20 DIY Rock Climbing Walls to Bring the Mountains Closer to Home

Rock climbing is a great full-body workout, but this type of gym, or (even better) actual rocks to climb aren’t always convenient. Check out these 20 alternatives for a DIY home-based solution!

Outdoor Walls

Although building something indoors has the advantage of protection from the elements and (hopefully) climate control, one generally has more space outdoors. Naturally, as seen in the above picture, Make: has instructions available for building one. Of course, there are other options:

• Here’s an idea for one built on the side of a shed.
• Another idea for a freestanding wooden wall. [via Reddit]
• The wall below is apparently aimed towards kids, and, as seen below, is painted nicely.

• This outdoor cave should prove challenging!

Indoor Walls

Of course, if you have the space to build something indoors, that’s even better. The wall seen above is one of the more impressive in-home walls featured here, but it’s certainly not the only impressive design.

• This freestanding design is meant for use in an apartment, or anywhere that you’d rather not permanently damage. It’s loosely based on the outdoor cave linked earlier. [via intructables]
• If you have stairs, this wall, pictured below could possibly fit in your dwelling! [Via: Pinterest]

• Here’s an idea for a wall/cave built over a bed. Certainly a clever way to break falls! [via Pinterest]
• This garage build appears to be well made and documented.

“Exotic” Handholds

The handholds shown above were custom cast with lights inside for a very cool effect!

• Although it’s only shown “on” in one of the pictures, this “Garage Moonboard” features LED lights to show different routes. [via Reddit]
• Here is the site for the “actual” MoonBoard, which, though sold as a product, takes quite a bit of woodworking to setup.
• As featured on Make: you can also cast “normal” holds.
• Here’s another take on casting your own holds from instructables.
• Finally, for another idea, this Camp4 piece points out that holds can also be made out of rock and wood.

Training Aids

If you just don’t have space for a full wall, or the time to build it, there are certainly other strengthening options. A hangboard, seen above is an excellent option for practicing handholds and grip strength.

• Braided climbing rope is a good option for something thick enough to climb. [via instructables]
• Here’s instructions on how to build a campus board for practicing grip strength.
• This page also gives several ideas on campus board builds, from large to quite small.