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
HOURS OF OPERATION
January 20 – May 2
Day of the Week | Hours |
---|---|
Monday - Thursday | Noon - 10pm |
Friday - Sunday | Noon - 8pm |
Adjusted Hours
Date | Hours |
---|---|
February 24 | Noon - 8pm |
March 17 | Noon - 8pm |
April 12 | Noon - 8pm |
Final Exam Week
Date | Hours |
---|---|
May 3 - 4 | 2 - 6pm |
May 5 - 8 | 2 - 8pm |
May 9 | 2 - 6pm |
March 21 – 30
Day of the Week | Hours |
---|---|
Monday - Thursday | 2 - 8pm |
Friday - Sunday | 2 - 6pm |
Check back later for summer 2025 hours.
Check back later for fall 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
Dates:
Wednesday, March 19
Thursday, April 17
Time:
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
Dates & Times:
Wednesday, February 19 @ 10:30am – noon
Tuesday, March 11 @ 8 – 9:30pm
Monday, April 7 @ 7 – 8:30pm
Tuesday, April 29 @ 7 – 8:30pm
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!

Mt. Mendota Climbing Competition
This friendly climbing competition is an opportunity to test your top rope climbing and bouldering skills against other UW-Madison climbers.
There will be brackets for beginner, intermediate, and advanced climbers. All skill levels are encouraged to participate.
A commemorative t-shirt and gear rental are included with registration.
All participants must purchase an Intramural Sports Pass and register through FusionPlay in order to participate.
Date and Time:
Sunday, March 9 @ 9am – 4pm
Students can register for Recreational, Intermediate, or Advanced.

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!
Dates & Time:
Friday, March 14 @ 8 – 10pm

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.
Dates & Time:
Friday, February 21 @ 8 – 10pm
Monday, March 31 @ 8 – 10pm

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:
Saturday, February 15 @ 9am – noon
FAQs
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How much does it cost?
It is 100 percent 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-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.
Is chalk allowed?
Mt. Mendota: All forms of chalk are allowed at Mt. Mendota.
Kilter Board: Liquid Chalk is allowed. All other forms of chalk are prohibited.
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.