Idaho’s largest climbing gym going up in Ammon

AMMON — A challenging experience for professional and first-time climbers awaits East Idaho.

Though not yet completed, brothers Ammon and Jake Hartner said they are excited to offer something they say the area has been lacking, and there’s no half measures about it.

“We thought, If we are going to do it, we are going to do it right, and we are going to make it great,” Ammon told EastIdahoNews.com.

Currently, the most expansive wall in the region is the Idaho State University Climbing Wall with 5,500 square feet of climbable space.

The Edge Climbing Gym will have more than 17,000 square feet of climbable space and offer over 300 routes in varying difficulties.

Construction started in October with much of the steel structure behind the walls having been salvaged from a closed gym in Jackson Hole. Once in Idaho, the Hartner brothers reassembled the structure with some design changes.

“We extended the height of the original structure by about 10 feet. Now we’re as high as 40 feet straight up.” Jake said.

The routes aren’t straight vertical walls, though. Many of the routes lean out toward the climber for more of a challenge. This also increases the actual climb height closer to 50 feet.

The brothers said they have had many experts examine the progress along the way to ensure its safe and built appropriately.

“We have been working close with a structural engineer, weld experts, bolt examiners and all kinds of climbing professionals,” Jake said.

The brothers say the building of this gym has attracted the attention of professional climbers who simply want to be a part of the project. It has also turned heads in city government offices.

“Can you believe it? The largest rock wall (in the state) right here in Ammon?” Ammon City Mayor Dana Kirkham told EastIdahoNews.com. “We are excited to have them. It will be great to have them as part of our community, and it will be great to have the services they offer.”

The brothers said memberships will be offered along with day passes. There will be a pro shop for climbers to purchase or rent equipment, as well as yoga classes, free weights and machine workout rooms with a cardio deck that doubles as an observation section.

The climbing walls will feature a bouldering cave and bouldering walls that top out on an observation deck. There will be numerous auto belay systems that allow climbers to safely climb alone. Other services include a repelling wall to hone the skills needed in outdoor climbing and classes to teach the novice safety and appreciation for the sport.

The gym is due to be completed by this fall and is located just off North Hitt Road on East 14 North.