Crux Climbing Center Opens Newly-Built Location In South Austin

Crux Climbing Center, a locally-owned climbing gym with extensions into fitness and strength-training, opened a third location in South Austin on May 5. 

Located at 220 Ralph Ablanedo Drive in the Southpark Meadows area near South Congress Avenue and Slaughter Lane, the nearly 27,000-square foot facility is the gym’s third location in Central Texas, joining its existing Central Austin and Pflugerville locations. A fourth facility is being planned for Houston.

“With this new South Austin location, we’ve created a more versatile, community-centered environment that reflects everything we’ve learned and where we’re headed next,” said Kevin Goradia, co-founder of Crux Climbing Center. “South Austin is where we started and where we built our community. We’re proud to share this facility where people will want to spend their time together.”

A climber works on a bouldering wall at Crux Climbing Center. Photo Credit: Merrick Alves.

Crux Climbing Center will also feature fitness classes, among them yoga. Photo Credit: Merrick Alves.

Why Did Crux Climbing Center Move

Crux’s original South Austin location near South Congress Avenue about five miles up the road, on Pickle Road, was forced to move after its landlord raised rent in 2024. Crux built its new facility off a 4-acre property off Ralph Albanedo Drive after receiving permitting and zoning access. 

The Future For Crux Climbing Center’s South Location

For starters, more ownership. Whereas the company was previously renting space in its former South Austin location, it now owns this facility, giving it more control over operations and revenue. The gym is currently looking for a tenant to fill about a 2,000-square foot space within the gym. 

In the meantime, the new space will already have a few partners. The outdoor plaza is expected to showcase Switchback Coffee & Beer – founded by Crux co-founder Grace Nicholas – while Granny’s Tacos, a locally-beloved food truck, will be on-site and offering plenty of food options. 

Crux sees both businesses as anchor pieces. 

“Opening Switchback was a natural extension of what we’ve built at Crux,” Nicholas said. “We wanted a space where people could gather, work and unwind, before or after time in the gym.”

What To Expect At Crux Climbing Center

The gym is highlighted by a 48-foot tall climbing wall–nearly 20-feet taller than its original location. It will also feature rope climbing, bouldering, and auto belays along with larger locker rooms and saunas and a dedicated kids’ area with climbing features. 

There will be a rope canyon, a warped wall and a future competition wall to be built. Upstairs will house a training facility, wellness spaces and recovery services, along with work pods. 

Outdoors, the facility has turf and large spaces for training and community use. Crux will also hold yoga and strength-training classes. The gym is planning to celebrate its grand opening on May 30 during its annual climbing celebration, Come and Send It Fest. 

What Does It Cost To Join Crux Climbing Center

Rates include a paid-in-full monthly membership of $115, a three month paid-in-full membership of $320 and a yearly paid-in-full membership of $950. Day passes are $26 and a 10-visit punch pass is $210. For more on rates and memberships, visit Crux Climbing Center’s website.

Crux Climbing Center features several variations of climbing walls, for all experience levels. Photo Credit: Merrick Alves.