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.

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DAILY SCHEDULES

BOP TO THE TOP
Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
1976 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706

HOURS OF OPERATION

June 12 – August 24

Day of the Week Hours
Monday - Thursday 2pm - 8pm
Friday - Sunday Noon - 6pm

 

Check back later for fall 2025 hours.

 

Check back later for spring 2026 hours.

KILTER BOARD

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!

 

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How does it work?

  • 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.

 

When can I use it?

The Kilter Board is open now! 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.

 

What do the colors mean?

  • 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.

 

Have more questions?

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.

Image of climbing staff giving instruction to a member.

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: $10
Affiliate: $15
Community: $20

Date:
Wednesday, July 9

Time:
11am – 2pm

REGISTER HERE

Member looking up at Mt. Mendota Climbing wall at Bakke

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:
Tuesday, July 22 @ 12:30 – 2pm
Tuesday, August 19 @ 12:30 – 2pm

REGISTER HERE

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!

Image of Mt. Mendota climbing wall.

Check back later this summer for Fall 2025 climbing events!

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.