Category Archives: Guided Events

Free Canon Camera & Video Workshops in Zion

Posted on June 23, 2012 by

Canon has been running their National Parks promotion for six years now, and they are finally coming to Zion! From June 24th to July 9th, you can borrow a Canon SLR, point-and-shoot, or video camera to shoot gorgeous Zion scenery… AND you can receive free instruction on how to do it. Yes, it’s an unabashed marketing promotion on Canon’s part, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to a) try out top-of-the-line technology for free, and b) get expert advice from Canon photography teachers/mentors. Here’s the meat of the press release from Canon: The Canon Photography in the Parks Program offers participants the opportunity to learn about photography or hone their skills through free professional instruction as they take part in a guided walking photo tour of some of the most scenic national park areas. Participants can bring their own equipment or borrow, at no charge, Canon equipment from a selection of EOS DSLR cameras and EF lenses, PowerShot point-and-shoot cameras, or VIXIA camcorders. Equipment is available for photographers at every skill level. Following the tour, participants have the opportunity to print their work on site, and to download their image collection later from the Program website. Visitors of all ages and … Continue reading →

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“Escalante Canyoneering” Airs Tonight on Live Well Network!

Posted on October 17, 2011 by

In May, Tom Jones and I led a three-day Escalante Canyoneering trip for Motion TV. Along with host Greg Aiello and two guest hikers, Anna and Futch, we hiked in from the Escalante’s Egypt Trailhead, set camp along the Escalante River, and explored Ringtail Canyon and Neon Canyon. We enjoyed a spectacular backcountry experience, opening wide doors to new sights and skills for the entire Motion team, and enjoying some fantastic laughter and stories to boot. Great weather, amazing canyon light, and a top-notch film crew made the event a success, and now that editing is finished, you can experience our trip from your favorite arm chair. Live Well Network airs Motion’s Escalante River Canyoneering tonight, between 7 & 9 PM, depending on your area. Check the Live Well homepage to see the viewing schedule in your city… Or just watch the embedded video above! If YOU would like to join us for this trip in 2012, pencil the below dates into your calendar and rally some friends together to start planning soon: April 20-22 May 4-6, 12-14 June 1-3 Sept. 7-9, 21-23 Oct. 6-8 For complete trip details, see our Escalante Canyoneering page.

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Celebrating 15 Years

Posted on September 26, 2011 by

I created this video, which debuted at our big celebration on September 15th, to commemorate ZAC’s big 15th Anniversary this month. It’s my attempt to capture the scope and magic of the people and adventures ZAC has encompassed over the last decade and a half, which is really a lot to boil down into a nine-minute video. I really enjoyed assembling the movie for everyone; I got to learn so much about our history and our staff. So many amazing people walk in that door… some work for us, but of course most do not. EVERYONE, however, is responsible for making this thing called “Zion Adventure Company” work. Thank you for your love and support, and cheers to many years to come! Anna

Posted in Canyoneering, Gear, Guided Events, Hiking, Hiring, Human History, Lake Powell, Local Events, Mountain Biking, Mountainbiking, Outdoor Leadership, Reflections, Rock Climbing, Seasons, Springdale, The Narrows, Videos, ZAC Events, Zion, Zion National Park | 1 Comment

ZAC Memories from Chris & Steve Sponagle

Posted on September 6, 2011 by

We have received some great notes, letters, poems, and questions in response to our call-out for client stories to celebrate our 15th Anniversay. Thank you! Here’s another good one, from the Sponagles up in Wisconsin. We have been VERY blessed to have experienced many fun adventures with our friends at Zion Adventure Company, but two particular remembrances stand out for me.  The first was a trip with Dave and my husband Steve back in 2008 when we spent a day getting wet in Battlecreek.  It was during that trip that my excitement for canyoneering stuck and we realized that with a little extra work, we could actually develop the skills to explore technical canyons on our own.  Several years and many canyons later, we continue to return to Utah on a regular basis to play.  The second stand-out moment was on a trip to Lake Powell in 2010.  After spending a spectacular day exploring a rarely seen canyon with Jonathan, we spent the night sleeping out under the stars on a sandstone bank – absolutely mesmerizing!!!  Congratulations on your anniversary and here’s to the wonderful adventures that still lie ahead! Chris & Steve Sponagle

