Climb to New Heights!
The Y specializes in outdoor climbing tower programs, team building, and leadership development. Our staff-facilitated rock climbing programs allow participants develop their climbing skills in a respectful and supportive learning environment. All of our facilitators are CPR/First Aid certified, and trained to ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) standards and specifications.
September & October Programs
Under the Governor's Safe Start guidelines, we're offering limited 3 or 4-week climbing programs for kids and families plus course rentals.
- Beginner Kids Rock Climbing Series - Ages 5 to 8
This introductory 3 or 4-week series to rock climbing is perfect for kids who want to learn the basics. We will cover skills such as climbing safety and equipment, climbing technique, climbing commands, and knot tying. Our excellent staff will take you on a vertical adventure filled with skills, games, and fun challenges. Climbing gear, including helmets, is provided. Register >
- Family Rock Climbing Series - Ages 5 and up, with adult
Climbing is great activity for families to learn together! In this 3 or 4-week series, we will cover skills such as climbing safety and equipment, climbing technique, climbing commands and knot tying. Our excellent staff will take you on a vertical adventure filled with skills, games, and fun challenges. Adults have the opportunity to learn how to belay. Climbing gear, including helmets, is provided. YMCA family activities are the perfect way for families to explore new interests, be active and have fun together. Register >
- Northshore YMCA Climbing Tower and Cottage Lake Park Odyssey Course Rentals
Small group rentals now available on weekends! The group size is limited to 10 or less, with a maximum of 8 households. The Climbing Tower, for ages 5 and up, is available Saturdays, 12:00 - 2:00pm. The Odyssey High Ropes course, for ages 10 and up, is available Sundays, 1:00-5:00pm. For reservations, contact Tom Walsh at ychallenge@seattleymca.org, or at 425-318-8016.
Three Outdoor Tower Locations
Our outdoor climbing towers are located in Auburn, Bothell, and Snoqualmie, WA.
Auburn Valley YMCA Alpine Tower
This 3-sided pyramid structure has six different routes ranging in difficulty. Participants climb and maneuver around the various obstacles, using hand holds, ropes, wood, and nets.
Location: Auburn Valley YMCA | Auburn, WA
Camp Keller Climbing Tower
This artificial climbing wall is 25 feet tall and has four auto-belay climbing routes. The artificial surface simulates real rock and is perfect for kids and families who want to learn the basics.
Location: YMCA Camp Keller in Snoqualmie, WA
Northshore YMCA Tower
The tallest and biggest tower in the YMCA climbing network at 35 feet, it has ten different routes, using both auto belays (cables) and manual belays (ropes).
Location: Northshore YMCA in Bothell, WA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do I bring to class?
- Face coverings (required to protect the climbing holds from heavy breathing)
- Closed-toed shoes
- Water bottle
- Comfortable athletic clothing
2. Where and how do I check-in for my climbing class?
Please arrive 15 minutes early to your scheduled program. All programs will have a single point of entry at the front of the building with our YMCA membership staff. YMCA Camp Keller will have a health screening table set up on-site. All staff and participants and staff must check-in and complete a health screening before entering the program area or participating in any program or activity.
Your climbing instructors will meet you at the single point of entry and guide you to the climbing area. Please do not show up to the climbing area. YMCA Camp Keller programs will have participants meet on-site at Camp Keller for a health screening, check-in, and climbing program.
3. What are your safety protocols?
- Disinfection of safety gear: Each harness and helmet will be disinfected before and after use, and will be set-aside specifically for you for the whole month. We will set the gear aside and quarantine it with your name on it for the next week.
- Social distancing: The climbing area is large enough to ensure distances of six feet or greater during the duration of the program. When not actively climbing, participants will be waiting more than six feet away from the climbing wall.
- Face Coverings and more: Staff will be wearing face coverings, gloves, and a face shield during climbing activity, especially when within six feet of participants. Participants will be required to wear face coverings while climbing so as not to breathe heavily on climbing holds.
- Hand sanitizer & spray: Ample hand sanitizer will be available for cleaning hands before and after climbing. We will also spray and wipe attachment points (carabiners and ropes) before and after each climber.
4. Can I use Y bucks?
Stay Engaged with the Y
Support Center
We've made it easier than ever to find member and account information with our new Support Center. Find instructions for managing your account, easy access to request forms, and a complete list of our policies all in one place.
Virtual Workouts and More
On-demand exercise, classes taught on livestream, activities for the whole family, and much more are now available through the Y. Take a short video tour to learn more about engaging with the Y from home.
Join the Y!
With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.
.