Rock Climbing in Sonoma County

One of Sonoma County, California’s highly rated (albeit lesser-known) outdoor adventures is rock climbing, and the main crag for climbing is Sunset Boulders at Goat Rock Beach. Comprised of two house-sized boulders and smaller rocks, this scenic destination offers exceptional climbing opportunities, right on the continent’s edge.

“Sometimes you can see whales migrating while you’re climbing,” said long-time climber Gorden Cooley of this spectacular climbing site on Sonoma’s Coast. Cooley knows what he’s talking about. As the owner of Vertex Climbing Center in Santa Rosa, Cooley has trained some of the very best climbers and is passionate about the benefits inherent in the art of climbing.

“What’s great about climbing and all outdoor sports,” he said, “is that you don’t need constructs or a large organization. You do it for the love of doing it.” Cooley, who holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Sonoma State University, established a training department at Vertex Climbing Center and, in 2012, became owner.

The age range for climbing is broad, and at Vertex, for example, programs for kids start at age 4, while the oldest members, most of whom have been climbing for decades, are in their mid- to late seventies.

“We take folks who’d never climbed before and teach them skills and protocols so they can climb by themselves on the climbing wall here in the gym,” Cooley says. “If they want to take climbing to the great outdoors, we offer classes and clinics to teach them everything from tying proper knots to tackling El Capitan.”

Vertex Climbing Center, Santa Rosa

Step into Gorden Cooley’s Vertex Climbing Center to experience a wide range of offerings. You’ll be greeted by a huge indoor climbing wall used for climbing practice and fitted with colored grips for hands and feet. Climbing classes and private instruction are available for everyone, from beginners to experts. Additional classes are offered in disciplines that enhance climbing focus, such as Yoga, Pilates, and breathwork. A comprehensive calendar of events attracts many enthusiasts looking for a fun experience and community.

3358A Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, (707) 573-1608, info@climbvertex.com

Session Climbing, Santa Rosa

At this inviting facility, discover group classes and private training for Rock Climbing, Yoga, and Fitness for every level and need. Rope walls up to 48’, an Olympic speed climbing wall, and over 150 routes provide variety and plenty of room to climb. At Session Climbing, the “Bouldering Area” has every angle and feature to hone strength and skills. A Fitness Mezzanine features equipment to support climbing and overall health. Relax in the 900-square-foot lounge where you can study, work, or connect with friends.

965 South A St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 852-1040, info@sessionclimbing.com

More Climbing Resources in Sonoma County

• The Rock Ice & Mountain Club serves the climbing community in the North San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Meetings are free and open to the public, featuring presentations and opportunities to connect with local climbers.
• The B-Rad Foundation honors the memory of beloved local climber Brad Parker. 

Together, we can protect and preserve Sonoma County’s beauty and natural resources for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez