Vertical Endeavors - Bloomington

Key Highlights

• ✓Extensive variety of climbing walls and routes, including auto belay, top rope, and lead climbing, with difficulties suitable for all levels.
• ✓Auto belay routes are fun and challenging, with varying wall heights (25' to 55').
• ✓Availability of bouldering walls for those interested in that style of climbing.
• ✓Climbing instructors are described as helpful and caring about safety.
• ✓The facility is generally spacious, clean, and safe (though cleanliness is disputed in one review).
• ✓Positive atmosphere and friendly staff, making it easy to connect with other climbers.
• ✓Certification tests are required for top rope and lead belaying, ensuring a level of competency among belayers.

Standout Features

• ⭐Many walls available for both auto belay and rope climbing.
• ⭐Routes vary significantly in difficulty and height (25' to 55'), appealing to diverse skill levels.
• ⭐Helpful and safety-conscious climbing instructors.
• ⭐Large, dedicated parking lot with ample space.
• ⭐Option to pursue top rope and lead climbing with required certification tests.
• ⭐Bouldering walls available.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • No snacks, food, or beverages (except water bottles) are allowed in the climbing areas.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Climbing is inherently dangerous, with risks of serious physical injury, including disability, paralysis, or death.
• • All participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with climbing.
• • All written, posted, published, and spoken rules, requirements, policies, procedures, guidelines, instructions, and directions applicable to all activities must be followed.
• • All members and guests must comply with the judgment, direction, and decisions of the VE staff members on duty.
• • Infractions may result in restrictions or revocation of privileges or access to the facility.
• • Review and be familiar with the most current Climbing Rules & Warnings posted at www.verticalendeavors.com and in facilities.
• • VE reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change, modify, or otherwise alter Rules & Warnings at any time.
• • VE reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change, modify, remove, or otherwise alter anyone’s qualifications and privileges.
• • Customer will be informed and has the right to discuss and cure restrictions if possible; some infractions are not curable.
• • Failure to abide by VE rules and policies may result in loss of membership, facility access, and/or climbing privileges.
• • Consult with primary health care provider before beginning any fitness program or changing physical activity patterns.
• • Strongly recommended to speak with primary health care provider prior to climbing if you suspect pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, overweight, or have been inactive.
• • Only professionally manufactured rock climbing equipment approved by VE staff can be used.
• • Rock climbing instruction is not allowed by anyone other than a VE employee.
• • No rock climbing or other activities are allowed while under the influence of an intoxicating or mood altering substance.
• • Absolutely no horseplay of any kind is allowed (e.g., running, swinging/spinning on ropes, throwing objects, physical contact).
• • No sitting, standing, or climbing on railings; no pushing or horseplay on or around railings; no jumping from railings, upper levels, or mezzanines; no throwing any items over railings or upper levels.
• • One climber only per rope, route, auto-belay, or bouldering problem.
• • No children are allowed to be carried in any way while climbing.
• • Do not place a child carrier in the fall zone on the landing surface.
• • Children must remain out of the way of climbers who could potentially fall, under direct parental/responsible individual supervision while parent is climbing.
• • Use of cellular phones, audio players, headphones, or similar devices is prohibited while belaying and climbing.
• • Electronic devices should never be left on the landing surface at the base of the climb.
• • Never climb above, below, or near another climber or in any location/way that could result in injury.
• • Never stand, sit, or walk in an area at the base of the wall where another climber could fall onto you.
• • Only appropriate climbing footwear (rock climbing shoes or athletic shoes recommended) permitted on climbing surfaces.
• • No bare feet allowed in any VE facility (except locker rooms).
• • Climbing shoes must not be worn in bathrooms or locker areas prior to or during climbing.
• • Appropriate clothing (shirts and shoes) must be worn at all times (except locker rooms).
• • Helmets are available for free and their use is recommended.
• • Do not place water bottles or other objects on the landing surface below the climb.
• • Keep climbing area landing surfaces clear of all items and hazards (e.g., chairs, backpacks, water bottles, clothing, equipment).
• • No loose chalk (powdered) is allowed; only chalk balls are allowed.
• • VE is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken personal items.
• • Do not leave items in shared spaces; packs, shoes, coats, and other loose items must be stored in a locker or cubbies (locks available for purchase).
• • VE is not responsible for any item left in 'Lost & Found'; items will be kept for at least one month.
• • Groups, Lessons, and Climb Teams in progress have priority on certain routes or climbing areas.
• • If unfamiliar with proper use of weight and/or exercise equipment, ask a VE staff member for an orientation prior to use.
• • Padded landing surfaces may help but are not guaranteed to prevent injuries.
• • VE Kids Play Areas are not supervised by Vertical Endeavors staff; play in these areas is at parents’ or supervising adult’s discretion and risk, children should not be left unattended.
• • Auto Belay: All customers must be oriented to the proper use of the system by a VE staff member prior to use.
• • Auto Belay: Climber’s responsibility to properly clip into the Auto Belay and to perform the proper double checks on themselves.
• • Auto Belay: Always “DOUBLE CLIP”! Always “DOUBLE CHECK”!
• • Auto Belay: Stay/climb in line with top anchor.
• • Auto Belay: NEVER CLIMB INTO SLACK!
• • Auto Belay: Using Auto Belays to climb cracks is not allowed.
• • Auto Belay: Always acknowledge and correctly use any Auto Belay warning and/or safety system (e.g., Nicros’ Auto Belay Safety System (ABSS), Auto Belay Gates/Flags, posted signs, staff instruction).
• • Auto Belay: If Nicros’ ABSS audio/visual warning system alarm occurs, immediately stop climbing and attempt to down climb to safety!
• • Bouldering: Only allowed over padded areas.
• • Bouldering: Do not boulder under roped climbers.
• • Bouldering: Not allowed next to, above, or across any door or emergency door area.
• • Bouldering: Recommended to have a minimum of one spotter per climber.
• • Bouldering: Recommended that the Boulderer’s feet not pass above a height on the wall equivalent to the Boulderer’s shoulder height (when standing on the floor).
• • Bouldering: A spotter may not prevent injuries; spotters understand they may be injured by the Boulderer if they should fall.
• • Belaying: Only authorized participants (qualified by a VE staff member) may climb or boulder on the walls.
• • Belaying: All belayers and climbers agree to utilize proper belaying technique and DOUBLE CHECK their set-up before beginning the climb.
• • Belaying: The belayer will check the climber’s gear and knots, and the climber will check the belayer’s system and exchange confirmation at the start of each and every climb.
• • Belaying: VE requires a stopper knot on the brake or belayer side of the rope.
• • Belaying: Climbers and Belayers agree to exchange the proper commands.
• • Belaying: The belayer must pay attention to the climber at all times and keep the climber in their view.
• • Belaying: All belayers must have a VE Belay qualified tag on their harness.
• • Lead Climbing: Lead climbing is a privilege; not abiding by rules may result in loss of privileges.
• • Lead Climbing: VE requires a stopper knot on the brake or belayer side of the rope.
• • Lead Climbing: Following on lead routes is NOT allowed.
• • Lead Climbing: Practice lead falls are not allowed except in lessons supervised by VE staff.
• • Lead Climbing: All Lead climbers must have a VE Lead qualified tag on their harness.
• • Harassment: VE is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Inappropriate remarks/conduct related to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, etc. is prohibited.
• • Harassment: Verbal or physical conduct/communications of a sexual nature are strictly prohibited.
• • Harassment: Photographing staff, climbers, or spectators without permission is prohibited.

