Meet the Founders
Courtney Boyle
Founder, Marketing and Programming
Courtney started climbing in 2007 in Southern California, her first experience messily pulling her way up some slab in Joshua Tree National Park, CA. While always maintaining recreational status as a climber, she has had the opportunity to climb in beautiful wild spaces around the country and is passionate about making it a pastime for her family. Courtney also loves skiing, hiking, backpacking, boating and all the things outdoors. As the owner of a local small business ECO, Courtney brings entrepreneurial and business management experience to the gym, but is most excited about getting back to her playful side in this endeavor and finding new and exciting programming opportunities for the gym. Courtney also loves live music, gardening, yoga, and spending time with her partner Josh and their two kids Huxley and Jonah (who also love the climbing!). She’s excited to continue to be in relationship with the amazing and supportive climbing community.
Josh Boyle
Founder, Programs and Events Manager
Josh has been climbing in the gym and outdoors since 2007 and has been sharing his passion with friends, family and youth ever since. Josh learned how to climb institutionally with Central Wyoming College and NOLS while also learning from the great climbers in Lander, Wyoming. Some of Josh’s favorite places he’s climbed with his wife, family and friends is Joshua Tree National Park, Unaweep Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Sinks Canyon, Wild Iris and Smith Rock. He’s also taught students sport, top-rope and bouldering from Southern California to Central Washington to the boulders in our very own Bears Den. Currently, Josh shares his love for adventuring outdoors as Director of Education for ECO EdVentures, which has been partnering with Ascend the last 3 years to offer afterschool climbing club and summer camps for local youth. Josh’s true passion for climbing is sharing the sport with his family, youth and adults, and looks forward to growing the local climbing community.