plan your trip at visityakima.com 37 aHIGH STEPPE CLIMBING CENTER - NATHAN JOYNER aWHITE PASS SKI AREA LOCAL OUTDOOR EXPERT NATHAN JOYNER - HIGH STEPPE CLIMBING CENTER aYAKIMA RIVER CANYON Photo by Shannon Mahre Read the full interview What began as a series of conversations among a group of friends and passionate climbers more than five years ago has become High Steppe Climbing Center, a thriving place of community for the curious and those passionate about climbing. It’s a place for novice and experienced climbers to gather, learn, build skills, inspire each other, train, compete and have fun. The center’s name is a reference to the climbing movement (high-step) with a nod to the unique shrubsteppe landscape that surrounds much of the climbing terrain around the Yakima Valley. Regulars and visitors are always welcome! You’ve created a variety of experiences, activities and learning opportunities for kids and youth. Has this been an important part of your mission? Kids are a big part of our mission. We know that families in the valley need fun, indoor activities, so it makes sense that we would offer kids classes. Above and beyond that, climbing is such a good activity for youngsters to learn life skills, including perseverance, self-reliance, stress-management, problem solving, grit and the list goes on! What do you love about the climbing terrain and routes around the Yakima Valley? There is so much to love about the local outdoor climbing! Easy access is one thing – the closest rock is just 25 minutes from town. Also, there is a lot of climbing along Highway 12. Hundreds of routes at a dozen separate cliffs line the road from Naches to White Pass. The climbing is so good folks regularly travel from the west side of the state to climb here. Lastly, the Tieton River Valley is a beautiful place.
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