OM BELAY: Four amazing concepts unite under one roof: Climbing, Yoga, Coffee and Community.
Climbing, Yoga, Coffee and Community…some would say that’s a great combination. Finding them all in one place…now that’s a 5.10. Walker Thompson, owner/founder of The Rock Lounge in Durango decided to open the climbing gym to bring back the indoor climbing that so many locals have missed. Only- he’s made it better. The Rock Lounge has automatic belay devices, “Big” feature holds, Desert Sun Coffee (awesome, locally roasted coffee), all kinds of Yoga, and of course a great community of people. “With the help of my wife, Christina, and manager, Travis Fischer our main vision for this place is coming into view- we’re building a great place to just ‘hang’,” says Thompson.
Belay On- Southwest Adventure Guides (SWAG) will share space at The Rock Lounge at 1111 Camino Del Rio- previously occupied by Animas City Rock. The uniting of the two was fortuitous. SWAG has offered extreme adventures in Durango’s backyard to destinations across the globe since 1989. Their operations use to be housed out on Hwy 550. “Joining forces with The Rock Lounge made perfect sense as it brings two climbing legacies together in one great, central, location,” says Nathan Disser, owner and head guide at SWAG.
Om Shanthi. Shanthi. Shanthi-Peace, Peace, Peace be to all. The Rock Lounge will offer multiple Yoga classes/practices taught by a variety of great Durango Yoga teachers. Morning Flow, Kripalu Yoga, Meditation… you name it- it will be available at The Rock Lounge- and if it isn’t, just ask- they are open to suggestions.
MMM…Great Coffee- A perfect cup of coffee is a great way to start or end the day. Desert Sun Coffee has been roasting organic, fair trade coffee in Bodo Park in Durango, CO for a long time. They know what a perfect cup of coffee is all about. Thompson loves climbing and yoga, and is especially fond of caffeinated beverages, “I have seen bike shops do the coffee/retail thing and I thought ‘Why couldn’t a climbing gym do that too?’ I figured it would be a good addition.”
Your Community- You don’t have to be an avid climber, yogi or coffee connoisseur to take part in the action. “I want climbers, yoga practitioners, and community members to be able to talk shop,” states Thompson. The Rock Lounge is open to all for climbing-yoga-coffee sessions from 6am-8am and from noon to 9pm. You’re also welcome to just hang. Visit rockloungedurango.com or The Rock Lounge Facebook page for more beta- like info on how to get an annual membership for just a $1 a day. PS- that offer ends on 9/10- the day The Rock Lounge is hosting a big Grand Opening… be sure to check it out.
