The Gravity Vault

The Gravity Vault
107 Pleasant Ave @ Route 17 N, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
(201) 934-ROCK (7625)
Mon-Fri 12pm-10pm; Sat. 9am-8pm; Sun. 9am-6pm

I've had a fear of heights for as long as I could remember - triggered from repeated dreams of free falling from the top of a set of stairs.  I know, strange right?  In 2005, my sister, cousins, and I went to visit another cousin in San Francisco.  He brought us to Twin Peaks, but I was so afraid I ended up not being able to even venture up the mountain.  I can never live down that experience (thanks cousins).  So, in 2007, I thought it was time to face my fears and what better than to go rock climbing?  One of my really enthusiastic friends and I did some research on local places and decided to go with the Gravity Vault mainly because it had the most reasonable prices and good specials.  She and I took a Belay course and got certified at the Gravity Vault.  Afterward, we went a couple of times and brought our friends.  It was nerve racking at first, scaling the walls, especially the first time with my legs felt like butter.  Slowly, I realized that it was more exhilarating than nerve racking and got hooked.  However, after that year I didn't get to go back until recently.

I haven't been to any other rock climbing gym, so it's kind of hard making comparisons.  However, I did have a lot of fun at Gravity Vault.  The prices seems pretty reasonable, especially if you bring your own gear.  Also, they have awesome specials right now such as Adult Buy One Get One Free (Mondays) and Ladies Night (Fridays).  The facility is an average size (check out some pictures on their website).  They have several walls for different levels.  They also have two separate, small bouldering walls.  Ironically and kind of funny enough, they have a few elliptical and exercise machines in the middle back of the facility - I guess for people who need more burn even after rock climbing?

So try out Gravity Vault or any other rock climbing facility, especially if you're afraid of heights.  It's a great way to overcome the fear and turn it into fun!  -10/19/09

OVERALL RATING: * * *

PROS:

• Special deals on special nights
  

CONS:

• Small bouldering areas
  

SUGGESTIONS:

• Save money and go during nights they have special deals
• Don't worry about getting certified for belaying specifically for this location if you know how to belay already.  Simply show a staff member that you know how to belay (knots, commands, etc.) and you're free to belay all you want.