Central Park bouldering offers a rare chance to climb real rock without leaving the city. Scattered throughout the park are small schist outcrops and boulders that have been climbed for decades, forming a long-established part of New York City’s climbing scene.

Popular areas like Rat Rock, Worthless Boulder, and nearby clusters host dozens of established problems across a wide range of grades. The climbing is typically short and often polished, making footwork and body positioning especially important. Many problems also have rules about which holds can and cannot be used. These restrictions are especially common in Central Park and form a distinctive part of its climbing style, so check the topo or route description to see which holds are off.

Easy subway access and short approaches make Central Park convenient for a quick session, with local climbers often stopping by before or after work. Because these boulders sit in a public urban park, expect curious onlookers, joggers passing by, and the constant backdrop of city life.

Central Park

Sammy Dahlman's Bulge

Brooklyn

The Wave

Koma's Roof Stand

Koma's Roof

Smack The Dragon

Bruce Lee

Polish Traverse

Ashima Mandala

Buttcrack Attack

Crack for Kids

Layback

Low Traverse

High Traverse

Rat Rock Traverse

Watch Your Back

Poisoned Apple

Tourist Trap

Hissy Fit

Cat Corner

Scratching Post

Cat Crack

Cat Arete

Jedi Mind Trick

The Prophet

Check Mate

Rooked

Knight's Move

Castle's Move

Chess Rock Traverse

Yuki's Problem

The Horn Dyno

Mother's Milk

The Horn

Tweaky Shit

Death By Dizzy

Unworthy

The Flake

Small Wall Right

Small Wall Left

Rat Hole

Rat Rock West Face

Rat Rock North Face

Rat Rock East Face (Right)

Rat Rock East Face (Left)

Chess Rock

Cat Rock

Cat Rock South Face

Tooth Rock

Central Park South

Ramble Rock

Hepatitis Boulder

The Ramble Area