Rock Climbing and Canyoneering

Rock climbers travel from across the country to scale the sheer red rock walls of Arches National Park and surrounding areas. Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Permits are not required, but climbers are encouraged to register for a free permit, either online or at a kiosk outside the visitor center. Climbers are responsible for knowing park regulations, temporary route closures, and restricted routes. Two popular routes ascend Owl Rock in the Garden of Eden (about 10 miles from the visitor center); the well-worn route has a difficulty of 5.8, while a more challenging option is 5.11 on a scale that goes up to 5.13-plus. Many climbing routes are available in the Park Avenue area, about 2.2 miles from the visitor center. These routes are also extremely difficult climbs. No commercial outfitters are allowed to lead rock-climbing excursions in the park, but guided canyoneering (which involves ropes, rappelling, and some basic climbing) is allowed, and permits are required for canyoneering. Before climbing, it's imperative that you stop at the visitor center and check with a ranger about climbing regulations.

Tours and Outfitters

Desert Highlights. This guide company takes adventurous types on descents and ascents through canyons (with the help of ropes), including those found in the Fiery Furnace at Arches National Park. Full-day and multiday canyoneering treks are available to destinations both in and near the national parks. 16 S. 100 E , Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–4433; www.deserthighlights.com. From $105.

Moab Cliffs & Canyons. In a town where everyone seems to offer rafting and 4x4 expeditions, Moab Cliffs & Canyons focuses on canyoneering, climbing, and rappelling—for novice and veteran adventurers. Prices vary according to how many people sign up. This is the outfitter that provided technical assistance to the crew on the movie 127 Hours. 253 N. Main St., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–3317; 877/641–5271; www.cliffsandcanyons.com. From $175.