Learning to climb outside can be an incredibly rewarding experience, combining physical challenge, mental focus, and a deep connection with nature. At Edgeworks, we’re passionate about helping you take your climbing skills from the gym to the great outdoors. Here’s how we can guide you on this exciting journey.
Why Climb Outside?
Climbing outdoors offers a unique set of challenges and rewards that you won’t find in the gym. The natural rock formations, the fresh air, and the expansive views create an unforgettable experience. Outdoor climbing allows you to:
Connect with Nature: Experience the beauty and tranquility of natural climbing environments.
Challenge Yourself: Tackle real rock formations with unique features and complexities.
Build Skills: Learn essential outdoor climbing techniques and protocols.
Experience Adventure: Enjoy the thrill of conquering new heights in the great outdoors.
Getting Started with Edgeworks
At Edgeworks, we offer comprehensive programs to help you transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing with confidence and competence. Here’s how we can support your journey:
Outdoor Climbing Classes Our outdoor climbing classes are designed for climbers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. These classes cover essential skills, including:
Belaying and Rappelling: Learn how to manage ropes and descend effectively.
Route Finding: Understand how to read and navigate outdoor climbing routes.
Anchor Building: Gain knowledge on setting up secure anchors for top-roping and lead climbing.
Climbing Techniques: Improve your footwork, hand placements, and overall climbing efficiency on real rock.
Guided Climbing Trips Join our experienced, AMGA certified guides on trips to some of the best climbing spots in the region. These trips offer:
Hands-On Experience: Practice your skills in a real outdoor setting with expert guidance.
Personalized Coaching: Receive tips and feedback tailored to your climbing style and goals.
Expert Guidance: Climb with confidence knowing you’re under the watchful eye of certified guides.
The Edgeworks Community
One of the greatest benefits of learning to climb with Edgeworks is becoming part of our vibrant and supportive climbing community. Our members share a passion for adventure and a commitment to helping each other grow as climbers. When you learn to climb outside with us, you’ll make new friends, find climbing partners, and become part of a network of climbers who share your enthusiasm for the sport.
Ready to Start Your Outdoor Climbing Journey?
At Edgeworks, we’re dedicated to providing you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take your climbing to new heights—literally! Whether you’re looking to try outdoor climbing for the first time or seeking to advance your existing skills, our programs are designed to meet your needs and help you achieve your climbing goals.
Adventure awaits, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s climb outside together!
Climbing camps for beginner, intermediate and advanced youth climbers of all ages! Whether you’re looking to be introduced to the sport of rock climbing or want to push your climbing skills to the next level, our camps are a fun way enjoy the sport of rock climbing.
Edgeworks is committed to increasing equity and inclusion in climbing; working to build a culture where adventure is accessible to all.
As part of this commitment we accept scholarship applications for participation in the following programs:
New Rockers
Adventure Rock 1
Adventure Rock 2
Adventure Rock 3
Adventure Rock 4
Each location (Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma) offers up to one scholarship per type of camp, which includes:
100% of program fees
Rental gear during program: shoes, harness and belay device
Plus, additional gear for outdoor days including helmet, backpack and water bottle
The application process for 2024 is now closed. In addition to summer camps scholarships, we also offer Youth Program scholarships for programs that run throughout the year.
February 1 – April 30, 2024 Make the most of your membership, infuse a bit more playfulness and joy into your climbing routine, and snag a FREE T-shirt in our 8th annual, members only 90-day challenge!
THE OBJECTIVE
Adventure meets achievement! Earn points by completing a list of challenges spanning more than 100 activities. From climbing and fitness trials to check-ins, social events, staff interactions, training activities, dance sessions, and more.
As you rack up points, unlock three distinct levels of “peaks” to add to your FREE member challenge t-shirt. A total of 150 points grants you all three peaks, and there are over 300 points up for grabs!
First Peak: 65 points|Second Peak: 100 points|Third Peak: 150 points
THE CHALLENGE LIST
Discover new challenges annually, featuring fitness trials, climbing games, and skill-based challenges. The point distribution caters to both overachievers and those seeking a more laid-back experience. While earning all three peaks in a single day (IAD) is possible, there are plenty of enjoyable challenges accessible to all skill levels, ensuring you keep coming back for more points and peaks!
