ROCK SCRAMBLING & CANYONEERING

GUIDED ROCK SCRAMBLING & CANYONEERING

Rock scrambling means to climb a simple rock face or mountain without using a rope or other technical climbing gear. The process of scrambling lies between hiking and technical rock climbing. Perhaps the best way to differentiate it from hiking is that in rock scrambling, you use your hands for balance and to pull up.

Canyoneering means to explore a canyon or stream channel—going from Point A to Point B—using a range of techniques that include hiking, scrambling, sliding, stemming, chimneying and rappelling. Think reverse climbing and scrambling with a little “butt-sliding.“ Maybe even a lot of butt-sliding!

ROCK SCRAMBLING

The Rock Scramble Adventure offers breathtaking views all the way to the sheer cliff vista. Depending on group size, age, range and ability, this adventure can take 1 to 2 hours.This route is mainly a Class 2 variety, including a wide range of hiking and a route that features exposure, loose rock and steep scree slopes (with a few short sections of Class 3 scrambling or un-roped climbing). You must use your hands most of the time to hold the terrain and/or find your route.

For our prices, see ATA’s Guided Day Adventure Rates webpage.

CANYONEERING

ATA‘s Introduction to Canyoneering & Rock Scramble is a combination of hiking and rock scrambling over cliffs in a river stream—a family–friendly activity! The drive time from Killington is 1 hour, and the canyoneering adventure takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete. It consists of Class 1 activity with simple hiking and very few physical obstacles and Class 2 easy climbing/scrambling. A rope is not required but may assist as a handline. Water flow is classified as either Class A with a normally dry canyon or very little water that you can usually avoid, or Class B with water but no current (so it is stagnant in pools during the spring or after a decent rain). Remember that

The Gulf River Canyoneering Adventure is a full–day journey that includes a 2-mile uphill hike followed by repelling and rock scrambling down a 1–mile stretch of beautiful, washed marble stream bed. Class 1 features normal hiking with very few physical obstacles, and Class 2 includes easy climbing or scrambling. A rope is not required but may assist as a handline. This adventure includes a Class 3 section with technical canyoneering that involves rappels and climbing techniques like stemming. Water flow is classified as either Class A with a normally dry canyon or very little water that you can usually avoid, or Class B with water but no current (so it is stagnant in pools during the spring or after a decent rain). Just as in the afore-mentioned canyoneering adventure, remember that hiking boots may get wet!