History

Dan Cauthorn and Rich Johnston, Founders of the Vertical Club, now known as the Vertical World.

Vertical World – America’s First Climbing Gym^® provides a unique training facility and specialized programs for youth and adults within our communities.

We opened the very first rock climbing gym in America in 1987 on Elliott Ave in Seattle. The gym was no more than rocks glued to painted plywood panels. Today, with more advanced facilities, Vertical World accommodates a variety of offerings beyond just programs to learn how to rock climb, but performance and educational programs in fitness, yoga, and custom group events including birthday parties, school or church groups, corporate events, private parties, and youth camps.

Vertical World currently has three gyms in Washington: Seattle, Redmond, and Lynnwood. Please contact your local gym to check out the facilities, classes, programs, events or to book a party or corporate event.