routes set for you
Our routes are set for all ability levels, proportions, and style preferences. Whether one is looking to have fun with friends, climbing for exercise, training for outdoor climbing, or preparing for competition—we’ve got routes that are just right for you.
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Meet the crew
Routesetters are a unique mix of an industrial athlete, craftsman, artisan, choreographer, and product designer. They are well-versed in a variety of climbing and movement styles. They constantly evolve the craft as the needs of our community change and welcome your feedback.
Honey Gajardo
honey gajardo
“hyphy”
director of routesetting
What is something you want our community to know about routesetting?
Routesetting transcends merely slingin’ grips on the wall. It serves as a unifying force for our community, allowing us to share our passion and experiences with everyone. Each climb embodies our team’s collaborative effort, aiming to teach movement, encourage you to push beyond your comfort zone, and enhance your climbing abilities. We take great pride in our work, and it is truly inspiring to see everyone engage with and enjoy our creations.
What is your favorite climbing style?
Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate every climbing style, as long as it has good flow. Competition-style climbing and anything requiring high coordination might not be my forte, but I still have a blast attempting them.
How do you prefer to spend your time outside of setting?
When I am not routesetting, you can find me in any of the Bay Area gyms climbing or working out early in the morning. Outside of the gyms, I dedicate my time with my family. I am a basketball mom of three! My oldest child, born in 2015, plays competitive basketball, dominating our weekends with games (ball is life!). My second child was born in 2021, followed by my youngest in 2024. Being a parent is crazy busy, but I cherish it deeply!
Chris Kim
Pronouns: He/Him
Setter Tag Name: Tofu
What is something you want our community to know about routesetting?:
The best part of routesetting is watching our community on our routes. Seeing someone learn something new on the wall, or maybe even fall in love with climbing for the first time is the reason we keep setting. We hope that everyone experiences that passion in each route that they climb!
What is your favorite climbing style?:
My favorite climbing style is 3 dimensional climbing with tons of toe hooks and heel hooks! I love feeling like I’m floating in space with an arm and a leg.
How do you prefer to spend your time outside of setting?:
My favorite thing to do outside of climbing right now is golf! I’m still relatively new to the game, which makes it fun and interesting for me. Each time I play is something new to be learned. It also allows me to get outside with my friends, much like climbing!
Nick Qaqish
Pronouns: He/Him
Setter Tag Name: Q
What is something you want our community to know about routesetting?:
Route setting is immensely collaborative. Every climb that goes up is a product of the whole team, we work together to bring our ideas to life.
What is your favorite climbing style?:
My favorite climbing styles are delicate arete climbing and thuggy roof climbing. I love trusting bad feet and fighting to keep my balance, but also throwing myself around on a rodeo in the roof.
How do you prefer to spend your time outside of setting?:
Outside of route setting I love to run and powerlift! On rest days I’m definitely catching up on One Piece and thrift shopping to add more whacky clothes to my wardrobe.
Sierra Zwenger
Pronouns: she/her
Setter Tag Name: Fries
What is something you want our community to know about routesetting?:
Routesetting is super cool and super collaborative. One person will put up an idea, but the finished product has the essence of every member on the setting team. We’re constantly learning and getting inspired by the community, each other, and mother nature!
What is your favorite climbing style?:
I love refrigerator compression, climbing into huecos, and anything with pockets. If it has a good view, I’m in!
How do you prefer to spend your time outside of setting?:
I’m usually doing some combination of climbing, trail running, eating french fries, and driving somewhere beautiful really far away.
Brittney McCown
Pronouns: she/her
Setter Tag Name: Bitty
What is something you want our community to know about routesetting?:
A lot of thought & love goes into every single route or boulder, and we hope that you can feel that when you climb them. Everything we do is to give you the best possible experience when you come into the gym!
What is your favorite climbing style?:
My first love will always be some good old fashioned vert or slightly overhung technical crimping. But lately I’ve been learning to love pretty much everything, from thuggy overhung slopers to slab!
How do you prefer to spend your time outside of setting?:
I spend plenty of time climbing & weightlifting, and coaching both of those things. My absolute favorite thing to do is just be outdoors, whether it’s climbing, hiking, camping, or just sitting & taking in the view!
FAQs
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Who is on my Setting Team?
Each of our regions has a designated setting team. Above you can see pictures of our setters. If you see any of them around the gyms please say “hi” and introduce yourself.
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How do I know what is being set next?
We post our route setting schedule every two weeks. The goal with the setting schedule is to communicate where our team will be setting so you know which zones will be closed and where to look for your new climbs.
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What days can I expect the setting team to be working?
Typically, our team sets weekdays between 8am-4:30pm.
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How long does it take to set a climb?
Each setter will build between 3-6 boulders or 1-2 routes in 4 hours then group into smaller forerunning teams for about 2-3 hours and calibrate the climbs to ensure all challenges are grade-appropriate and adjust for quality & accessibility for a spectrum of climber types.
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How does the setting team grade climbs?
The day will begin with our Head Setter mapping out the intended grades for each of the climbs for the day. Once the first draft is complete which we call a ‘Skeleton’ we will have the primary setter forerun the climb and adjust any movements and swap out holds to get us closer to the intended grade. Our primary goal is to ensure the climbing movement meets our quality criteria then ensure we are hitting our mark with the grade. We will have at least one other setter forerun and make adjustments to the climb. The setting team will have a conversation about the grade and place our consensus in KAYA.
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Why does this set of new climbs feel easier/harder compared to the last set?
It could feel easier because the holds are clean with fresh texture. It could feel harder because you have not gained the muscle memory just yet. Each climb is unique and could be presenting a unique challenge that might fit your skillset or be out of your routine climbing movement. Either way, we appreciate your input and hope that you share on KAYA so our setting team can better understand what you desire so we can make every climb a uniquely positive experience.
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Where do I report a spinning hold?
If you find a hold that moves or seems loose, let the front desk know and they will get the info to the setting team to fix it.
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How do I get into routesetting?
We have a company opportunity page where we post all new employment opportunities. As a department we are looking for passionate climbers who are curious about exploring movement and designing appropriate challenges for our gym users. Keep an eye out for a community event called ‘Setting with the Setters’ where our setting team provides a guided experience of what our team does to create new climbs.
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What is the minimum climbing ability for a routesetter?
We have found that climbing at least V4 or 5.11+ is essential to meet the demands of forerunning each work day and basic understanding of movement. If you are not there yet and have interest please share your interest to your local head setter. They might be able to guide you to become a contender for our apprenticeship program.
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Does our gym have an apprenticeship program?
We have training for newly hired seasoned setters but our apprentice program is designed to take a new setter who has limited or no experience and mentor them through a 6 month program. We encourage motivated individuals to apply because we have a system to train you to become a great setter.