Available Now! Get a sneak peek at the 2024 Challenge List for your home gym and start devising your strategies now.
Edgeworks staff will tally points weekly, and t-shirts will be awarded upon reaching the first peak (65 points). Your T-shirt, labeled with your name, will be placed on a rolling cart near the front desk for convenient pickup.
*Please be aware that current stock levels may slightly delay T-shirt delivery by 1-2 weeks.
Note: Wear and wash your shirt during the challenge, but hold off on fabric softener until after all your peaks have been added.
THE PEAKS AWAIT
Iron-on peaks, accompanied by straightforward DIY instructions, will be available at the front desk. Alternatively, bring your shirt to the monthly Member Socials in March, April, and May, where our staff will add the peaks for you.
TRACK YOUR JOURNEY
Members are tasked with monitoring their progress and checking off completed challenges on their sheets. For those fueled by competition, keep an eye on the public Challenge Board, showcasing everyone’s points. See how your achievements stack up against others and let the friendly rivalry motivate you further.
Join Us for the Edgeworks Bellevue Grand Opening Event!
Date: Saturday, March 30 Time: 8:00am – 8:00pm
We are thrilled to invite you to the Grand Opening Event celebrating our newly renovated facility and expanded climbing walls at Edgeworks Bellevue! This event is a celebration of our commitment to providing the best climbing experience for our community, and we have a day packed with activities for climbers of all ability levels.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Staff-led Facility Tours: Learn about all the new features and amenities now available to our climbing community, ask questions and get answers from our staff.
50% Off ProBelay Sessions: Perfect for new climbers, these 1-hour sessions will be offered from 10:30am – 4:30pm. Reservation required; sign up online.
FREE Climbing Clinics: Exclusively for members, these clinics offer a lineup of FREE climbing instruction designed to improve your technical skills and give you a taste of what our Climbing School courses have to offer. Space is limited, sign up online!
Member Guest Passes: Members are invited to bring any 2 guests for free, including free gear rentals; day passes for non-member guests will be $24 each.
Mystery Bag Fundraiser: Each bag purchased supports the important work of Nature Vision. Each bag contains a surprise assortment of climbing specific prizes, with some bags holding higher-value prizes than others. Available throughout the day; only while supplies last!
Community Social: Join us from 6pm – 8pm in our new community gathering space for complimentary drinks and social time with friends, old and new. Community is one of our core values and its what keeps people coming back to Edgeworks. We can’t wait to share this space with you!
Click here for more information or to sign up online:
All visitors must have a signed waiver on file. Climbers under 18 must also have the signature of their parent or legal guardian. Waivers can be completed online before the event.
DON’T MISS THIS FUN EVENT
Join us for a day of climbing, fitness, and community at Edgeworks Bellevue. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 30!
Bringing MORE Climbing + Fitness to the Bellevue Community!
With a MAJOR expansion project currently underway, we’re excited to share with you our plans to make Edgeworks Bellevue bigger, better, more inclusive and more modern.
Building a community where all climbers feel welcomed, challenged + engaged.
Our gyms are shared spaces for climbers of all ages, all sizes, and all abilities – from new climbers and fitness enthusiasts to elite/competitive climbers training for their next big goal or adventure.
Our focus with this expansion project is to build a space where:
Seasoned climbers know they’ll still find the best, most challenging and fun boulder problems and routes.
Weekend warriors can maintain their endurance and train in the off season when they can’t get outside.
New climbers feel welcome and unintimidated as they walk through our door.
Kids can be integrated into a sport and community that builds respect, confidence, communication skills, responsibility, teamwork and a healthy dose of calculated risk.
Community happens, built upon a shared interest in climbing, fitness, and fun (and sometimes beer!).
All in all, we aim to create a setting that feels active, vibrant and welcoming. Where people choose to hang out even if they aren’t climbing because they know that this is where they will find their people and it’s where they belong.
