Exploring the UCLA Rock Wall: Access, Hours, and Climbing Information

The UCLA Rock Wall, situated on the first floor of the John Wooden Center (JWC), offers a dynamic bouldering experience for UCLA Recreation members. This article provides a comprehensive guide to accessing the Rock Wall, understanding its hours of operation, and familiarizing yourself with the rules and requirements for a safe and enjoyable climbing session.

About the UCLA Rock Wall

The Rock Wall is designed exclusively for bouldering, a form of rock climbing performed close to the ground without ropes. Climbers of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome to participate.

Accessing the Rock Wall

To climb at the Rock Wall during open recreation climbing hours, Recreation Members must purchase a Rock Wall Quarterly Pass. Here’s how:

Visit the UCLA Recreation online registration page.
Click "Classes and Programs."
Ensure you are logged in to your UCLA account.
On the sidebar, under “Tags,” select “Rock Wall.”
Click "Rock Wall Quarterly Pass" and follow the prompts to sign up.

Upon arrival at the Rock Wall, check in with the staff and present your Bruin Card for verification of your Quarterly Pass purchase.

Orientation

If it’s your first visit to the UCLA Rock Wall during the current school year, a staff member will guide you through a brief orientation covering the space and its rules. This orientation is mandatory, even for experienced climbers.

Rules and Requirements

Adherence to the following rules and requirements is essential for the safety and enjoyment of all climbers:

Climbing Shoes: Climbing shoes are mandatory. Climbing barefoot or in non-climbing-specific shoes is prohibited. First-time visitors receive a free climbing shoe rental. Afterward, you must bring your own shoes or purchase a quarter-long shoe rental.
Chalk: Communal chalk is available but must be applied outside the Rock Wall facility. Personal chalk is permitted only in chalk balls or liquid form and must also be applied outside the facility.
Youth & Age Restrictions: Open recreation climbing is available to adults and minors who are fully matriculated UCLA students. Minors who are fully matriculated UCLA students must have a parent/guardian sign their online rock wall waiver when purchasing a quarterly pass. UCLA Recreation Youth Camps may also visit the rock wall.

New to Climbing?

The UCLA Rock Wall is an excellent place for beginners to learn about rock climbing. Inform the staff upon arrival if it’s your first time. They will provide an introduction to the space, assist with climbing shoes, and offer initial climbing instructions. Consider signing up for the Climbing 101 class, typically offered a few times each quarter, via the UCLA Recreation online registration page (using the “tag” in the left column for “Rock Wall”).

John Wooden Center Open Recreation Schedule

The John Wooden Center offers various open recreation activities in addition to the Rock Wall. Note that the schedule is subject to change.

Volleyball (Pardee Gym): Mon/Wed: 1:30p-4:30p; Tu/Th: 10:30a-1:30p; Fri: 5:00p-9:00p; Sun: 12:30p-4:30p (Not available during modified holiday hours, finals week, or academic breaks)
Table Tennis (Pardee): MWF: 8:00a-10:00a (Not available during modified holiday hours, finals week, or academic breaks)
Badminton (SAC): Sat: 5:00p-8:00p; Sun: 12:00p-3:00p (Not available during modified holiday hours, finals week, or academic breaks)
Racquetball (Racquetball Court 7, 2nd floor, JWC): Racquetball players have priority.
Squash (Squash Court 10, 2nd floor, JWC): Squash players have priority.
Dance: Available in the four dance studios outside reserved event times for users who are not registered SOLE organizations. Visit the JWC front desk for assistance.
Gymnastics (Yates Gym): Tu: 6:00p-10:00p; Wed: 7:00p-8:00p; Thu: 6:00p-8:00p; Sun: 2:00p-5:00p (Must pass skill test; not available during modified holiday hours or academic breaks)
Martial Arts (Open Mat: Blue Room): Mon/Wed: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Tu/Thu: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Fri: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM; Sat: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Sun: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Not available during modified holiday hours or academic breaks). The heavy boxing bag is available during Open Mat hours.

