Great Western Power Company - Oakland, California

Alex L.

Overall it's a good gym. It's small so the bouldering area is small but it's dense enough to have plenty of climbs for one session. The ropes area is big enough and is also dense. There is lead climbing but Touchstone makes everyone sign a log every time they lead which is different from Movement gym policy. The shower hot water was broken. The weights and machine area is large and had everything I wanted. The work area has wifi and plenty of power outlets. In boulder grading this gym is about one step easier than Movement Santa Clara so V5 here in Oakland feels like V4 at Santa Clara.

Peter H.

Decent weight room, nice but small bouldering area. Two price increases a year is ridiculous though - I am having to cancel my membership after 2.5 years simply because this place is too expensive now and no longer worth it. Removing the discounted yearly option is the cherry on top to make me no longer recommend this spot. Would be more cost efficient to simply go to another gym and get a day pass when you want to climb; would only recommend if you absolutely LOVE climbing multiple times a week.

Weston M.

I’ve been climbing here for a few years now. The staff here is amazing. This is a great gym if you’re visiting from out of town because it’s easily accessible via BART and bus. Plus, it’s an easy place to meet locals (like me) who’ll probably have good recommendations on things to do in the area. In regards to climbing, the bouldering section is small, but the routes are creative and challenging. There are occasionally strong climbers who’ll spend 4 hours projecting a V10, and there are also plenty of new climbers trying the sport for their first time. I prefer the ropes section here over Pacific Pipe because the wall geometry fits my style more (there are a lot of good corners here and slabby sections). The weights section is pretty great. There are 3 power racks on the second floor, and there are more downstairs near the back outdoor area. The 2nd floor has a Kilter Board and a couple hang boards. There are also a bunch of cardio machines (treadmills, stair master, bikes, elliptical, and rowing); my favorite is the Peloton because I can connect my Bluetooth earbuds for on-demand spin classes. There is also a fitness room where they offer several yoga and cardio classes. I love the yoga classes, and the boxing class is also fun. My only complaints are that I wish there was a sauna, and I also wish the gym stayed open until 6pm on Sundays (I wouldn’t mind if the gym closed earlier on Fridays to compensate). Touchstone should also pay their staff and route setters more.

Dane B.

Chill gym.
Bouldering wall is incredibly small here, and more of a warm up zone than a full fledged bouldering area. Mostly a rope style gym.

You can definitely tell this is older and has been used in and out. Especially the locker rooms. But they have all the essentials and the location, with open air, makes it a solid training spot.

Vanessa S.

My friend and I came to scratch a climbing itch and to unwind. It was my first time top roping at Great Western Power Co, and for a smaller climbing gym (vs. Pac Pipe), it has pretty good climbing problems that require some strategy. Can't speak for bouldering (will try next time!), but I liked that the top-roping problems involved unique solutions that encourages climbers to utilize good footwork, balance, and spatial awareness.

Vibe-wise, the ambiance was chill and it wasn't overly crowded. Lots of street parking is available too! (But it being Oakland, spare yourself the broken windows, and don't leave valuables in your car!)

Lydia R.

Only reason it is a 4 is because it is tiny in area dedicated to boldering.

And no Sauna...

But great service well maintained nice weights and conditioning areas despite its small size.

Elena P.

I love this gym! I’ve always liked this gym bc it’s very calm during the day and fun and social in the evenings. Setting is top notch and the staff are cool. They play fun music in different genres. They have a kilter board upstairs And an extensive weights/cardio gym upstairs.

Eli E.

Great gym with classes and a good amount of powerlifting stations. Cozy so can be busy during peak hours.