With the spring season in full swing and summer on the horizon, this is the time of year we think the most about being active, moving our bodies, and spending time congregating with others. In St. Pete, few places offer a chance to do all three quite like Vertical Ventures.

Since opening in 2015 at 116 18th Street South, Vertical Ventures has not only helped locals literally reach new heights, but it has also been a key part of the community helping St. Pete reach new heights as the city has experienced exponential growth over the last decade. The facility is celebrated for its well-known indoor climbing facilities, but its true value and impact go far beyond the calls of “on belay!” echoing throughout the building.

In fact, we’d go so far as to say that Vertical Ventures enters hidden gem status when you dive into all the local company has to offer. Their “off the wall” training facility is one of the best (and least crowded) gyms in town, with machines and treadmills, free weights and kettle bells, rowers and assault bikes, and much more. For dedicated climbers, the climbing intensive training equipment is second to none. Drop-ins are available even without a membership.

Vertical Ventures also offers group strength training classes, as well all-levels yoga four times per week. Classes are free for members, but if you just want a random day to be a yogi and get your climb on, then tickets for a single yoga class also include a full day of admission to climb in the sparkling facility. We can’t recommend that combo highly enough.

Kids thrive at Vertical Ventures

With summer break on the horizon, it’s worth noting how conducive Vertical Ventures is to big groups. From a crew as small as five people to a massive event with 100 people, the facility is perfect for group outings, birthday parties, corporate team building, youth groups, or just a little friendly calorie burning with your crew.

And speaking of summer break, Vertical Ventures also hosts a highly-rated and year-round series of youth camps. Open to all experience levels, the day camps provide kids the opportunity to scale 40’ high walls, challenge themselves physically and mentally, and build friendships in an encouraging environment. Campers learn the fundamentals of climbing technique, equipment and safety from the team of experienced and supportive coaches who emphasize personal responsibility and encourage each camper to develop greater self confidence throughout the session.

For those who believe in starting ’em young, the Climbing Tots classes at Vertical Ventures has become one of their most popular offerings. Perfect for little climbers aged 2-5, the playful class combines music, obstacle courses, and engaging activities to spark joy and skills in climbing for young ones. Plus, it gives parents a great excuse to get on the wall, themselves.

Vertical Ventures is a Tampa Bay institution

While the St. Pete facility is nearing its 10th anniversary, the local company is closing in on nearly 30 years of history in Tampa Bay. The legendary Phil Yost launched the company in Tampa in 1996, and in 2006, longtime climbers Hal and Christian purchased the gym and remodeled it themselves. The duo kept the original, fun-driven VV-spirit alive, while they also transformed the facility into a family-friendly environment, elevating the atmosphere and offerings. The gym is now managed and operated by Managing Partner, Kelly Jackson.

Fast forward another decade, and the St. Pete location opened as a full-service climbing gym, roughly four times the size of VVTampa. That huge expansion allowed the team to truly deliver its vision, adding classes, lead climbing, group fitness, community outreach and the ability to host private events.

Today, Vertical Ventures stands (and climbs) as an example of the community spirit that makes St. Pete so special. As the city changes, we celebrate the locally-owned business that remains true to its mission to “create transformative experiences, inspire personal growth, cultivate friendships and build a community for all through rock climbing.”

Learn more about Vertical Ventures at verticalventures.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest.