Educating Climbers Since 2009

STL, MO

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Climbing Programs

AMGA Certification

Arborist Services

Adventures begin here.

Connect with nature during an unforgettable experience—from expert-led courses to day trips and travel experiences.
Person sitting on a rocky ledge wearing red climbing shoes, overlooking a lush green mountain range at sunset.
A view of a sturdy tree trunk and branches with green grass below.
A smiling child in an orange helmet and gloves hanging from a rope in a large tree.

Adventures begin here.

Connect with nature during an unforgettable experience—from expert-led courses to day trips and travel experiences.

A black location pin icon featuring a stylized cave entrance and surrounding rocks inside a circular frame.
A black location pin icon featuring a stylized cave entrance and surrounding rocks inside a circular frame.

Rock Climbing

Tree Climbing

Climbing Training

AMGA Certification

Arborist Services

Climbing Programs

Develop a connection with the outdoors through inclusive programs and trainings.

Climb into the canopy and camp among the branches. These unique adventures blend a unique challenge with unforgettable views.

Build your skills with expert, hands-on training in tree, sport, and trad climbing.

Scale sandstone bluffs and limestone cliffs. Our half-day, full-day, and multi-pitch trips give climbers of all levels the chance to experience real rock.

From mental focus to confident movement, build awareness, overcome fear, and climb with intention.

From scenic approaches to a breathtaking descent, these unique adventures are perfect for individuals, families, or groups.

Learn rope systems, safety protocols, and advanced climbing techniques tailored for arborists, educators, and outdoor leaders.

From practical rope skills to problem-solving under pressure, prepare to move with confidence in challenging situations.

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AMGA Certification

Earn your AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Certification through this hands-on program led by certified guide Jon Richard.

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SPI Course

Train with AMGA-certified instructor Jon Richard in this intensive 3-day course designed to prepare climbers for Single Pitch Instructor certification.

SPI Assessment

The SPI Assessment is the final step toward becoming a nationally certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. Show your skills, earn your credentials.
Get to Work

Arborist Services

Ensure the safety, health, and longevity of your trees with tree risk assessments, arborist-signed reports, and structural pruning.

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Tree Risk Assessment

ISA Certified Arborist Jon Richard provides professional tree risk assessments to help you make informed, confident decisions about tree safety.

Tree Inventories & Reports

Get a Certified Arborist–approved tree inventory, whether a full assessment or professional review/sign-off.

Structural Pruning

A strong framework fuels healthy growth. Encourage well-spaced branches and a central leader for resilient trees.
Get an Estimate

AMGA Certification

Earn your AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Certification through this hands-on program led by certified guide Jon Richard.

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SPI Course

Train with AMGA-certified instructor Jon Richard in this intensive 3-day course designed to prepare climbers for Single Pitch Instructor certification.

SPI Assessment

The SPI Assessment is the final step toward becoming a nationally certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. Show your skills, earn your credentials.
Get to Work

From Our Climbers

I had never been outdoor sport climbing before. Vertical Voyages made it a very comfortable and educational experience. I did things I didn’t know I could do!
Mandy
Tree Climbing
I spent two days in Arkansas learning to Trad Climb. My instructor’s knowledge, demeanor, and training techniques made the entire experience better.
Jason
Rock Climbing
Regardless of experience, you will realize there are things you don’t know that you didn’t even know about. I am a much better climber because of Vertical Voyages.
Blane
Rock Climbing
Four friends and I spent hours honing our tree climbing skills with Vertical Voyages. Their extensive knowledge, patience, and commitment to safety is unsurpassed.
Cassandra
Tree Climbing

Midwest Adventures, Midwestern Heart

Based in St. Louis, we bring expert-led climbing adventures to cliffs and trees in the Midwest and beyond.

Wherever we go, our mission is the same—make the outdoors inspiring and accessible for everyone.

Proud Partner of

Meet the Team

Smiling rock climber wearing a helmet, harness, and chalked gloves pauses on a rock face and flashes a peace sign while secured by a rope.

Shawn McDaniel

Rock Assistant & Tree Instructor

Meet Shawn
Two rock climbers wearing helmets and harnesses manage a rope together at a cliff edge, with autumn-colored trees in the background.

Thomas “Potato” Hennekes

Rock Assistant & Tree Instructor

Meet Potato
Smiling man with a white beard wearing a green T-shirt sits on shoreline rocks beside a lake, with a bridge and hills in the background.

Bob Jones

Tree Instructor & Rock Assistant

Meet Bob
Bearded man wearing a climbing helmet and winter jacket stands in falling snow near frozen ice formations.

Zubin Chandran

Rock Instructor & Tree Assistant

Meet Zubin

Program Locations

About

Based in St. Louis, Vertical Voyages leads unforgettable rock and tree climbing adventures for all ages and skill levels.

Faded Certified Arborist logo featuring a large stylized oak leaf in the center, with the words ‘CERTIFIED ARBORIST’ at the top and ‘ISA’ at the bottom inside a rectangular border.

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Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary for our introductory courses and recreational programs. For advanced instruction or professional training, prerequisites are listed in each course description.

What should I bring?

We provide all specialized climbing gear. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks. Additional requirements are listed by program.

Is it safe?

Safety is our top priority. All programs are led by certified instructors who follow industry best practices and use professional-grade equipment.

Are your courses worth the investment?

Absolutely. Our courses are designed to deliver practical skills and lasting value. In fact, we stand behind them with a simple promise: if you don’t feel you gained new knowledge or skills, we’ll refund your tuition in full.

How long are the programs?

Program lengths vary. Introductory experiences last about 2 hours, while multi-day courses and overnight adventures are also available.

Can I book a private or group session?

Absolutely. We offer customized sessions for individuals, families, schools, and organizations. Private instruction is available upon request.

Where do programs take place?

Our programs run in St. Louis and the surrounding Midwest region. Locations are selected for safety, accessibility, and a memorable outdoor experience.

How do I sign up?

You can register online through each program page or contact us directly to discuss custom courses and group bookings.