Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a Private and an Opt-In Trip?
A: Because of the costs of running a trip of this kind, our one- person canyoneering or rock climbing trips are the same price as for two people; the Opt-In allows opportunity for single-participants to join a group at the standard rates of $140 for Half Day and $175 for a Full Day. Look for availabilities on the Calendar, or call for more info.
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Q: What gear do I need to bring?
A: As we provide all technical gear including ropes, harnesses, belay devices & other hardware, helmets, gloves and climbing shoes (if climbing). Each participant will need only bring:
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Hikers or other sturdy shoes with good traction.
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Durable, active clothing. Shorts are typically fine, (but knee scuffs, or catching on vegetation are a possibility). For wet canyons, quick drying sports clothing is best; cotton tends to stick on your skin when wet. In instances of cold weather/water, we do supply wet suits.
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Always bring extra layers for unexpected cold or wet conditions--particularly for morning trips; we are operating at higher elevations and inside the canyon is always cooler than everywhere else.
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Food and water (2-3 quarts each for Half Day).
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Backpack for personal items. (We do have extra if requested.)
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Sunscreen for hikes into and out of canyon is recommended.
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Q: Are there any age, weight or height restrictions?
A: We do have full-body harnesses for kids and have taken participants as young as 3 with accompanying parents.
The maximum width for our adult harness is 42", and the manufacturers recommendation is a maximum of 310 lbs for optimal safety.
Our guides have instructed a wide range of age and experience levels, and apart from these and other health considerations, both canyoneering and rock climbing may be safely enjoyed by many.
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Q: Can young kids participate?
A: Absolutely! We will generally suggest routes that can be somewhat customized and that have shorter hiking time involved. Our Full Day Combination trips are carried out in areas with less hiking requirements so as to best utilize the time and transition from one activity to the other. Other Full Day options such as Water Canyon are likely best reserved for ages approximately 12 and up.
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Q: How does the pick-up and drop-off work?
A: Our guides do drive to you and pick you up at your designated hotel, Airbnb, or campsite at the appointed time (Mountain Standard) if you are staying in proximities of Springdale, Rockville, Virgin, La Verkin, or Hurricane.
If you are staying up on East Zion (i.e. Zion Ponderosa), Kanab, St. George, or driving to the Zion area the day of your activity, we will arrange for a convenient meeting location for you and your guide and will send you a GPS dropped pin for ease of locating.
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Q: What are the requirements to hold a reservation?
A: Purchasing trips online will charge the total fees at the time of booking. If you would prefer to hold with a deposit, we require 50% which will guarantee your reservation.
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Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Due to demand and scheduling problems, If you cancel within 14 calendar days in advance of your reservation, you will generally be charged 50% of your total booking costs. If cancellation occurs within 48 hours of trip, you will likely be charged total booking charges except in cases of emergencies, or inclement weather. If we deem weather conditions to be unsafe, a full refund will be issued.
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Q: Do we provide food and water?
A: We do not provide food or water for either the half or full day options.
Canyoneering Zion Basics
Tips & Gear
Canyoneering is a sport that inspires a sense of achievement and adventure in all who experience it. When preparing to explore a slot canyon, it is helpful to keep in mind that these water and wind-carved twists and sandstone landscapes are intriguingly different from surrounding terrain. The sunlight from above reflects at odd angles and breezes from the exit below can play off these cylindrical rooms. In the middle of a desert landscape, these slot areas can be significantly cooler and/or
damp--with some canyons holding standing water. Pre-adventure, we will discuss with you your options based on personal experience and goals to create the best trip possible for your group.
These amazing slot canyon areas range in difficulty, but all technical canyons require special equipment and skills not used in a typical hiking trip. All of the canyons we utilize are technical in that they require ropes and necessary hardware to employ these ropes safely, and must be completed top-down by rappelling vertical drops that cannot be down-climbed. We cover such techniques such the Bowline and Munter-Mule knots; how to safely load and unload your belay device; and proper outfitting and usage of harness, helmet and other safety gear. Rope inspection, and wrapping and coiling rituals are crucial for incident prevention. And Inspecting anchors, tying safety lines, and tying competent knots, are all vital elements in rappelling.
Rock Climbing
Basics:
The sport of Rock Climbing can be sub-divided into a few different practices including Sport Climbing, Traditional Climbing, Aid Climbing and Bouldering. Sport Climbing is a form of single-or-multi-pitch climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed into the rock for protection, using a rope with an aid of a belayer. This is in contrast to Traditional Climbing (Trad Climbing) where climbers must place removable protection or gear as they ascend.
Many new climbers in urban areas and in general, are first introduced to the sport in gyms featuring top-rope climbing or auto-belay systems. Many advance to lead climbing which is clipping into anchors as you ascend. This experience is very beneficial, but quite different from climbing in the great outdoors on different types of rock. The technicalities and nuances of climbing are quite broad, so the best way to learn is through the teachings and instruction of a professional guide. They will teach you the basics of gear handling, and essential safety precautions.
Our Rock Odysseys guides set up a standard top rope anchor system. This will ensure safety and ideally instill the confidence needed tp focus on footwork and techniques, the rush and sense of accomplishment, and the spectacularly scenic back-drop of the Zion National Park area.
Multi-pitch routes are available for more experienced climbers. Mock Lead climbing is a great way to practice becoming a Lead Climber. Our guides are extremely capable and prepared to help you achieve your climbing goals.