Rocks have surpassed trees as nature's ultimate climbing medium, largely because rock climbers can ascend confident that their perches won't suddenly catch fire, be chopped down, or be infested with human-hungry aphids. Ensure safe travels skyward with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of passes, membership, gear rental, and more at AZ on the Rocks in Scottsdale. This Groupon is not valid toward the climbing team, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts programs, or Tufa gear shop.

One of Arizona’s largest indoor climbing gyms, AZ on the Rocks was AZCentral.com's 2010 Readers' Choice for Best Family Entertainment Value, and Phoenix New Times named it Best DIY Rock Gym for 2007. The air-conditioned facility features about 14,000-square-feet of climbable terrain, 50 top ropes, more than 2,800-square-feet of bouldering, auto-belay systems, and an expert staff of hilltoppers who'll happily address all your questions, point you toward the bathroom, and offer climbing tips. The gym also rents or provides all the gear (harnesses, shoes, chalk bags, lead ropes, carabiners, and belay devices) you need to scale rocks, ascend rocks, and feel morally and physically superior to rocks. Pick up an adult day pass ($21 with gear, tax included) for a single visit, or invest in your vertical future by combining multiple Groupons for a 10-visit punch card ($140 for adults, plus $25 for 10 gear rentals) or a membership ($60 per month or $500 per year for adults; gear included).

In addition to state-of-the-art facilities and friendly service, AZ on the Rocks lets birthday celebrants climb for free on or near the anniversary of their womb exodus via its "Climb on, US! Birthday Club." A number of birthday-party packages are also available, providing an ideal way to help ward off birthday loneliness while engaging in a sport often referred to as "chess, but with more physical exertion and not on a chessboard."

The Groupon cannot be applied toward food for birthday parties. Only members and their guests will be allowed during members-only hours. All participants are required to sign a waiver; a parent or guardian must complete and sign a waiver for children under the age of 18 before participation.

Reviews

AZ on the Rocks received many awards from the local press. AZCentral.com readers named AZ on the Rocks Best Summer Camp, Best Family Weekend Adventure, and Best Place to Play Hooky with Kids in 2009. The Phoenix New Times named it Best DIY Rock Gym in 2007. Seven Yelpers give it an average of 4.5 stars.

• Fun for the whole family is found just inside AZ on the Rocks, Arizona's largest indoor rock-climbing gym… Gives your family an easy way to do something thrilling. – AZCentral.com
• The planning of the walls in the gym was thoughtful with lots of overhang both slight and extreme, crack climbing, auto-belay, and lots of leadable routes. – Angela N., Yelp