For the full, updated schedule, visit reserve.recreation.ucla.edu.

General Information About the John Wooden Center

The John Wooden Center is accessible to registered UCLA students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and community members. Students can use their Bruin Card for access; others must register for a Rec membership.

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JWC Seismic Improvement Project

The John Wooden Center is undergoing renovation to address seismic deficiencies and improve the layout. The project is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Policies and Procedures

Access and Age Restrictions: Participants must be at least 18 years old for open recreation fitness/sport unless part of a designated program. All members need a valid photo on their profile for facility access. The minimum age for cardio and strength equipment use is 16, unless otherwise determined. Only UCLA Recreation Personal Fitness Trainers can conduct training sessions. Courtyard and indoor spaces may close due to weather or scheduled classes.
Facility Policies: Bicycles and electric scooters are prohibited indoors. Skateboards and non-electric scooters must be stored properly. Beverages must be in spill-proof containers. Spitting, photography, and video recording are restricted. Report any issues to FITWELL staff.
Participant Policies: Appropriate attire, including closed-toe athletic shoes, is required. Clothing with buttons or zippers is not allowed on upholstered equipment. A barrier between skin and upholstery is needed. Backpacks are not allowed on the floor. Personal audio devices are required. Respectful behavior is expected.
Equipment Policies: Do not drop weights. Collars are required on bars. Do not lean bars against walls. Rerack equipment after use. Spotters are recommended for free weight exercises. Use equipment as intended. Wipe down equipment after use. There is a 30-minute time limit on cardio equipment when others are waiting.

Winter Quarter Hours (General JWC Hours)

Monday-Thursday: 5:15 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday: 5:15 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Showers close 45 minutes before the gym closes.

John Wooden Center Zone Descriptions

The JWC includes various zones with specialized equipment:

Free Weight Zone: Benches, dumbbells, barbells, jungle gym, plate-loaded machines, pin-loaded machines, and body weight stations.
Advanced Circuit Zone: Plate-loaded machines, pin-loaded machines, and body weight stations.
Novice Circuit Zone: Pin-loaded machines, cardio rowing machines, recumbent and upright bikes.
Cardio Zone: Treadmills, ellipticals, upright & recumbent bikes, stepmills, rowers, arc trainers.
Functional Training Zone: Squat racks, Olympic platforms, booty builder, cable machines, iron & bumper plates.
Courtyard: Available within reservation times; masks are recommended.
Flexibility Zones: Located in the 1st-floor lobby and Cardio Zone; equipped with mats.
Pardee Gym: Multipurpose gymnasium for fitness activities with pull-up bars, mats, barbells, bumper plates, and kettlebells (during classes only).
Fitness Studios: Wooden Floor Studios (Dynasty Room, Gold Room, Pyramid Room), Pilates Studio (Squash Court A), Spin Studio (Room 2314).
Collins Court: Indoor basketball gymnasium with three full-sized courts.

Additional Amenities & Spaces

Locker Rooms & Saunas: Men's and women's locker rooms with showers, day-use lockers, quarterly locker rentals, restrooms, and saunas.
Meeting Rooms: Plaza View Leadership Conference Room, Main Conference Room, Yates Conference Room (reservations required).
BruinHub: A space for commuting and housing-insecure students (application required).
Bike Shop: Fee-for-service bike repairs, rentals, sales, and DIY workshop space.
Rental Center: Outdoor equipment rentals.
UCLA Esports Training Center: A 17-PC training facility (available to UCLA Esports athletes, registered UCLA clubs, and reservations only).

Open Rec Sports

The JWC offers open recreation hours for various sports, including volleyball, table tennis, badminton, racquetball, squash, and basketball. See the Open Rec Sports Hours and Locations for details.

Location

The John Wooden Center is located atop Parking Structure 4 on Westwood Plaza, south of Sunset Boulevard, at the intersection of Bruin Walk and Westwood Plaza.

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