Details: In partnership with Crossroads’ overall expansion and development plans, an 8,400 square foot addition will be added to the south side of our building, featuring 10,400 sq ft of new climbing surface with walls designed and constructed by EP USA. ← The same folks who designed and built the competition climbingwalls for the Olympics. This new addition will bring us to a total of 31,400 sq ft of climbing!
Details: First, we need to expand our footprint to make room for the more exciting additions and updates. We’ll do so by busting through the south end of our building and extending out into the parking lot.
In addition to the new climbing walls, this building expansion will make room for:
All new women’s locker room with sauna
Single occupancy bathrooms
2nd floor mezzanine with a training area that includes training systems, campus board, hangboards and a great view of the new walls.
Details: Compared to other gyms in the Puget Sound, Edgeworks Bellevue is still pretty young – having opened in 2011 – but it could still use some updates to better serve our members and community, including:
Updated and improved front entry with larger retail area
Improved cubbies and storage options
Community space for remote work, socializing and re-energizing
Passthroughs and connections to the new climbing area
What are the details and features of the new climbing wall?
Designed and constructed by EP USA.
Adding nearly 10,400 sq ft of climbing surface (to our existing 21,000)
45 ft tall with an overhanging lead prow creating the possibility for 50 ft long routes
Features include: 49 additional climbing lines, top rope, lead prow, flake, free form crack, and multi-pitch instructional ledges
Are you adding more bouldering?
Construction is currently underway on our all new 26,000 sq ft bouldering only gym, Bel-Red Boulders. Located just down the street in the Evergreen Shopping Center, this all new facility will help fill the growing need for more climbing, training and fitness on the Eastside and for our greater Edgeworks community.
South Bay Bouldering Walls The majority of our existing walls will remain intact with the exception of The Cave in the South Bay. With its current design and steep overhang, these walls have always presented difficulties for our setting team and members. Therefore, this area will be opened up to create a pass-through to the new climbing area as well as a social gathering space.
While it’s never fun to take anything away, we feel confident in our plans to provide something more accessible and usable in its place. Including, access to all new walls, community work spaces for remote work or studying and a comfortable area to rest, recharge and connect before, during or after your climbing sessions.
Pirate Ship + Youth Zone Kids are always welcome at Edgeworks and we remain committed to helping young climbers discover, learn and excel at climbing. Similar to way we run our Youth Programs, starting kids out on the same climbing walls, routes, and holds as everyone else helps them develop a better understanding and awareness of climbing and the community that surrounds them.
Therefore, it’s time to “scuttle” the Pirate Ship. Removing it will allow space to create an all new weight training and cardio area.
Are there any plans to resurrect the development of a Tukwila location?
We really like the idea but the original Stone Gardens Tukwila project plans are no longer available. In the meantime, our existing partnership with Crossroads – coupled with their overall plans for expansion and development – are helping to make the Bellevue project possible.
Will you need to adjust business hours or close during construction?
It is our goal to maintain normal operating hours as much as possible during all phases of construction. If for any reason we need to open late or close early on certain days we will do our best to provide advanced notice to all members. Please check your email and be sure to follow our social media accounts to receive updates throughout the project, Instagram , Facebook, X (Twitter) and Threads.
Will membership prices increase?
Yes, but not just due to expansion. Since the very beginning, it’s been Edgeworks’ theory and practice that small yearly price increases provide transparent predictability for our members and allow us to continue our commitment to invest back into our facilities, programs, and employees.
Each year, we evaluate the following criteria that typically results in a monthly membership rate increase:
operating costs and staff wages
increases in membership value, benefits, access, and offerings
It only happens once a year — steep discounts on annual and 6-month memberships!! IN-PERSON and ONLINE SALES ONLY.No phone or early sales.
GREAT DEALS, HUGE SAVINGS!
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP: only $829!
BEST DEAL: 2+ months FREE | No Freeze Average: $69/month = 2017 prices! $299 Youth Add-On available with Annual Membership.
6-MONTH MEMBERSHIP: only $419!
GREAT SAVINGS: 1+ month FREE | No Freeze Average: $70/month = a great deal with less commitment for summers spent outside.
MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY!