📅Booking Policy

• • All participants must sign a Vertical Endeavors Liability Waiver and Rules Agreement.
• • A signed waiver is required for all participants, climbers and spectators to enter the facility.
• • Participants 18 years old or older must present a valid photo ID to a Vertical Endeavors staff member after submitting forms to verify information.
• • Participants under 18 years old must have the waiver signed by their parent or court-appointed legal guardian.
• • All customers and members are required to fill out a new waiver every two years.
• • Any waiver filled out online will expire if not confirmed at a facility within 60 days of submission.
• • Online Waiver includes a Facility Video Orientation and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
• • Participants will be asked to demonstrate information from the Orientation Video as they complete the in-person portion of orientation with an instructor.
• • Everyone must check in at the front counter before entering the climbing area.
• • Members must show a counter employee their membership card and/or picture ID when entering.
• • Permission to climb or use the facility is not granted until after check-in.
• • Before using the facility/equipment (Auto Belays, Bouldering, Belaying, Lead Climbing or Lead Belaying), participants must be “checked out” and qualified by a VE staff member.
• • Upon passing qualification, staff will enter name in VE database as qualified for that activity.
• • If not checked out/qualified or qualification has expired, permission to participate in that activity is not granted.
• • All members and guests are required to participate in a Facility Orientation during their initial visit.
• • If it has been more than 120 days since your last visit, you may be asked to demonstrate appropriate skills again.

🚗Parking Information

• • Parking restrictions exist; note parking lot signage.
• • Overnight parking is prohibited; car may be towed by building management at owner's expense.