What should we wear?
We usually enjoy some sun and some shade on every rock climbing day. Dress in layers, so you can easily adjust your “thermostat.” Comfortable, unrestrictive clothing helps your body move freely on the rock and push the limits of what you think is possible. We do not recommend blue jeans. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen protect your eyes and skin from the brilliant desert sun.

Is lunch included?
No. You are responsible for your own lunch and snacks. Please bring lots of high-calorie, nutritious food, as we burn lots of calories during our day. Tupperware containers help your sandwiches and crackers survive the crunch of a full backpack!

What time does our trip start?
When you make your reservation, take care to note your trip’s start time. Climbing start times vary greatly throughout the year to manage sun/shade exposure. In the summer, trips leave early to beat the heat. During colder months, we leave later to avoid cold morning shade.

How long will our day be?
Half-day rock climbers can expect 3-5 hours of curriculum and rock climbing. Full-day climbers will spend 7 to 8 hours rigging, learning, and climbing at the rock.

Where do we climb? What are the climbs like?
We climb at a variety of permitted locales throughout the Greater Zion area - OUTSIDE the boundary of Zion National Park. Guiding inside Zion National Park is expressly forbidden in the Park’s General Management Plan. Invariably, we climb on sandstone, the soft, tactile rock of the Desert Southwest. Climbs range from 25’ to 200’ in height and encompass a wide spectrum of difficulty. We choose climbs suitable to your experience and desired level of challenge. All climbing sites are highly aesthetic, looking out on gorgeous desert landscapes. Expect a 30 – 60 minutes drive to the climbing site from Springdale.

Do we drive our own vehicle?
We provide transportation to and from the climbing area for most groups. Groups of 12 or more may need to provide their own van transport or pay an extra fee for transport services.

Will bathrooms be available during our trip?
The last “Civilized” bathrooms are available only at Zion Adventure Company. As active proponents of Leave No Trace practices, we teach and recommend accepted desert wilderness bathroom techniques at the cliffs. You may need to carry out all your human waste, such as poop, in special bags.

Will other students be on our trip?
Unless you request a private trip ($30/person), other students may join your course.

How should we prepare for our trip?
Please refer to the Equipment List to prepare your supplies for the day. A good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast help immensely to provide high energy and awareness during class.

Do I need to be "in shape" for this course?
You need not be an “athlete” to enjoy this course. Every-day moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers, and kids regularly join us for climbing days. At the beginner level, rock climbing requires a very modest level of strength or agility. The most strenuous part of your trip will probably be the hike to the cliff (usually a 15-20 minutes).

Should I bring my camera?
In most cases, your guide will bring a digital camera to record the smiles and surprises of the day. Guides try to get photo CDs to you by day's end, or via US Mail; regardless, you will receive a photo CD of your day, free of charge. If you would like to bring your own camera or video camera, however, you are welcome to do so.

Where do we meet our guide?
Meet your guide at Zion Adventure Company’s location at 36 Lion Boulevard, across from the Quality Inn & RV Park in Springdale. Click here for directions.

Aside from clothing, food, and water, what else should I bring?
Please bring any important medications along with you (inhaler, allergy meds, etc.) and let us know about them.

Do trips cancel if there is rain in the forecast?
Sometimes rain makes climbing trips unreasonable. A brief shower does not cancel a trip, but a soaking rain renders the cliffs slippery and virtually un-climbable. In the event of a weather-related cancellation, we will explain available options and let you decide which one best fits your plans. Oftentimes, we can reschedule the trip for another day.