Pool Arch Canyon (Rock of Ages)

About This Adventure

Pool Arch Canyon (aka Rock of Ages/Land Before Time) provides some of the best hidden views in Moab with an adventurous hike up through sandstone fins, over ancient sand dunes, and down through narrow canyons. As we navigate this natural obstacle-course, we’ll climb, down-climb, shimmy, scoot, wade through water and rappel to overcome many obstacles throughout the day. This canyoneering adventure has three rappels, with the largest dropping you right underneath a hidden arch! With competent leadership (that’s us!), this canyon is excellent for adventurous beginners and also those with some canyoneering experience.

Highlights

Before You Go

What's Included

• All technical canyoneering gear
• Harness & helmet
• Expert guide
• Transportation

What to Bring

• Comfortable athletic clothing
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Water

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Groups of less than 10 people: All of your money (including your $20/person deposit and all other payments) will be refunded if you cancel prior to two weeks before your trip date. If you cancel within two weeks of your trip (and have a note from your mother) all of your money will be refunded less the $20/person deposit, except for cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip. If you cancel within 48 hours of your trip, no money will be refunded (regardless of note from mom). Groups of 10 or more: A 10% deposit is required at the time of booking. This is non-refundable unless our guides cancel due to weather. The remaining balance is due within 48 hours of the trip date. Late Arrivals: Although our tours are private, and we will accommodate late arrivals as we can, occasionally a late arrival can cause tours later in the day and/or shuttle logistics to be affected. Because of this, we reserve the right to cancel your tour if you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled reservation time. If a tour is canceled because of a late arrival, a refund will not be issued. Weather: Full refunds are given if your trip is cancelled due to bad weather. Our guides will make the final “go/no go” decision based on the weather. We’ll often go ahead with a trip even if it’s raining lightly in the morning since most canyons we go into have little flash flood risk. Also, weather around here changes quickly and more often than not the day’s weather turns out great despite a dreary morning. We assume that you’ll arrive with rain gear that makes light rain and winds tolerable. If you decide not to go on a trip even if the guides make a “go” decision, you will not receive a refund. If it’s raining cats and dogs when you show up in the morning and the weather does not appear to become tolerable or safe that day, we’ll probably cancel the trip in which case you’ll receive a full refund. If your trip does go out the door, yet gets cancelled or modified in some way mid-trip due to a change in weather, we will negotiate a fair refund with you. Please realize that safety is our primary concern in regards to the weather (remember, we’re in the canyon with you, too!). We’re not even remotely interested in taking a chance with bad weather if our safety will be in question. Do realize, however, that we make “go/no go” decisions based on whether or not it’s safe to go, not necessarily based on whether or not it will be the most pleasant to go. If the weather is so-so, yet safe enough to go, just be sure to bring rain gear and we’ll have a fun trip regardless. If you decide to cancel because of uncomfortable weather, our standard cancellation policy will apply. If you have a trip booked with us and do not show up because you’ve booked the wrong date on accident, you will be charged in full. If we are able to switch your booking to another date, you will still be charged a $40 fee that goes directly to our guide who showed up to work on time and ready for your trip. Travel Insurance: If you believe there is a chance that you will have to cancel your tour within the non-refundable 24-hour cancellation period, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. We are not affiliated with any insurance companies, but can recommend www.travelexinsurance.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is this canyon considered Moderate?+

  We rate our canyoneering trips based on physical difficulty. Pool Arch Canyon is a loop hike and requires some uphill, off-trail scrambling. There are places where we’ll use our hands and feet for progress and your guide will coach you through a few easy climbing moves. This canyon also offers the opportunity to use different techniques such as downclimbing, using a handline and “chimneying” (your feet on one wall, your back on the other). The hiking here is doable for anyone that is reasonably fit, but it is more adventurous than your run of the mill hiking trail.

• I have never rappelled before, is that ok? +

  Absolutely! Our private tours allow us to spend plenty of time at the top of each rappel going over rappel technique, answering questions, etc. On every rappel, you will be backed up with a second rope that the guide can use to slow you down or take over control if necessary. You’ll “learn the ropes” and be able to control your own speed, but you’ll never be 100% on your own.

• What should I wear?+

  For this canyon, whatever you would wear on a regular hike will be just fine. Prepare to get wet – we can almost guarantee that you’ll get your feet wet, so closed-toe shoes that can get wet are a must. Trail running shoes or old sneakers seem to work best for this canyon. “Waterproof” boots are not recommended, as they’ll turn from “waterproof” to “waterlogged” at the first ankle-deep pool. Depending on recent rains, you may have to wade or swim through a pool or two of water. Quick drying clothes and a warm layer are great for the cooler months. You can check the weather here before you arrive.

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