This woman-owned climbing and canyoneering company is redefining outdoor thrills throughout Southern Utah

Written by Jessi Bang
June 4, 2024

ST. GEORGE — This woman-owned climbing business is proving that the sky’s the limit when it comes to adventure and empowerment, guiding climbers to conquer heights while breaking stereotypes and blazing trails in the great outdoors.

Gabby Olsen with Rock Odysseys leads a women's retreat group on an outdoor rock climb, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News
Rock Odysseys leads a women’s retreat group on an outdoor rock climb, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News

“It changed my life,” Gabby Olsen, owner of Rock Odysseys, said about climbing and canyoneering. “It was an outlet for physical activity, but it’s so much more than that. Climbing brings a sense of community to people. It helps your mental health. It’s brought me all over the world. It keeps up a curiosity of what else is out there and keeps pushing me to see new things, climb new things and meet new people.”

Originally from Salt Lake City, Olsen discovered her passion for climbing in 2011 during her junior year of high school. She quickly fell in love with the sport, becoming a regular at a local rock climbing gym. Eager to expand her skills, she began climbing outdoors and enrolled in rock rescue and canyoneering courses offered by the University of Utah’s outdoor recreation program.

Her dedication led her to establish the university’s first climbing club, Uscend, which grew to over 300 members, she said. She also organized and implemented a kids’ climbing program at one of the top climbing gyms in the U.S. 

Rock Odysseys is a Zion National Park guide service originally founded by a local couple in 2013. Olsen joined their team in 2016, at a time when female guides were a rarity in the area. This marked the beginning of her career as a climbing and canyoneering guide. She also ventured into the rope access industry, working with Over the Edge, an urban rappelling company that organizes fundraising events for local nonprofits.

Gabby Olsen with Rock Odysseys is pictured doing what she loves, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News
Gabby Olsen with Rock Odysseys is pictured doing what she loves, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News

As a lead guide, Olsen is an American Mountain Guides Association Certified Single Pitch Instructor. She worked with Rock Odysseys for four years, during which the company climbed from No. 9 to No. 1 on TripAdvisor, she said.

She accepted a position with the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City, where she worked for two years. But just before relocating for the job, the owner of Rock Odysseys contacted her, suggesting she consider purchasing the business. However, the couple wasn’t quite ready to sell at that time. Six months later, the owners were ready to sell. Recognizing the significance of this decision, she consulted with her family before proceeding.

“They said, ‘Gabby, it’s what you love! You should just go for it,” she said. “So I said, OK, I’m going for it. Then COVID hit.”

The pandemic forced her to wait a year; but in 2021, she took over the business.

Running a woman-owned business, she said she’s had parents specifically request her services, eager to have their daughters see a female guide and role model excelling in outdoor sports. Frequently, she encounters nervous individuals joining trips, questioning their capabilities. However, by the day’s end, they emerge with a newfound sense of confidence, astonished by their own abilities and accomplishments.

Olsen recalled one female client, in particular, who attended a women’s retreat where she climbed for the first time. She had recently endured a significant loss from her husband’s death and was struggling with low confidence and a negative mindset. Determined to break out of her comfort zone, she embraced the challenge of climbing.

“She said that’s been giving her more confidence than she’s ever had,” she said. “Seeing those kinds of things in women, it’s why I do it.”

Rock Odysseys provides guided outdoor adventures, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News
Rock Odysseys provides guided outdoor adventures, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News

Olsen hopes to provide the same confidence boost to every client she works with.

The company also collaborates with local businesses and participates in women’s events and trips, promoting female empowerment in the outdoor adventure community.

Rock Odysseys’ team now consists of a mix of three women and three men as guides. Each guide is a seasoned professional, having dedicated their careers to mastering their expertise with over a decade of experience under their belts. One of their guides crafted one of the premier multi-pitch climbs in the region, specifically tailored for their clients named “Rock Odyssey.”

The company offers climbing and canyoneering excursions across the landscapes surrounding Zion National Park. From the iconic Kolob Terrace to the hidden gems near Orderville and Hildale, they explore the best routes for adrenaline junkies.

For rock climbing enthusiasts, they venture to Snow Canyon State Park, while Dameron Valley and St. George offer their own unique thrills. The company offers convenient pickup services for clients, whisking them directly from their location to the adventure site. Upon arrival, participants are outfitted with gear by their guide and dive straight into hands-on learning.

The company offers an array of adventure options tailored to fit a variety of schedules and thrill levels. Opt for a half-day excursion, packed with excitement over four to five hours, or dive into a full-day adventure lasting seven to eight hours. For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, embark on a journey of eight-plus hours. Choose between rock climbing, canyoneering, or a fusion of both. From the young at heart to the young in years, their adventures are designed for adventurers ages 4-80.

Gabby Olsen with Rock Odysseys is pictured doing what she loves, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News
Gabby Olsen with Rock Odysseys is pictured doing what she loves, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gabby Olsen, St. George News

Rock Odysseys is gearing up to expand its operations into Escalante and further into St. George and Old Dixie Highway 91 areas, with recent permits secured for canyoneering at Yankee Doodle Canyon. They’re also eyeing partnerships with international women’s retreat companies to offer multi-day adventures in destinations like Greece, Thailand or Spain, featuring a variety of activities including climbing, rappelling, canyoneering, yoga and hiking.

Olsen is currently navigating the rigorous certification process of the American Mountain Guide Association to become a multi-pitch instructor, which involves a series of intensive courses and exams she plans to spread over the years.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of Rock Odysseys? Visit their website. Looking to add some adventure to your Instagram feed? Follow @rockodysseys for a daily dose of adrenaline and Southern Utah scenery.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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