Vertical Plains 2026
Vertical Plains is a celebration of the world we live in with a little climbing thrown in. The Vertical Plains Climbing Competition, West Texas' best competition for skilled and beginning rock climbers, will take place on Saturday April 11th, 2026. As an added bonus inSPIRE Rock Lubbock will host a screening of REEL Rock 20 on Friday April 10th. The annual Vertical Plains Climbing Competition is the biggest event hosted by the Outdoor Pursuits Center every year, and this year's 25th annual event will be no different. It is a climbing competition that draws competitors from across the southwest and promotes camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the love of climbing. We encourage everyone, regardless of their experience, to join in the competition and have a great time!
- Beginner (Youth, climbing less than 1 year, or less than 5b)
- Open (Climbing more than 1 year, or 5b to 6a)
- Advanced (Above 6a)
Schedule: Saturday, April 11th, 2026
- Check-in | 8:00am – 8:30am
- Climber meeting | 8:30am – 8:50am
- Climbing time | 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Access Fund raffle/crate stacking | 12:15pm – 12:45pm
- Awards ceremony | 1:00pm
- Exact times are subject to change
Competition Registration:
Click HERE to register for Vertical Plains 2026!Parking
Parking is controlled at Texas Tech University and we don't want you to get a ticket! If you need to secure parking during a weekday before 5:30 pm, please click here for instructions. There is no charge for parking after 5:30 pm on Weekdays in the "R" lots.
Climbing Waiver
All climbers must complete a waiver to complete their registration. If under the age of 18 the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Click here to download the waiver.
Prizes
All Competitors will receive a Vertical Plains Shirt with registration and a small goodie bag from some generous sponsors. The top 3 climbers in each division will receive a Vertical Plains commemorative clay mug, handmade by Texas artist, David Echols with the single top climber in each division also receiving a special Vertical Plains hat.
University Recreation
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Address
Texas Tech University, Box 42151, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.3351 -
Email
recreation@ttu.edu