Hanger 18 - Riverside, CA

In need of my usual climbing fix I once again researched www.indoorclimbing to find a gym near LAX.

Hanger 18 Riverside is located about 45 mins East of LAX. The gym is now the 2nd gym owned by the Climb-X hold manufacturer and gym entrepreneur. The other gym is called Hanger 18 Upland. The gym just recently opened in August of 2008. I haven't verified any of this information, but this is what I was told by an employee that worked for Hanger 18.

The top roping and leadable routes were located around the perimeter of the gym. The bouldering was located in the center of the gym on a fully top outable boulder. Although I did not get to sample the roped climbing they had just about every angle imaginable except extremely steep. The height of the walls was about 35 to 40-ft I would guess. The bouldering was very good in my opinion. The backside of the wall was awesome because of the steep nature of the climbing. The quality of the boulder problems was just as good as anywhere that I've been.

The route setting was confusing only for a minute. Basically all the problems are separated by the color of the holds. This is fine as long as your aren't fully, or partially color blind. An it seemed that consideration was given to like colors trying to be separated from each other. All of the holds were made by the same people and were some of the best holds I've ever put my hands and feet on. I did break a hold clean in two, but I was on the road living off Denny's and In-N-Out Burger that week. From tiny crimps, nice pinches, and some of the raddest slopers that will make even the pickiest HP40 local proud.

Gym Overall: 4.0
Quality of bouldering: 4.5 (The Spot is the only gym I give a 5.0)
Quality of routes: 4.0 (Needed just an extremely steep section to get a 5.0)
Attitudes of owners/workers: 4.5 (Incredible friendly and helpful staff)
Attitudes of climbers: 4.0 (Some really nice climbers and some elitist attitudes)
Cost: 3.0 ($16 day pass. How come there is no difference b/n bouldering and ropes?