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Vertical World Climbing Gyms

@vw_gyms

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America’s First Indoor Climbing Gym
Est. 1987
Fitness, yoga, youth programs, youth team & more!
@vw_seattle
@vw_north
and now! @uplift_climbing

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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! taken in Vertical World Seattle by @vw_gyms

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4 months ago

A Climb Through Time
Episode 1 Plywood & Rocks

LIVE ON OUR YOUTUBE!

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. taken in Vertical World Seattle by @vw_gyms

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5 months ago

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 by going to the link in our bio!

📸: @isaac_baik @andrewhou_time taken in Seattle, Washington by @vw_gyms

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6 months ago

@melinacostanza and @alexjohnson89 recently stopped by our Seattle campus for a mock comp leading up to the world climbing series in SLC!

The qualification rounds start today for Melina, @ardch.i and @lakhnot_weak so help us cheer on our former @theverticalworldclimbingteam kids!

#neverageout taken in Vertical World Seattle by @vw_gyms

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2 days ago

GET A GRIP, LADIES!
Come meet Vertical World at the Women’s Outdoor Connection!

Did you know Vertical World opened America’s first indoor climbing gym right here in Seattle in 1987? Today, they offer climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programs, camps, events, and plenty of ways to get on the wall.

And let’s be real, they’re also the perfect place to get your climbing fix when those rainy PNW days roll in.

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📍 REI Seattle Flagship
📅 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 11 AM–4 PM

Grab your tickets today!! by @vw_gyms

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9 days ago

Seattle bouldering league starts tomorrow!

What is it?

It’s an 8-week bouldering league at our Seattle gym. Work boulders all week for a chance to send on Thursday nights for points!

Do I need a team to join?

No, we will form teams week 1!

What if I can’t make it the first week?

Don’t worry if you can’t make it, come week 2 and we can find you a team.

If you are not a member, league does not cover the price of entry so make sure to grab a day pass, punch card, or membership! taken in Vertical World Seattle by @vw_gyms

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25 days ago

Vertical World Seattle’s Youth Climbing Center is opening today!

Is this the biggest youth only facility in the country? taken in Vertical World Seattle by @vw_gyms

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a month ago

Thanks for hanging with us at @vw_seattle’s Summer Slam 2026.

From competition day sends to DIY lanyards made from retired climbing ropes, it was great to be part of a community gathering at the West Coast’s oldest climbing gym. @patagoniaseattle was proud to support competitors with prizes and share ways to get involved with grassroots organizations through @patagonia Action Works.

Congrats to everyone who climbed! See you next year. 💙

Photos: Cierra Coppock (1), Aislin Gibson (2-5,7), Elise Willis (6)

Visual description: Climbers at Vertical World’s Summer Slam compete, connect, and create lanyards from retired climbing ropes with Patagonia Seattle. taken in Vertical World Seattle by @vw_gyms

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a month ago

X. Team is one of Vertical World’s oldest and most beloved programs, and for its 20th year, we’re bringing you more.

At our Seattle gym, we’re excited to offer a new femme and non-binary exclusive session, plus an additional Tuesday session, making it easier for more climbers to join this long-standing training program.

X. Team is about working hard, pushing yourself, and having a supportive community alongside you. Whether you’re trying to break through a grade plateau, build strength and mental fortitude, or meet other motivated climbers, our experienced coaches are here to help you reach your goals.

Come be part of 20 years of X. Team. by @vw_gyms

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2 months ago

@theverticalworldclimbingteam training center is a 20+ year dream come true taken in Seattle, Washington by @vw_gyms

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2 months ago

In our city, getting where you’re going is just part of the fun.

Quick stop at @seawolfbakers to grab a sweet treat, toss it in the new @megabetaclimbing bag, and it’s less than a 20 min ride from Fremont to Magnolia

The new Seattle bouldering gym is closer than you might think 👀

🚴 @samheaneyy
🤳 @cierracoppock
🎥 @brock.dion
🎒 @megabetaclimbing taken in Seattle, Washington by @vw_gyms

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3 months ago

Stay in motion @ 4.5 taken in Vertical World Seattle by @vw_gyms

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4 months ago