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Climb, learn, and connect at UWEC. Whether you're trying climbing for the first time or refining your technique, our on-campus bouldering and rope climbing walls provide a fun and welcoming environment for all skill levels. Equipment is available, classes are offered throughout the year, and memberships provide access to regular climbing opportunities.
 
Bouldering Wall: Hilltop Center (free for UWEC students)
Rope Climbing Wall: McPhee Center (membership required)
 
Youth ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

 

Membership Fees


Hilltop Indoor Bouldering Wall

AudienceDayMonthSemester / SummerAcademic Year
Blugold ID HoldersFree with Blugold ID
Youth (17 and younger)$7$20$35$55
Community Members$12$25$55$95

McPhee Indoor Climbing Wall

AudienceDayMonthSemester / SummerAcademic Year
Blugold ID Holders$7$20$35$55
Youth (17 and younger) $7$20$35$55
Community Members$12$25$55$95

Dual Membership Add-On

Community members have the opportunity to add the McPhee Climbing Wall or Hilltop Bouldering Wall to their membership for $20/semester or $35/academic year.


Classes

Belay Clinic
The Belay Clinic is designed for beginning climbers with no experience, or for those who need to refresh their skills. Instructors will focus on equipment care and use, belay mechanics, climbing commands, spotting, knots, an introduction to the rules of the wall, and a skills check.

Skills Check
The skills check is designed for experienced indoor climbers with knowledge of the fundamentals of climbing on an indoor wall. Participants must demonstrate the ability to use a harness correctly, tie-in using a figure 8 knot, communicate using proper climbing commands, and belay using safe and correct procedures.

Group Programs
Group programs are designed for interested parties seeking an opportunity to experience the art of indoor climbing. Groups will be instructed on the fundamentals of indoor climbing to include: climbing commands, knot craft, climbing techniques, and proper use of equipment. The program will include approximately a half hour of instruction and three hours of climbing.

Youth Climbing Program

The Youth Climbing Program empowers youth ages 6-14 to discover the sport of climbing in a fun, supportive, and team-oriented environment. Guided by experienced instructors, participants build climbing skills at their own pace while learning movement techniques, climbing safety, problem-solving, and teamwork. The program emphasizes personal growth, confidence building, and long-term climbing development.

Current Youth Climbing Program sessions are in progress. If you have questions or would like to be added to our interest list for future registration opportunities, please contact Tristen Collins at collinst@uwec.edu. 

 

 

Competitions

Midwest Climbing Series - Got Chalk?

Join us for a full day of friendly competition, community, and high-energy climbing at UW–Eau Claire’s annual GOT CHALK climbing competition. As part of the Midwest Climbing Series, this event brings together climbers from universities across the region. Whether you're representing a university team or climbing as an individual, this event is designed to challenge all ability levels and celebrate the Midwest climbing community. Any questions regarding the competition or registration can be directed to recreation @uwec.edu.

Location: Hilltop Center, 15 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Date: Saturday, December 5th, 2026
Registration Details: Registration Opens Saturday, November 7th, at 5pm. Group registration details can be found on the registration page. 
Format: Information regarding format can be found on the Midwest Climbing Series webpage.
Competition Schedule: 

  • 9:00 AM – Climber Check-In Opens
  • 9:30 AM – Free Yoga Session
  • 10:00 AM – Check-In Closes
  • 10:15 AM – Rules Meeting
  • 10:30 AM – Climbing Begins
  • 2:00 PM – Scorecards Due
  • 2:30 PM – Awards and Prizes

 


Students Climb Hilltop Bouldering Wall
Climbing Wall Hours

McPhee Climbing Wall Hours

Academic Year Hours
Monday6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Wednesday6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Thursday7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
FridayCLOSED
SaturdayCLOSED
SundayCLOSED
Effective from September 8, 2026 until December 18, 2026
Bouldering Wall Hours

Environmental Adventure Center Hours

Academic Year Hours
Monday2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sunday2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Effective from August 28, 2026 until December 18, 2026
Page Family

Recreation and Sport Operations

Hilltop Center 105
15 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
United States