MEDFORD, Ore. (Feb. 16, 2026) — After more than two decades serving Southern Oregon’s climbing community, Rogue Rock Gym announced it will close its doors this week, citing mounting financial challenges.
The indoor climbing facility, located at 3001 Samike Drive in south Medford, said it will permanently close Tuesday night at 9 p.m.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must post this notice to the Southern Oregon Climbing community,” owner Matt Lambert said in a public announcement. “After 21 years, we will be closing the gym this Tuesday night at 9pm.”
Founded in September 2005 as the Rogue Valley’s first full-service indoor climbing facility, Rogue Rock Gym was created to serve as a meeting place for local climbers and to provide safe, qualified instruction to newcomers to the sport. Over the years, the facility said it has served more than 30,000 climbers.
“We’ve hung on as long as we could. The last couple of years have been financially tough, and despite every effort to keep it going, the pressure finally caught up with us. It’s time to close this chapter, and we do not have a choice,” Lambert said.
The gym built a reputation not only as a recreational space but as a training ground for young athletes. Its youth programs helped build strength and inspire confidence for hundreds of children in the region, and its climbing team produced competitors at the national level.
The gym’s stated mission has been to provide a safe and fun climbing environment accessible to climbers of any ability level, from beginner to professional. It has offered instruction in fundamental to advanced climbing skills and regularly created new and challenging routes on its walls.
Lambert invited community members to visit during the gym’s final days.
“We will remain open through Tuesday evening. I hope you’ll come in, climb, connect, say goodbye, and collect any personal belongings from lockers. I would love to see as many of you as possible one more time,” he said.
Reflecting on the gym’s impact, Lambert added: “This place has meant more to me and our amazing staff than I can put into words. It’s been where kids grew up, friendships formed, confidence was built, and so many of us found community. Watching that grow and thrive for 21 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from members and former climbers, Lambert said.
“Thank you for trusting us with this space. Thank you for showing up year after year and supporting us. Thank you for the love you’ve already shown me over the past couple of days — it means more than you know.”
Although there has been interest from other local business owners in taking over the gym, nothing has been solidified, as of the publication of this article. And the date of closing remains unchanged.
Lambert said additional details for paid-in-full members and punch card holders will be provided as soon as possible.
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