Friday, December 1 is an all day event! Morning, afternoon, and night, we’ve put together a schedule of fun featuring all the best Edgeworks has to offer.
Stop by the gym for the 1-Day Membership Sale and stick around for the fun MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY activities including morning coffee and treats, fun challenges throughout the day, a member social and …
FREE! CLIMBING CLINICS
A highlight of our climbing school offerings, these clinics are designed to facilitate your growth as a climber and inspire you to push your boundaries. Clinics are exclusively available to Edgeworks members and space is limited; be sure to sign up early!
Grab your gear and gather your crew because it’s BONUS Guest Pass Week at all Edgeworks locations!
Members receive 1 BONUS Free Guest Pass every day from November 27 to December 1! Bring your friends, neighbors, or that climbing buddy who keeps asking to climb for free. Let’s share the love for climbing!
Passes are valid for use between Nov 27 and Dec 1, 2023 only.
Limit 1 pass/day for members and guests.
This offer aims to foster a shared love of climbing with our members and community; please keep with the spirit of this bonus perk for our members. Other restrictions may apply.
MEMBERSHIP PERKS + REWARDS
UNLOCK MORE CLIMBING WITH JUST ONE MEMBERSHIP!
From Seattle to Tacoma and 2 exciting projects underway in Bellevue, Edgeworks opens doors to the most rope climbing, bouldering, expert instruction, outdoor adventure, fitness and training options in the area!
Maintaining our roots as a locally owned and operated business, we’re dedicated to elevating your climbing and community experience. By actively listening to our members, we continuously evolve to provide the ultimate climbing experience.
CLIMBING + COMMUNITY
Whether it’s the vertical rush of rope climbing or the creative challenges of bouldering, Edgeworks has you covered – both, in the gym and outside. We’re committed to facilitating your growth as a climber and inspiring you to push your boundaries.
Yet our focus for our members goes beyond climbing. Here, you’ll also find community. We aim to build spaces where you can choose to hang out even if you aren’t climbing because you know it’s where you’ll find your people and it’s where you belong.
TRAINING + FITNESS
Have specific training goals in mind? Ready to level up your climbing skills? From training walls, hangboards and cardio equipment to yoga, group fitness, personal trainers and expert climbing school instructors – Edgeworks has it all for you!
Need guidance on where to start? Our dedicated staff are here to help. Explore the schedules on our website or talk with our trainers and instructors for personalized advice.
INSTRUCTION
At Edgeworks, everyone is welcome – no matter your current skill level or experience.
We offer classes designed to facilitate your growth as a climber and inspire you to push your boundaries. Regardless of where you begin, mastering the skills of belaying or refining your climbing techniques can boost your confidence and competence, propelling you forward on your climbing adventure.
COMMUNITY!
Community lies at the heart of our values, alongside professionalism, integrity, and adventure. To us, it’s about uniting climbing enthusiasts, adventurers, and friends around our shared passions for climbing, fitness, and fun.
That’s why we invest in fostering this community spirit. Through monthly events, challenges, clinics, social gatherings, meet-ups, and our staff-led DEI Advisory committee, we strive to create a welcoming space. Everyone is encouraged to join as they are, to grow skills, embrace challenges, and feel a sense of belonging.
Join us at Edgeworks and experience our community firsthand.
MEMBER BENFITS:
FREE! Intro to Climbing + Technique Courses
FREE! 1st Time Guest Passes (2/visit)
FREE! Guest Passes (1/month)
FREE! Age 3 and under Family Add-On
DISCOUNTS! Climbing gear, retail, instruction courses, etc.
Join us at Edgeworks Tacoma for this fun Member Black Light Event! If competitive climbing isn’t your thing but you still want to experience climbing in the black lights, this event is for you.
Sunday, October 29 | 6pm – 8pm FREE for members! Regular day pass rates apply for guests of members.
Invite your friends, wear your best GLOW, and join us for an after-hours, kid-friendly, member event. As a way to say thank you to our members, we’ll turn out the lights one more time before the work begins Monday morning to return things to “normal” around here
Please note: Some competition routes will come down prior to the member event and the climbing area will be open to the outside side lights from the front desk and 2nd floor. To experience the full effect of the black lights, be sure to join us for the 2023 BLB Comp on Saturday, Oct 28!
