Benchmark Climbing: Friendly staff, fresh routes, and a chill, open-space gym for climbers of all levels.
Benchmark Climbing in San Francisco offers a welcoming, 10,000 sq ft gym at 1414 Van Ness Ave with friendly staff, clean facilities, and plenty of space for work or climbing. It features a variety of routes, frequent changes, a Moonboard, and training equipment, plus a free beginner class. Reviewers praise the staff, the approachable vibe, and competitive pricing at this location.
1414 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
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Access to all climbing walls, training areas, and facilities for a full day of climbing.
Free introductory class for new climbers, covering basics and safety with expert instruction.
Affordable monthly or annual memberships with unlimited access, perfect for regular climbers.
Specialized climbing boards and fitness gear for advanced training and skill development.
Comfortable couches and Wi-Fi-enabled areas for remote work or relaxation between climbs.
Clean, well-maintained showers and lockers with provided towels for post-climb refreshment.
Overall rating
James Pazar
I’m new to climbing and just joined a week ago. Today I attended the free beginners class. It’s was very informative and the instructor did a great job. Overall I’m impressed with the facility, how friendly the staff are, and the pricing is great. I’m excited to continue to climb here! CC
Seewan Chiu
As a first timer, I was quite apprehensive to start bouldering, but I wanted to give it a good shot. I’m so glad I tried Benchmark because I don’t think I could’ve found a more welcoming and friendly gym. Linda, Austin, and the rest of the staff taught me the ropes (or lack thereof haha!) and within my first session I climbed to the top already. The gym is very clean overall, as well as the lockers and bathrooms. They also change the routes frequently to keep everything fresh. Highly recommended!
Angela Ting
Friendly staff and people in the gym. The equipment is clean and new. There's also a shower room too. Many different routes for different levels of challenges. It's also very working/laptop-friendly. No problem staying here for the whole day.
S. F.
Love Benchmark at first visit today :) it is closer than Dogpatch (from downtown). Problems are interesting (v4+) - more cave than slab problems. The vibe is prob the best part, super chill. Reminds me of the Seattle Project - Fremont location. The gym is not big but feels airy and not crowded, no screaming/running children (!!!) on a Sunday morning (10a - 1p). Music is good, people are friendly. I feel bad for the lone person working here on this particular Sunday - it is a lot with people coming in / out and managing the whole 10,000 sqft space. THANK YOU ❤️ Pricing is comparable to any other city gym, cheaper than NYC. One pet-peeve: would be nice if they can open early, say 8a if not earlier. I will be back next time in town, which is monthly lol
Leo F.S. (frankooo)
Super helpful staff! Lots of space to work with and has a little nook in the back right for more roof oriented climbs, Moonboard, and training equipment! Weights are in the back left corner and you literally need to climb a ladder to get to. Lots of couches to do work if needed or to just chill and hang. Bathroom has one shower for the men, not sure about women, but my guess is there's another shower in there. Towels are provided and there is some soap that is provided too. Climbs are on the easier side compared to previous gyms I've been to, but as always, climbing by grades is subjective to style and other factors! If you've got time super dope gym to check out! Day pass when I went was 32 dollars, sadly no student discount for those whom are. Not sure about memberships.
