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

Invisible Cities

Yoyo Jiminy

The Matterhorn

Terminator XXX

Terminator XX

No Sweat

Four Buddies in Da Cold

A.D.H.D.

Terminator X

Mean Green

Sweat

Family Values

Terrordome

Something For Everyone

Sideways Drifter

Left Arete

Banana Split

Alabama Leprechaun

Sub Atomic Nuclear Penguin

Silly Ass

Bullet Train

Unnamed

City Boy

The Zoo

Pile Driver

Hepatitis Boulder

Ramble Rock

Roadside Boulder

Worthless Boulder East Face

Worthless Boulder North Face

Central Park North