Roped Climbing on the shorter walls will be closed during the event but the East Room walls will be business as usual with normal lights and access.
This event is FREE for members! Guests of members can join in the fun at regular day pass rates. Come and climb with us under the vibrant glow of black lights for a memorable experience!
Black Light Bouldering made its grand return! After a brief hiatus, we’re thrilled to have hosted the year’s most creative bouldering competition.
THANK YOU to everyone who competed, all the volunteers for sharing their time and talent (we couldn’t have done it without you!) and huge shout out to our photographer, Cameron Anderson, for capturing such great moments from the community comp.
Since 2004, Edgeworks Tacoma has combined the thrill and motivation of climbing competition with the creative, exhilarating magic of black lights.
Our exceptional team of route setters meticulously crafts the year’s most captivating boulder problems, while our creative staff and dedicated volunteers transform the walls into vibrant, glowing artworks. No matter your skill level, the excitement that fills the room when the lights go out is impossible to ignore.
From the routes and black light tape decorations to the imaginative costumes and pulse-pounding beats of our DJ, every aspect of our event is designed to amaze. Join us and be part of the excitement as we continue to push the boundaries of fun and adventure!
THE REGISTRATION
Pre-registration by October 24th, guarantees access to our exclusive swag bags including an extra raffle ticket and bonus chance at walking away with an incredible raffle prize at the end of the night.
Location: Edgeworks Tacoma Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023 Pre-registration (ends 10/24): $35 members, $45 community Shirt Order w/ Registration (ends 10/10): $20 Day-of registration: $60 everyone
BLB 2023 | T-Shirt Design
Make your experience even more lit by adding this limited edition BLB 2023 t-shirt. Not only will the design glow under the black lights but this shirt will provide memories for years to come.
$20 with pre-registration by October 10; limited purchases day-of the event.
Order now to guarantee the size you want!
THE SCHEDULE
COMMUNITY SESSION: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Categories: All
Judges Meeting: 3:15pm
Competitor Check-in: 3:30pm
Competitor Rules Meeting: 3:50pm
Climbing: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
AWARDS + AFTER PARTY: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Raffle Prizes: 7:30pm
Awards: 7:45pm
Social: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
All climbers must complete a signed waiver or have one on file with Edgeworks in order to participate. Waivers must be renewed each year and are available online.
THE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
It takes a lot of support from our entire community to pull together a climbing competition like Black Light Bouldering. If you have some time to spare, we’d love to have your help!
BLB 2023 | TAPE ART VOLUNTEERS The Job: Bring your creative energy and/or taping skills to the gym! No experience necessary. Dates/Times:
Wed, October 25: 12pm-5pm or 5pm-10pm
Thur, October 26: 12pm-5pm or 5pm-10pm
Fri, October 27: 12pm-5pm or 5pm-10pm
BLB 2023 | COMP VOLUNTEERS The Job: Help manage routes, competitor queues, scoring and communication of rules as needed.
As competition setting starts to take place, wall closures will be necessary. Here’s the closure schedule to help you help plan ahead:
Tuesday, October 24: Old Lead Cave
Wednesday, October 25: OLC, Sunshine, Wall of Love + Gallery
Thursday – Friday, October 26-27: All bouldering walls
Ropes in the EAST Room will remain open to members and guests throughout the week!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | ALL DAY:
LIMITED CLIMBING AVAILABLE. CLOSED areas include: • ALL of the climbing walls in the WEST BAY; including all boulder and lower level rope walls. • Weight + Cardio areas; including Campus Board • Upstairs area; including lounge, yoga studio and Kilter Board
OPEN areas include: • The EAST BAY will be OPEN for rope climbing.
All youth programs, climbing school courses and fitness classes will be canceled. Our parking lot will be full so please plan ahead! Spectators are welcome in the competition area.
MORE DETAILS
While you’re here, be sure to check out the VIDEOfrom a previous Black Light comp! ←(click the link to video watch).
