Climbing Wall

Commonly referred to as ‘The Rock’, the climbing area serves as the focal point of the Morris Recreation Center. ‘The Rock’ soars 45 feet tall and offers a variety of climbing opportunities for the novice as well as the experienced climber. We have a well-trained and enthusiastic staff, quality climbing gear, and a clear view of the outdoors; come climb with us TODAY!

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘The Rock’

Who designed and built the climbing wall?

ElDorado Wall Company from Boulder, Colorado.

What is the surface area of the rock? And, what about that floor?

There is just over 3000 sq. ft. of climbing surface. The wall takes up approximately 1404 sq. ft. of floor space (including the safety area). The floor is covered with Saf-Dek.

How was the wall constructed?

The wall is made of steel framing, plywood sheathing and a ‘secret recipe’ high performance texture called DudeTex. Most importantly, it is not just a plywood surface or imprint system.

What about the general layout of the wall? How difficult are the routes?

The majority (65%) of the wall is near vertical or offers a slight overhang. Approximately 10% of the wall is less than vertical or slab. The wall has one area of major overhang (15%) that is typically dedicated to Lead Climbing. And, approximately 10% of the wall is defined within the ‘arch’ which provides for steep climbs and/or unique bouldering opportunities.

Explain the difficulty rating of the wall as it relates to climbing and bouldering.

We use the Yosemite Decimal System for rating the top rope and lead climbs. ‘The Rock’ is a class 5 and the ratings range from 5.6 to 5.12. The easiest climb is on the front face (Mr. Chicken route) using any combination of holds. The most difficult climbs are on the rear face on the major overhangs. The general climbing difficulty can vary significantly depending upon the number of holds, type of holds, and hold placement.

The Sherman V scale is used to rate the bouldering problems. A V0- is the easiest and is similar to a 5.8 top rope climb. The entire bottom of the wall, up to 12-14 feet, can be used for bouldering with unique opportunities offered by the ‘arch’.

How many routes are available?

The staff maintains 35-50 top rope routes and 30-50 bouldering problems. Most routes and problems are changed every 2-3 months.

Can kids climb the wall?

YES! And, they love it!!! Our youngest climber was a 3 year old. Our philosophy is ‘challenge by choice’ so you determine how high you want to climb. Remember, you don’t have to make it to the top to be successful. Come out and give it a try … it is an experience of a lifetime!