Vertical World Seattle

We just want to take a quick moment to acknowledge all the hard work our setters have been putting into getting the new gym up and running!

Our setting team has truly put in hours and hours of blood (literally), sweat and tears to set over 150 brand new boulders just for you guys.

There really is no gym without setters. Their attention to detail and commitment to the craft is truly commendable.

Right now our setting interns are training and gearing up to bring you even more rad climbs soon. Growing the team means more diversity variety and fresh ideas in every set.

Everyone say, “Thank you, setters!”🫶

Have you climbed any of the boulders in our new gym?

Thanks to all our members for coming out yesterday and celebrating our new gym opening a day early!

So much positive energy in the gym yesterday, we’re so stoked the community is enjoying the gym.

A Climb Through Time Ep. 2 is Live!

In this episode, we explore how climbing gym construction has evolved over the last four decades and why we’re building the next chapter of Vertical World differently than ever before.

Thank you again to ALL the climbers who helped build the original gyms, especially any names we forgot or left out!

A Climb Through Time - Ep 2 Building the future From plywood walls and hand-built features to digital design and vi...

Join us Friday May 29th for Rock Prom!

Whether you go to North or Seattle, come dressed to impress and climb!

In 1987, long before climbing became mainstream, Rich Johnston asked a question that would open the doors to what would become America’s first climbing gym: The Vertical World.

From homemade walls and an unconventional vision to the creation of a space that would help shape climbing culture, setting, and the foundation for the entire climbing gym industry in the United States.

Through archival photos, stories from the owner, and a look back at the early days of indoor climbing, this episode explores the roots of a community that’s still growing nearly four decades later.

This is the beginning of our story.

A Climb Through Time

Episode 1 Plywood & Rocks

A Climb Through Time - Ep 1 Plywood & Rocks In 1987, long before climbing became mainstream, Rich Johnston asked a question that would open the doors to what would become America’s first climbing gym: ...

Join Mitch Owens PT for the next installment of the Climber’s Health Series at VW Seattle!

In this workshop, Mitch Owens PT, a climbing injury specialist, will break down the connection between spinal mechanics and upper extremity issues.

You’ll learn practical techniques and exercises to help manage and prevent injury so you can climb with more comfort, strength, and resilience.

Free for members | $5 for non-members

See you at VW Seattle!

Handstand Workshops coming up in May 🤸‍♀️

•Handstand 101• May 9th 12:15 pm
Come learn and play in a fun and support environment! will go through the fundamentals of handstands to help you feel more comfy in your inversions.

•Handstand Conditioning• May 16th, 12:15 PM
This 1-hour helps you turn knowledge into practice. You’ll move through targeted conditioning for wrists, shoulders, core, and glutes, plus drills you can repeat on your own.

Sign up using the link in our bio!

You may have heard some rumors about Uplift lately, so what’s really going on?

As of Sunday, April 26th, Uplift will be joining the Vertical World family. VW members will have full access to Uplift starting that Sunday!

Uplift members can either stay an Uplift only member (with lowered monthly dues) OR they can continue to pay the same dues and have access to Uplift and VW! (Action is required for all Uplift memberships)

Andrew, the founder/owner of Uplift, wrote a letter to the Washington climbing community that you can read here:

https://mailchi.mp/verticalworld/uplift-joins-vertical-world