Review
Intro
Petra Cliffs has been in operating in Burlington since 2000 and is currently owned by local couple, Steve and Andrea Charest, who bought the gym in 2012. Steve and Andrea work to share their love and knowledge of the outdoors by providing climbing and mountain-related education and recreation for all ages and abilities. Petra, as it is lovingly referred to by locals, offers toproping and sport leading options on everything from 5.5s to 5.13s, and has a couple of different bouldering areas, which are stocked with problems ranging from V0 to V10+. Classes and clinics for children to adults learning to climb or hoping to breakthrough to the next level are also available on a daily basis. In addition to indoor climbing, Petra is home to the only full-time mountaineering school in Vermont and provides instruction in rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry and ski mountaineering, and avalanche safety.
What Makes It Great
This is a great local gym that offers a variety of climbing opportunities for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. Petra has a beginners wall, auto belays, a crack climb, many overhanging climbs and bouldering areas for all abilities. Everyone on staff is certified to the level at which they instruct as well, providing not only knowledgeable instructors, but a safe atmosphere to climb.and learn.
If you want to get out, winter or summer, rock, ice or snow, Petra’s mountaineering school can take you there too. If you’re a skier looking to do some backcountry, a rock climber looking to try your hand at ice or a newbie looking for a new challenge Petra’s guides have you covered. And, to top it off, they have all undergone extensive trainings with various organizations like the AMGA, AIARE, NOLS, ACA and more.
Who is Going to Love It
Beginner climbers interested in learning the sport will have a great experience with the Petra instructors and their beginner walls. Seasoned climbers will be challenged by the overhanging walls full of toproping and sport leads.
And for those looking for more than just the gym experience, Petra can provide that too. Everyone can benefit from the knowledge Petra’s mountaineering school staff brings to the various outdoor activities.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
Petra is located at 105 Briggs Street and has its own lot. If the lot is full there is on-street parking as well. They are open Monday - Friday: 10 am - 10 pm, Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm and Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm.
There are a variety of options for purchasing passes or punch cards, but a day pass for bouldering and climbing is $16 per day per adult. Visit the Petra Cliffs website for more information.
