Why The Face‽

22/09/2026

Progress is happening! The Old Cottonwood Theater just got a fresh coat of white paint, one more small step on its journey to becoming our first indoor climbing gym.

So many people have shared their memories of this building with me. It's seen a lot of rites of passage, both as a theater and as a church. Some buddies told me about their first dates here. Another guy's aunt brought him to see his first R-rated movie. There were baptisms, communions, and quinceañeras.

This spot is a landmark, and I'm super stoked to make it a place we can share and grow together!

Got a memory from The Old Cottonwood Theater or Iglesia De La Cruz?

www.WhyTheFace.co

21/09/2026

Rock Climbing is a great activity for building strength, community, coordination and confidence but it can also have amazing neurological benefits.

Stay tuned as we continue work to build Cottonwood's first indoor rock climbing gym.

Thanks for the link, Apothedoc!!

Jonathan Lessin, a retired physician, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago. He started searching for a gym that would let him climb and heard no after no.

06/09/2026

Verde Valley, meet the 'Why The Face‽ Critter Crew.' We took your suggestions from the last round and made them real.
Some local artists really stepped up with their designs! Anyone here good with typeset‽
RECAP: The indoor bouldering gym going into the Old Cottonwood Theater over in the Food City Plaza is gonna have mascots. Five of them. Only one of them gets to be CLIMBING JIM. Help us decide!

1. BIGHORN SHEEP, who does not understand why we brought ropes.
2. RINGTAIL CAT, who only sends it after dark.
3. PLATYPUS, chalk bag on, tail for balance, no notes.
4. GILA MONSTER, slow, heavy, has never once fallen off.
5. AVOCADO, ripe for about eleven minutes and screaming the entire time.

HOW TO VOTE: comment with the number of who you think should be the lead mascot named 'Climbing Jim.'

Then throw us a name for any of the other four. Frank? Debra? Buehler? Something...else? We're listening, and the winning names go up on the wall when we open.

Submit your ideas in the comments and upvote any names you think are winners.

Voting closes, at some point.

Why The Face‽ Bouldering Gym, Verde Valley Plaza.

02/09/2026

Follow along to see it happen!

25/08/2026

The lease for Why The Face‽ Climbing and Fitness is officially signed. The Verde Valley is getting a climbing gym!

1389 AZ 89A, Cottonwood, in Food City Plaza right across from Dutch Bros. 2,800 square feet of bouldering cave, a warm-up area, weights, and a whole lot of plastic.

Now the part where you get in early.

Our pre-sale is live at www.WhyTheFace.co and it ends Black Friday, November 27. Buy now, climb later, pay less than anybody who walks in on opening day:

Day Pass, free shoe rental - $15 (worth $20 at opening)
1-Month Membership - $40 (goes to $52)
3-Month Membership - $150 (goes to $165)
12-Month Membership - $450 (goes to $520, that's $70 back in your pocket)
Founders Donation - $1,000, and your name goes on the Wall of Fame forever

When we open in January, the everyday rates kick in:

Verde Valley Local $52/mo
Community Rate $39/mo for students
17 and under, 65+, military and veterans, first responders and teachers
Off-Peak Local $34/mo
Household starting at $52 plus $32 per additional person under the same roof
Standard $65/mo with no commitment.
Local day pass $15
Visitor day pass $24
Youth 12 and under $12.
No join fees.

Every dollar of the pre-sale goes into walls, holds, mats and flooring. Goal is $50,000. Lock in your rate at www.WhyTheFace.co before November 27.

See you on the wall.

19/08/2026

Consistency is king, and maintaining health is crucial!

School is back in session - The kids are mingling and bringing back homework and germs!
We’ve got the IV immune boost formula in stock!
This IV treatment contains vitamin c, zinc and b vitamins. It provides hydration and nutrients that can benefit your immune system.
This is a great option to prevent or treat illness - keeping you healthy so you can go do fun stuff!

Text or email to set up your appointment!
(602)767-2513
[email protected]

03/08/2026

Visited Fossil Creek this weekend, gotta love AZ!

27/07/2026

DrAmy Wagner and I finally closed that hole in the living room wall!!