Berkeley Ironworks

After an incredibly difficult year, our beloved Michelle has passed away from cancer.  She approached this challenge with the same courage, strength, and grace that she displayed everyday of her life. She gave herself completely to her relationships, to the protection of the planet, and to her love of all things wild and beautiful. Please consider honoring her legacy by carrying her values forward in your own lives.

Please respect the privacy of her family and loved ones at this time.

If you are so moved, you may donate on her behalf to one of the following organizations:
    •    Apopo U - https://apopo.org/
    •    Defenders of Wildlife - https://defenders.org/
    •    Shark Stewards - https://sharkstewards.org/
    •    World Central Kitchen Incorporated - https://wck.org/
    •    Wildlife Conservation Network - https://wildnet.org/
    •    Akashinga

Undoubtedly, Michelle was, and still is, the very essence of Ironworks. As Front Desk Staff for 20 years and Assistant Manager for three of them, the care and consideration she gave to all she encountered was palpable. Michelle began working with Touchstone at the original Class 5 climbing gym in San Rafael in 2006. When that location closed in 2008, she transferred to Ironworks where, for the next two decades, she was Ironworks’ heart, soul, blood, backbone, foundation, anchor, core… What wasn’t Michelle?

With a huge community spirit, she loved to see you walk through these doors everyday. She loved to answer your questions and give you recommendations whether it was about food, travel or climbing. She loved to host member events and teach you how to belay. You could see her intention in the air around her. She made Ironworks feel like Ironworks.

As great at her job as she was, she also perfected the wondrous art of work-life balance. She’d sometimes be abroad for half the year, exploring far-away countries, hiking far-away hikes, sometimes diving, sometimes cycling, always adventuring. Having visited more countries than anyone else we know, Michelle sprinkled her Michelle magic around the entire world.

The Ironworks staff certainly acts as a unit and will be going through a huge transitional period

Check it peeps

GET EXCITED! We’re holding a super fun Gear Demo next month, showcasing all your favorite brands! Come try out all the gadgets and gizmos to fill that gear-shaped hole in your heart!

✔️Edelrid
✔️Madrock
✔️Metolius
✔️Ocun
✔️Petzl
✔️Sterling
✔️Black Diamond

Sign up at touchstone climbing dot com

Heads up — That’s THIS Sunday! The sauna and showers in the men’s locker room will be unavailable for use. Please plan accordingly.

BIW Staff thanks you!😌

❤️ A Love Letter to East Bay Bouldering ❤️

Come to the Team Touchstone Training Center across from Berkeley ironworks on Thursday, July 16 at 7pm for an evening of East Bay bouldering culture.

Special guests, chats, and experiences include:

-Musings from Grace O’Connell (local climber, archivist, and UC Berkeley professor).

-Mike Papciak .bodywork tells you how to keep bouldering weird.

-Jordan Schultz talk about his UC Berkeley buildering guide “Campusing Book”

-Ryan Moon talks about Neon Gray, the process that made it happen, and a bit about photography.

-Check out “The Swirly Station” where you can take shutterdrag photos of you and your homies.
-Test yourself on a few Doe Library Traverse simulators.

Both authors will also be selling and signing copies of their respective books. RSVP with the link in our bio. See you there!

Come check out the new artist of the month, ! Ever wonder what you can do with your used rope? Make art! It may not turn out as beautiful as the lovely Anastasia, so might as well come check it out at Ironworks instead.

Plan accordingly! Thanks😎

💪 Woman Up 2026 💪
Clinics Reg Opens July 1

Clinics are happening across California this year 🙀, both leading up to and during Woman Up 2026. Whether you’re in SoCal or NorCal, we have some excellent clinics heading your way. Space is limited so mark your calendars for July 1 to guarantee your spot!

Ever thought about 🤔 creating your own boulder problem? Now’s your chance.

With no experience required, Woman Up Setting Clinics cover:
✅ Basic safety
✅ Hold selection
✅ Hardware use
✅ Putting holds on walls
✅ Forerunning

The end goal? You’ll create and set your own boulder problem💥

Whether you’re considering a new career path or just routesetting curious, this is the clinic for you.

With Setting Clinics running July 12 – Aug 22, across LA, the Bay Area, and Sacramento, there’s one to fit your location and Schedule. Follow the link in bio to learn more.

KOIAs - Back in Stock!!

Get that plant based protein to fuel your recovery 🌱💪

All the flavors of your dreams 🌈⛅️🍫