Steamboat Climbing Collective

Bouldering walls, top rope routes with AutoBelays, and a Kilter Board define the interior of Steamboat Climbing Collective. Owners Karla Lankford and Bosch Erickson opened this family-friendly facility to bring transformative climbing experiences to Routt County. The 1.1-acre space features steep bouldering areas, a dedicated kids' zone with a slide, and campus boards for training. Lankford, previously the majority owner of ABC Kids Climbing in Boulder, and Erickson, a CSU graduate who returned to his hometown, built the gym with an emphasis on education and personal empowerment. Staff members like Kate Stern, a Western Colorado University alumna known for her sport climbing skills, lead classes and camps. The gym supports the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council by donating over 1 percent of its gross revenue to environmental stewardship efforts. A pay-what-you-can program ensures accessibility for all ages and abilities, while SafeSport-trained coaches provide a secure environment for children. The facility operates Monday through Friday and on Sundays, offering a consistent schedule for local climbers seeking fun, education, and community connection.