Start climbing at The Paul Derda Recreation Center:

No Experience
To learn basic belay, climbing, and gear skills, we encourage you to seek a class at one of the many local climbing gyms in the area.  Once you are more proficient with these skills, you can participate in a top rope belay assessment.

Experienced Climber
Please read the current climbing information pamphlet to be prepared for the assessment of skills at the PDRC.  Daily entrance fees apply to the climber and the belayer.  If you complete the assessment, the climbing wall will then become available to you to use most of the hours the facility is open.  The time frame for completing assessments is dependent on how well you know the information and how busy it is at the wall. The assessment is not instruction based.  Sometimes it takes more than one visit to get all the skills if you are not regular and practiced. 

Climbing Wall Notes and Reminders

• All climbers must have a completed waiver and release on file (available online & in facility).
• We provide all equipment needed at no cost. You must have a Recreation Services I.D. card or equipment card in order to check out any equipment. The card is free and valid for two years if you are a resident of Broomfield County. We may or may not retain the card while you use the gear. Equipment is documented with the account and a fee can be applied if not returned.
• Top Rope Belay assessments will only be given during designated hours.
• All climbers 14 and under need to be accompanied by an adult 18 or older, with a completed and current climbing waiver. At age 15 you can participate (with an assessed climber or as an assessed climber) without an adult present.
• To boulder, you will need to complete a top rope assessment of skills & wall orientation (age 15+).
• Max number in a group/family is 6.