted Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| December 19 - 25 | CLOSED |
| December 26 - 30 | Noon - 6pm |
| December 31 - January 1 | CLOSED |
| January 2 - 13 | Noon - 6pm |
| January 14 - 15 | CLOSED |
| January 17 | Noon - 6pm |
May 18 – August 24
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 2 - 8pm |
| Friday - Sunday | Noon - 6pm |
Adjusted Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 9 - 17 | CLOSED |
| May 23 - 25 | CLOSED |
| June 1 | 2 - 6pm |
| July 4 - 5 | CLOSED |
| July 13 | 2 - 6pm |
Kilter Board
The Kilter Board is open!
The Kilter Board is a state of the art piece of climbing equipment meant for climbing strength and technique training. Check out this video on how to use it!
- With a Kilter Board’s light-up holds and adjustable pitch, you’ll have access to well over 100k unique climbs contributed by people all over the global climbing community, from your average everyday gym-goers to professional, celebrity climbers.
- Connect to the board with the Android or iOS app, set your climbing grade preferences, and search the catalog for a climb you want to train!
- Your “problem” (what we call climbing paths in the discipline of bouldering) will be marked with LED-illuminated climbing holds which are color coordinated to denote starts and finishes, as well as which holds you can use for both hands and feet or those intended only as feet.
- Once you select your problem on the app, use the control panel to adjust the angle of the board.
- You are allowed to use liquid chalk on the Kilter Board. All other forms of chalk are prohibited.
It is available for use anytime the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center is open. Look at the climbing wall hours listed about for when staff are at the wall for help with operating instruction and questions.
- Green: Place your hands here to start. Don’t reach for anything else until both feet are off the ground. You are also allowed to step on these when necessary.
- Yellow: You may use these only for your feet. You may also use shoe friction against the black surface of the board itself.
- Blue: These may be used for your hands or for your feet.
- Pink: These indicate the final hold(s) of the climb. Reach these using only the holds in the climb, per their rules, to complete the problem.
Ask a Mt. Mendota staff member for assistance at any time. If Mt. Mendota is closed, find a Rec Well staff member for help!
Climbing Clinics
Climbing clinics are single day instructional programs focused on specific climbing skills and techniques. Clinics are perfect for any climber looking to improve their climbing experience or build new skills.
Lead Climbing Clinic
Learn what you need to know to indoor lead climb and lead belay at Mt. Mendota. Participants must be Top Rope Belay certified at Mt. Mendota and be able to comfortably climb a grade of at least 5.9.
Price:
Student: $10
Non-student Member: $20
Time: 9am – Noon
Dates:
- Friday, September 18 (register August 24 – September 16)
- Friday, October 9 (register September 15 – October 7)
- Friday, November 6 (register October 15 – November 4)
- Friday, November 20 (register November 1 – 18)
Top Rope Belay Clinic
Learn to tie in and belay another climber. Our trained staff will teach you everything you need to know about belaying. No experience or gear required.
Price:
Student: $5
Non-student Member: $10
Time: 10:30am – Noon
Dates:
- Monday, September 14 (register August 24 – September 12)
- Wednesday, September 30 (register September 1 – 28)
- Friday, October 16 (register September 15 – October 14)
- Monday, November 9 (register October 15 – November 7)
- Friday, December 4 (register November 15 – December 2)
Climbing Events
Climbing events are a great way to meet other climbers, learn new techniques, and challenge yourself in a fun and supportive environment. We have a range of events whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber.
Rainbow Climbing Night
Come hang out at Rainbow Climb, a relaxed evening of climbing, connection, and community. Whether you’re new to climbing or a regular at the wall, this event is all about having fun, meeting new people, and enjoying the space together. We’re creating a climbing space that’s friendly, inclusive, and open to all students; no matter your background or experience. Expect good vibes and a chance to climb in a space that celebrates togetherness. This event is open to all students!
No experience needed. Registration required
Dates:
- Friday, September 25 (register September 1 – 23)
- Friday, October 23 (register October 1 – 21)
Femme+ Climbing
Join us for an evening of climbing, community, and connection at Femme+ Climbing Night. This event is designed to foster a welcoming and supportive climbing environment where participants can meet new people, build community, and enjoy time on the wall together.
This event is open to all students. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or an experienced climber, come climb, connect, and have fun. No prior climbing experience is required.
Dates:
- Friday, October 2 (register September 1 – 30)
- Friday, November 13 (register October 15 – November 11)
New Climbers Night
New to climbing and want to learn the basics? Mt. Mendota’s New Climber’s night is an opportunity for people who want to begin their climbing journey to learn and be encouraged. This free event will feature several climbing instructors who are ready to teach you what you want to know! Register for a free, one hour section
Dates:
- Friday, October 16 (register September 15 – October 14)
FAQs
It is 100 percent free to all students and members! This includes all rental gear like climbing shoes and harnesses.
No! We have open rec hours within the Bakke’s regular hours of operation. During these times, members are free to come in and climb as much as they want.
Mt. Mendota has a 13-foot bouldering wall as well as a 32-foot top rope/lead climbing wall. There are 3 auto belays and 5 ropes for top rope climbing.
Mt. Mendota: All forms of chalk are allowed at Mt. Mendota.
Kilter Board: Liquid Chalk is allowed. All other forms of chalk are prohibited.
No! We have trained staff members to belay, coach, and encourage you up the wall. Check out our available educational programs and clinics if you want to learn more!
We are not currently hiring for the climbing wall. If you are interested in working, reach out to patrick.rowe@wisc.edu with questions or check our student jobs page for more information.