Youth climbing
The U of I Climbing Center offers engaging climbing options for youth under 18, focused on skill development and after-school adventure.
All youth must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and hours vary seasonally.
Youth Climbing hours
Youth are welcome during designated hours:
- Monday-Friday: 1-6 p.m.
- Weekends and holidays: Youth are welcome to come in when the climbing center is open. Latest hours are on the climbing center main page.
View current Climbing Center hours and scheduled closures.
Youth climbing passes
Youth passes do not include access to the Student Recreation Center or group fitness classes. Youth are defined as anyone under 18 and must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Pricing:
- Day pass: $12
- 1-month pass: $50
- 4-month pass: $150
- 1-year pass: $325
All memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Youth climbing rules and safety requirements
- All youth climbers must watch the Climbing Center orientation video.
- Parents must complete a one-time basics belay clinic or pass a skills check.
- A signed assumption of risk and liability waiver is required for all participants.
- Youth 13 and under may not belay.
- Youth 14 and older may belay only if they and their parent or guardian complete orientation and a basics clinic.
- Parents must be certified to belay even if their child only plans to boulder.
Frequent climber? Join the Palouse Youth Climbing Team
An after-school climbing program for ages 11–17, focused on skill development, confidence building and climbing as a sport.
Youth climbing FAQs
Why are there specific youth climbing hours?
We balance access between the university and community climbers, which includes setting aside designated youth hours.
Can minors climb with a friend over 18?
No. A legal guardian must be present. Friends are not recognized as legal guardians.
Do kids need to take the basics clinic?
Only parents are required, but youth 14 and older may also take it.
Can I drop my child off to climb?
No. Parents or guardians must remain on-site.
When are basics clinics offered for guardians of youth climbers?
We offer basics clinics at 6 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We recommend that you take your basics clinic BEFORE you climb with your child in our facility. Basics clinics are also available on demand at other times as staffing allows in the climbing center.
What is the minimum age or size to climb?
Kids as young as 3 may climb. Auto-belays require a minimum weight of 40 lbs.
Can I schedule a group?
Yes! Submit a Group Reservation Request Form.
- Up to ten participants: $120
- $12 per additional climber
Groups larger than 12 will be turned away without a reservation.
Do I need to do all this if we're just bouldering?
Yes. All adults must complete orientation and a basics clinic or skills check — even for bouldering only.
Do I need to pay to belay my child?
Yes. The $12 fee includes your harness. The child’s pass includes shoes and a harness. Total cost for one parent and one youth is $24.
Questions?
Hans Zander
Assistant director, Climbing Center and Outdoor Programs
208-885-6810
hzander@uidaho.edu