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
Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
1976 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Live Usage
Mount Mendota
HOURS OF OPERATION
September 2 – December 19
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | Noon - 10pm |
| Friday - Sunday | Noon - 8pm |
Adjusted Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| September 9 - 15 | CLOSED |
| September 19 | 4 - 10pm |
| September 26 | 4 - 10pm |
Thanksgiving Week
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| November 27 | Noon - 6pm |
| November 28 | CLOSED |
| November 29 | CLOSED |
| November 30 | CLOSED |
Final Exam Week
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| December 13 - 20 | 2 - 6pm |
Winter Break
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| December 21 - 25 | CLOSED |
| December 26 - 30 | 2 - 6pm |
| December 31 - January 1 | CLOSED |
| January 2 - 19 | 2 - 6pm |
July 24 – October 7
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 2 - 8pm |
| Friday | 12 - 6pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | CLOSED |
Check back in February 2025 for spring hours.
Check back in February 2025 for spring break hours.
Check back later for summer 2025 hours.
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
This clinic will teach you what you need to know in order 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 climbing grade of at least 5.9.
Price: Student – $5, Members – $10
Upcoming Dates & Times:
Sunday, September 29 @ 9am – noon
Saturday, November 23 @ 9am – noon
Top Rope Belay Lesson
In this Top Rope Belay clinic, you will learn how to tie in and belay another climber. Our trained staff will teach you everything you need to know about belaying.
Price: Student – $5, Members – $10
Upcoming Dates & Times:
Monday, September 23 @ 10:30am – 12pm
Wednesday, October 2 @ 10:30am – 12pm
Thursday, October 17 @ 4 – 5:30pm
Tuesday, November 19 @ 4 – 5:30pm
Monday, December 9 @ 4 – 5:30pm
CLIMBING EVENTS
Climbing wall events are a great way to meet other climbers, learn new techniques, and challenge yourself in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there’s an event out there for you!
New Climber’s 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. These free events will feature several climbing instructors who are ready to teach you what you want to know!
Date & Time: Friday, December 6 @ 8 – 10pm
Registration Opens: Friday, November 8 @ 9am
Registration Closes: Wednesday, December 6 @ 5pm
Two available time slots (sign up for one): 8 – 9pm and 9 – 10pm
Women+ Climbing Night
Experience indoor rock climbing in a welcoming and supportive environment! Mt. Mendota’s Women+ Climbing Night is a free event staffed by knowledgeable and experienced women and non-binary student staff members. All women, trans women, nonbinary, gender expansive, and anyone who is seeking this community is encouraged to attend. All skill levels are welcome and instruction will be provided!
Date & Time: Friday, November 8 @ 8 – 10pm
Registration Opens: October 4 @ 9am
Registration Closes: November 6 @ 5pm
Queer Climbing Night
Show your pride at the Climbing Wall! Mt. Mendota’s Queer Climbing Nights are free, registration only events that are staffed by our knowledgeable and experienced members and allies of the community. All LGBTQ+ students are welcome, and instruction will be provided, so all skill levels are encouraged to attend.
Date & Time: Friday, October 4 @ 8 – 10 pm
Registration Opens: Friday, September 6
Registration Closes: Wednesday, October 2
Date & Time: Friday, November 15 @ 8 – 10 pm
Registration Opens: Friday, November 18
Registration Closes: Wednesday, November 13
Climbers of Color Meetup
In collaboration with the Madison Climbers of Color, this event is an opportunity for people of color to build community around the sport of rock climbing. New rock climbers will be introduced to climbing while nurturing and building community with seasoned climbers. Check out the Madison Climbers of Color social media pages for more information about additional meetups!
Date & Time: Sunday, October 20 @ 9am-Noon
Registration Closes: Friday, October 18
Date & Time: Sunday, November 10 @ 9am-Noon
Registration Opens: Sunday, October 13
Registration Closes: Friday, November 8
Mt. Mendota Climbing Competition
This friendly climbing competition is an opportunity to test your top rope climbing & bouldering skills against other UW-Madison climbers. There will be brackets for beginner, intermediate, and advanced climbers, so all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
All participants must purchase an Intramural Sports Pass and register through FusionPlay in order to participate. A commemorative t-shirt and gear rental are included with registration.
Check back later for future competition information.
FAQs
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How much does it cost?
It is 100% free to all students and members! This includes all rental gear like climbing shoes and harnesses.
Do I need to make a reservation?
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.
What type of climbing is available?
Mt. Mendota has a 13 ft. bouldering wall as well as a 32 ft. top rope/lead climbing wall. There are 3 auto belays and 5 ropes for top rope climbing.
Do I need to know how to climb to participate?
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!
Are you hiring?
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.