What’s the VolWall?
Located in the HPER Building in Room 202B (Google Map), the climbing wall features 6,000 square feet of climbing space split evenly between bouldering and rope climbing (lead and top rope).
The rope wall is 32 feet tall with 12 ropes offering top rope belay and permadraws for lead climbing. The rope wall offers horizontal roofs, vertical walls, a slab, and three crack climbs (5.8, 5.10, & 5.12 cracks).
The bouldering wall is 12 feet tall and just under 100 feet long with vertical, 30, 45 degree angles. We also offer a 25′ boulder cave.
All levels of climbers are welcome. Many climbers have no prior climbing experience, while many started in high school.
Questions? Give us a call at 865-974-2209
The Vol Wall is open to all current students, graduate/professional students, and faculty/staff who have a RecSports membership at no cost.
Climbing shoes, a harness, and Assisted Braking Devices (ABDs) are provided at no cost for those who do not have their own equipment.
All climbers must have their current UT ID to sign in and must complete a waiver.
To lead climb or top rope, you must pass a proficiency test for each style of climbing. The tests are free and available on a drop-in basis. Tests are pass/fail and very strict.
To belay at the wall, the VolWall is moving towards Assisted Braking Devices (ABDs), such as a Petzl GriGri or Black Diamond Pilot. The Pilot is provided for free.
All clinics are taught at the Vol Wall. They are free, but spaces are limited.
Intro to Climbing & Belay
Intro to climbing and belay clinics are held weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday and are free. Space is limited, so signup Here.
The top rope belay test is available anytime staff is available.
Intro to Indoor Lead Climbing – Weekly Clinics
Lead climbing clinics occur Mondays and Thursdays, alternating bi-weekly. Space is limited, so signup Here.
Participants must have a current toprope belay certification to participate in lead clinics.
Lead belay test available anytime staff is available.
Refillable chalk balls are sold for $5; Chalk bags can be rented for $1. Climbing tape can be purchased for $3 Loose chalk is not allowed at the VOL Wall.
The VolWall only accepts cash.
No partner? No worries. Staff offer belays anytime we are open
If you know how to belay (and have passed our belay test), you can belay your friend who doesn’t – your friend will use a special webbing style harness.
Climbing can be done alone or with friends. The Vol Wall is a great place to meet other climbers, relax, work out, and have fun.
Look for the large climbing wall signage on the glass doors of HPER.
Our guided trips are meant for those with no experience through intermediate level climbers (5.11) who want to climb on real rock, who want to learn to lead climb, or learn with professional level instruction.
