A Climbing Community Finds Footing
Words Christopher Ferguson, RA
Mesa Rim brings the Eastside a purpose-built climbing center whose inclusive community has a little something for everyone.
Tucked into a quiet industrial park just north of Highway 183, Mesa Rim looks a lot like its neighboring warehouse buildings from the outside. But inside, soaring ceilings reveal one of the tallest indoor climbing walls in the country, flanked by sunlight, movement, and a sense of shared purpose.
Opened in 2022, Austin’s location, the fifth in the Mesa Rim family, is the first in Texas and the first one designed from the ground-up. Every detail, from planning for abundant natural light to shaping sophisticated wall-angles, was considered by climbers, themselves.
“We knew we wanted big garage doors, tons of daylight, and really clear visitor circulation throughout,” says Jonathan Ubaldo, Customer Experience Manager. “When the weather’s good, it almost feels like you’re climbing outdoors.”
Jonathan, who helped open the San Diego location before relocating to Austin, now oversees everything customer-facing, including the front desk and retail experiences, as well as class programming. Corbyn Biles, his collaborator and Marketing Coordinator, focuses on partnerships and community outreach. Together, they’ve helped shape Mesa Rim into a space that is at once an athletic center and critical community node.
“Our goal is that whether it’s your first time ever climbing or you’re an Olympic athlete, there’s something for you here,” Corbyn beams. “The community exists between those two ends of the spectrum.”
“We want to be beyond the surface-level ‘Hi, how’s it going?’ relationship.”
That ethos plays out in small ways, like staff who remember your name, meetups that feel more like hangouts, and in larger initiatives as well. The facility hosts collegiate climbing competitions, recovery-based climbing groups, and affinity nights for queer and femme-identifying climbers. They also partner with Girls+Outside (G+O), a nonprofit that opens gym access to young people from underrepresented communities.
Understanding that cost can be a barrier to climbers, Mesa Rim also offers an Access Membership, a lottery-based program that provides a deeply discounted rate to those navigating financial challenges.
The facility is expansive, bright, and carefully designed. It features a 55-foot rope climbing wall, bouldering terrain, a yoga studio, training zones, a sauna, and a landscaped, outdoor space. Certified route setters shape climbs that evolve mid-route, encouraging problem-solving and exploration.
And, twice a week, the gym offers low-sensory sessions, with no music and dimmed lights for those seeking a more calming experience. It’s the perfect time to climb for anyone who’s sensitive to overstimulation.
“It’s not just about strength,” Jonathan explains. “Climbing is a way to explore movement and problem solve. You can be four years old, come from any background, or be any size – anyone can come in and feel celebrated.”
But Wait, There’s More! In addition to climbing, Mesa Rim offers yoga classes, strength training, summer camps for kids, and regular community events.
Know Before You Go: A virtual tour of the sprawling facility is available online.
Contact:
1205 Sheldon Cv., Bldg. 3
mesarim.com/austin
@mesarimaustin
