I’ve been to dozens of climbing gyms, and my two visits here were undoubtedly the worst and second-worst gym experiences I’ve ever had. Some things are of course out of management’s control—it’s a very old gym in a hot area without any insulation in the roof. But instead of taking steps to address this, they aim the gym’s fans AWAY from the walls and refuse to adjust them to improve climbing conditions. Second, the gym does not carry ANY weights or workout equipment. Given what we now know about the necessity of cross-training to prevent injury, this is irresponsible. Third, despite the gym having a somewhat impressive lead cave, they often don’t have a staff member who can give the lead test. This leaves only the small top rope walls available with very few options. I’ve never seen this even at the oldest, smallest rope gyms. Finally, the manager was rude, controlling, and vindictive, and the attitude among most members I spoke to was “yeah it sucks here, but we’ve accepted it’ll never change.” Too bad.
Hangar 18 Indoor Climbing Gym - Upland
Hangar 18 Indoor Climbing Gym - Upland at a glance
Google reviewers rate Hangar 18 Upland 4.5 out of 5 based on 315 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the variety of top rope, lead, and bouldering routes, reasonable membership pricing, and generally friendly staff who assist beginners and families. Common criticisms involve poor air circulation making the facility hot, unclear policies for new climbers, and administrative errors regarding membership cancellations.
- Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 315 reviews (69% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 315 Google reviews (178 with written comments, 17 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 3% of reviews.
- Most recent review: July 2, 2026.
- Service: Climbing Gym serving Ontario, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
What customers talk about
We read 178 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Friendly staff and climbing community, everyone is helpful and welcoming.”
“Finally, the manager was rude, controlling, and vindictive, and the attitude among most members I spoke to was “yeah it sucks here, but we’ve accepted…”
“Amazing place no matter your experience level they are a great help and extremely reasonable prices the monthly membership is the best value”
“First time there, my daughter and I had a great experience a lot of fun for the family.”
“I’ve been to dozens of climbing gyms, and my two visits here were undoubtedly the worst and second-worst gym experiences I’ve ever had.”
“e of the obstacles seemed less daunting for experienced climbers, we quickly realized that even seemingly easier routes presented their own set of cha…”
“Screw this place my son and I waited hours between waiting, filling out their legal documents and watching their video.”
“I would recommend if you have been looking to do indoor rock climbing.”
“The guys were super nice helped explain things to my kids and we had an excellent time.”
“This is honestly what made the membership really worth it for me so it's quite disappointing.”
People customers mention
- Hanger 3 reviews
- Riverside 3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
they don’t allow first timers without taking a class, but don’t offer the class for first timers. just go to the rancho cucamonga location instead. the guy at the front desk was pretty rude and unprofessional as well.
First time there, my daughter and I had a great experience a lot of fun for the family. Also, you get a great workout. And if you’re looking to burn your energy out for your little kids, say fun and build confidence for the young one.
Great atmosphere
Only reason it’s not a zero is because I enjoy the sets when I do get to go here. Other than that, it’s a terrible process for anyone who’s new. They’re never clear on what newbies should be doing or what they’re required to do to start climbing. The manager who works here I don’t know what her name is gets irritated so quickly and it shows. I’ve been climbing for 10 years and I have never seen a place that changes their rules for newbies so much. I’ve had friends who want to get into it and I’m excited to help but the last place they want to go now is hangar 18 because of how they change the process every other week and get frustrated when people don’t follow. I liked this place before cuz it was less of a money grab but now it’s worse… screw this spot.
I think this is like only my 3rd review ever. First time ever coming to a hangar 18 so figured we would just walk in. When we got there a nice young lady greeted us. She let us know that all classes and reservations were full. Most people would have stopped there and we would have left without ever trying it. But she continued to ask questions and when we told her what we were looking for she recommended we try the rancho location. She helped us do the waivers there so when we got to rancho we could be ready. We went to rancho and thanks to her going the extra mile you were able to gain 2 new members. Didn't catch her name but she was a young girl with a nose ring Sunday morning February 22nd.
Great experience, had a lot of fun, there is plenty of space and challenges for all levels, very clean and great ambiance.
Lowk soft but very fun!
Amazing place no matter your experience level they are a great help and extremely reasonable prices the monthly membership is the best value
This is an okay gym overall. There’s not as much bouldering as I’d like and I wish they would allow people to boulder up to a marked line on some of the top-rope walls, like many other small gyms do. I also had to take a star off because one woman who regularly works the front desk is consistently rude and condescending. It’s disappointing, because the rest of the staff are friendly and great, but she shouldn’t be in a customer-facing role if her behavior makes visitors feel unwelcome.
Business details
- Address: 256 E Stowell St, Upland, CA 91786
- Phone: (909) 931-5991
- Website: climbhangar18.com
- Service area: Ontario, CA