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Bluestem Boulders
4.9 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Climbing gym in Ames, Iowa
Plan your visit
- Gear rental nearly every climbing gym rents shoes (~$5–8 typical) and chalk; harness rental is often bundled with a ropes pass
- Waiver always required at climbing gyms — sign it online before you go to skip the front-desk line
- First timer? bouldering needs zero experience — rent shoes and walk in; staff will point you at the easiest problems
- Kids programs classes, camps, or youth teams mentioned — check the current schedule
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (515) 520-4733
- Website bluestemboulders.com
Hours
| Monday | 1–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 1–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 1–8 PM |
| Thursday | 1–8 PM |
| Friday | 1–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–6 PM |
What's inside
“Whether you’re brand new to climbing, a seasoned pro looking for something more refreshing, or you’re yearning to put the bouldering spark back in your eye, go check out Bluestem!”
“The gym has your typical amenities for it's size, these include a beautiful tension board, a smaller weights/fitness center and a brand new U shape bouldering space.”
What climbers say again and again
“The gym was clean, and there were a lot of routes.”
“The grading feels accurate, and there are good technical routes even for beginners which I really appreciate seeing.”
“It’s so nice finally having a quality place to climb in Ames, the owners and community are so friendly and the setting rocks, rocks climb.”
From the reviews
Incredible gym, incredible owners. If you want to climb on some of the best setting, grab a workout, train on the TB2, or just have a fun time trying something new, it’s PERFECT!!! So awesome to have a gym of this caliber in the Ames community.
Finally got to visit Bluestem Boulders in Ames! Here is my honest review! Totally different feel from what i’m used to in an Iowa gym. Climbing here made me feel the joy i remembered getting when i first began climbing 3 years ago. The gym is huge, over 3000 square feet of pure bliss.
A gorgeous gym with thoughtfully set routes! The grading feels accurate, and there are good technical routes even for beginners which I really appreciate seeing. There’s great local art along the walls, and frequent wall resets as well.
Not the biggest climbing gym but they keep the routes fresh and the staff is friendly. A great place to boulder and make friends.
Kids classes & camps at Bluestem Boulders
Reviews and the gym's own info mention kids programs at Bluestem Boulders — climbing classes, school-break camps, or a youth team where kids learn technique from coaches instead of just scrambling around. Program schedules and age groups change each season, so check the current lineup before you plan around one.
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