Great Western Power Co. - Touchstone Climbing opened in 2007 in the heart of Uptown Oakland located in the former Great Western Power Company steam generation plant. The walls were shaped around the original building which added a unique urban climbing experience.
The Touchstone Climbing also owns gyms in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, and Fresno. They are opening 2 other locations in the Los Angeles area.
Image taken from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/71283567
History of Building
The climbing gym used to be a steam plant which is why the building now has it's signature tower. To see a page about the history of the building go to Great Western Power Company (Historic). The tower is located in the main rope climbing area and is now an empty shaft which you can peer into at the base of the tower. The route setters routinely use the large riveted bolts on the tower as foot holds for climbers.
Climbing Gym
The tallest climbing walls are 48 feet high and there are multiple routes for top-roping, lead climbing, and bouldering. Great Western also has a weight room and cardio machines upstairs, a yoga and fitness room, multiple fitness classes, and a CrossFit area in the back of the gym that also leads to a fenced in outdoor yard.
Great Western hosts a teen climbing team, the East Betas.
Image taken from http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/great-western-power-company-oakland?select=mlxaiJUGI6bVaKVPp65WIg
Links & References
- Touchstone Climbing Incorporated official website
