home > help > frequent questions

Touchstone Climbing

frequent questions

Q: What hours are you open?
A: Each of our gyms has slightly different hours:

Mission Cliffs
M.W.F 6:30am - 10pm
Tu.Th 6:30am - 11pm
S.S 9am - 7pm

Class 5
M-F 6:30am - 10pm
S.S 10am - 6pm
Berkeley Ironworks
M.W.F 6:00am - 10pm
Tu.Th 6:00am - 11pm
S.S 9am - 8pm

Diablo Rock Gym
M-F 5:30am - 10pm
S.S 9am - 6pm
Sacramento Pipeworks
M-F 6am - 10pm
S.S 9am - 6pm

Touchstone San Jose
M.W.F 5pm - 11pm
Tu.Th 12pm - 11pm
S.S 10am - 6pm

On some holidays, our hours may vary or we may be closed. If you have a question about when we're open on a specific holiday, check with your local gym.

Q: How do I get to your gyms?
A: We have provided maps and driving directions on our site for your convenience. Links to the map page for each gym is below:

Mission Cliffs   |   Berkeley Ironworks   |   Class 5
Sacramento Pipeworks   |   Touchstone Concord   |   Touchstone San Jose

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Most of our prices are listed on each gym's pricing page. Those links are listed below. If you have further questions, please contact your local gym.

Mission Cliffs   |   Berkeley Ironworks   |   Class 5
Sacramento Pipeworks   |   Touchstone Concord   |   Touchstone San Jose

Q: What if I've never climbed before?
A: We have an excellent introductory program that will teach you all the skills that you will need to become a safe climber. This begins with our Intro to Climbing class which will give you an immediate climbing experience.

Q: What should I wear?
A: We generally suggest comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you a full range of motion. Most people wear a t-shirt or tank top along with shorts, sweat pants or tights. On a cool day or evening, it's usually a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or something similar to keep you warm when you're not climbing.

Q: What if I don't already have a climbing partner?
A: No problem. Lots of folks show up to climb without partners. Just ask at the front desk and they'll make an announcement for a belay partner. Or, if you prefer not to climb with a stranger, come in and boulder instead of roping up.

Q: Where can I find an online copy of your liability waiver?
A: Head on over to our waiver page.

Q: Can I bring my kids to climb?
A: Sure! Kids are natural climbers and really enjoy rock climbing. Once they reach the age of about four - and, hence, can fit into the specialized children's harnesses that we have - please feel free to bring them in to climb with you. We also have a number of programs designed specifically for kids, including after-school programs, kids' camps, and kids' belay.

Q: What in the world are you guys talking about?
A: Are you a little confused by all the jargon that gets tossed around at the gym? Well, use our glossary to distinguish between a chickenhead and a copperhead, or a belay slave and a daisy chain.

So you have some questions, do you? You'll find many of the answers on this page, or a link to the spot on our website where we provide greater detail.

We also have a glossary that will give you tons of extra info and definitions if you're lost in the lingo. If all else fails, feel free to contact us directly and we'll do our best to answer whatever puzzles you.

Copyright © Touchstone Climbing, Inc.; All rights reserved.