Great Western Power Company: Oakland's compact gym with a big climbing vibe.
Great Western Power Company in Oakland blends a compact footprint with a dense gym and climbing setup. Members praise a wide range of weightlifting gear and accessible top-rope and bouldering options. The atmosphere is welcoming and quiet, with friendly staff and convenient street parking, making it a solid spot for workouts and climbing sessions.
520 20th St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
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Access to a variety of climbing walls with unique problems for all skill levels, including lead climbing with safety protocols.
A comprehensive selection of free weights, machines, and accessories for strength training and general fitness.
Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages growth and camaraderie among members.
Designated areas with WiFi and power outlets for remote work or study between workouts.
Guidance and tips for climbers to improve technique, footwork, and strategy on the walls.
Overall rating
Breanna Hamm
Joined this gym for weightlifting and it’s been great. They have a great selection of weightlifting equipment and any accessories needed. Atmosphere is good and never had any issues with other gym members. It’s a very supportive environment and the staff are friendly and helpful. Recently started climbing and while I wish the bouldering section was larger, it’s a smaller building so it makes sense why it’s much more compact.
Zhiyue Lin (Steven)
Such a great spot. It’s relatively smaller but a lot quieter. The gym above is amazing. The manager Dan is the nicest person I ever met. Highly recommended! Best touchstone location❤️
Lucas Chinchiolo
This place is awesome. For sure one of the quaintest Touchstone gyms around. At 2:00pm on a Saturday I was basically the only one in there. Very friendly and welcoming staff, fun climbs, clean gym. Make sure to check out their top rope area, it is beautiful in the natural light!
Alex Lin
Overall it's a good gym. It's small so the bouldering area is small but it's dense enough to have plenty of climbs for one session. The ropes area is big enough and is also dense. There is lead climbing but Touchstone makes everyone sign a log every time they lead which is different from Movement gym policy. The shower hot water was broken. The weights and machine area is large and had everything I wanted. The work area has wifi and plenty of power outlets. In boulder grading this gym is about one step easier than Movement Santa Clara so V5 here in Oakland feels like V4 at Santa Clara.
Vanessa S
My friend and I came to scratch a climbing itch and to unwind. It was my first time top roping at Great Western Power Co, and for a smaller climbing gym (vs. Pac Pipe), it has pretty good climbing problems that require some strategy. Can't speak for bouldering (will try next time!), but I liked that the top-roping problems involved unique solutions that encourages climbers to utilize good footwork, balance, and spatial awareness. Vibe-wise, the ambiance was chill and it wasn't overly crowded. Lots of street parking is available too! (But it being Oakland, spare yourself the broken windows, and don't leave valuables in your car!)
