What First-Time Visitors Should Know Before Going to Planet Rock Climbing Gyms

Before your first visit to Planet Rock Climbing Gyms in Michigan, complete the online waiver, check the gym calendar for hours and wall closures, and review the Plan a Visit page for arrival details. These three steps apply to all three locations — Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Madison Heights — and save you from finding a closed wall or an unfinished form when you arrive.

Complete the waiver before you arrive

The waiver is the one step you cannot skip. Planet Rock lists "First Time waiver" as a core item on its site, and every new climber needs to sign it before climbing. Doing it online ahead of time means you walk in ready rather than filling out forms at the front desk.

If you are bringing a minor, plan for a parent or guardian to handle the waiver — the site does not spell out minor-specific rules, so call the gym you plan to visit to confirm what is required.

Check the calendar for hours, closures, and events

The gym calendar is the most practical page to check in the days before your visit. Planet Rock uses it to post:

• Wall closures — routes get reset or taken down for maintenance, so a wall you want to try may be unavailable.
• Early hours — some days start earlier than others.
• Sales and promotions — useful if you plan to buy a membership or day pass.
• Events and meetups — busy nights may not suit a quiet first session.
• Shoe demos and more — occasional gear events.

The site notes that schedules are subject to change, so check again the day you go.

Review the Plan a Visit page

Planet Rock's "Plan a Visit" page is the intended starting point for new visitors. Use it to confirm what to bring and how a visit works before you head out. Pair it with a call to your chosen location if anything is unclear.

Know which location you are going to

Planet Rock operates three Michigan gyms. Confirm the address and phone number for the one you plan to visit:

The gyms offer both indoor rope climbing and bouldering, so you can choose based on what you want to try first.

Check pricing and membership options

Planet Rock publishes a Pricing & Membership page. Review it before your visit so you know whether a day pass or a membership fits your plans — especially if you think you will return. The site does not list prices directly in the pages reviewed here, so open the pricing page or call the gym for current rates.

Common first-visit snags

• Arriving without a signed waiver. Sign it online first; this is the most common reason a first visit stalls at the desk.
• Assuming all walls are open. Check the calendar for closures before you travel to a specific gym.
• Showing up at the wrong location. The three gyms are in different cities — double-check the address.
• Not knowing what to bring. Use the Plan a Visit page and call ahead if you are unsure about gear or clothing.

If you have questions after checking the site, Planet Rock invites you to call the gym directly.