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Guest Blogger Myra Yanke: Adventures in Zion and Beyond

Posted on September 1, 2011 by

Once upon a time, I thought a Rick Steves guidebook was the key to adventure.  This is the story of how my horizons have broadened since then. August 2007: I come back to America from my second trip to the Jungfrau region of Switzerland and rave to my parents about the fabulousness of my trip. I shake my head sadly when they counter with descriptions of their second trip to southern Utah. Why are they so insistent on staying in America, land of Wal-Mart and McDonalds? There’s a whole world out there! August 2008: I come back to America from hiking the Haute Route, Chamonix-Zermatt, and rave to my parents about the fabulousness of my trip. Glacier hiking! High-mountain hostels! I shake my head sadly when they repeat that I really should try Utah. Staring at a bunch of rocks? I think not. May 2009: I board the plane to Las Vegas with my parents, hoping I won’t be too bored over the next 17 days. The itinerary: Bryce – Moab/Arches National Park – Havasupai – Zion. I reason that by going, I’ll be strengthening my position that my parents should get passports. I’ll be able to say “I’ve been … Continue reading →

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3DBs Help Regular People Become Able Canyoneers

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

Empowerment is the hallmark of any Zion Adventure Company course. Spend some time with our instructors on a technical course or a guided trip, and you leave more capable than when you arrived. And the more time you spend with us, the more able you become… which is why our Three-Day Basic Canyoneering courses produce some amazingly capable canyoneers, problem-solvers, and outdoor leaders. I’m highlighting our Three-Day Basic courses in response to a recent Yelp review on the course. The impact this course had on these guys is amazing, yet honestyly, this type of response is pretty common for a 3DB group: I am a frequent visitor to Zion National Park and I have always rented my gear and sought advice at ZAC. I recently took the three day basic canyoneering course and it far exceeded my expectations. I learned much more than I anticipated and all six members of our group went from knowing little-to-nothing with respect to technical canyoneering to being able to handle canyons on our own with complete confidence and proficiency (Mystery and Pine Creek). I can’t say enough about the level and breadth of instruction in this course (raps, anchor building, problem solving, sequencing, gear set up, … Continue reading →

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ZAC Memories from The Lexington School!

Posted on August 25, 2011 by

Few clients have been with us as long as The Lexington School, who celebrated fourteen years in a row with us in May. Long-time TLS leader, Frank Hardesty, is one of our very favorite school administrators, and blessed us with fantastic opportunities, even when we were small, broke, and without much experience. Thanks to Frank for believing in us, and for bringing so many great Lexington kids to Zion year after year! Jonathan, Lots of special memories with you guys and The Lexington School over the years. If it is fifteen years in business, TLS must have been in on the fledging of the company. Been a long time… and a good time. You guys have been great and have inspired me… and many of our eighth graders. Thanks for safety, for inspiration, and for creativity. I would love to be at Springdale for your celebration. However, I am invited to raft Green River (Lodore Canyon) with my son and grandson and others the last of September, and twice to Utah in such a short time is a stretch for my retirement budget. I know you will enjoy a big party. Give Catrin and Massi big hugs. I am officially retired … Continue reading →

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ZAC Memories in Verse from Bob Shear

Posted on August 23, 2011 by

Bob Shear was kind enough to send us this EPIC poem, written in antiquity, describing the adventure he and his brothers had with us in early 2000. Thanks, Bob! My brothers and I went to ZAC in March 2000 for a half-day training and a self-guided descent of Keyhole Canyon. Though we were all in our 50s, we had never really done anything together, and it became quite an adventure. Two of us, myself and Dick, continued on with canyoneering for quite a while. I still have my gear, and hopes to return to Zion some day soon. Anyway, in the fall of that year, my brother, Chet, and I got into a little poetry competition, and I wrote the story of our Zion Adventure in (not very good) verse. Here it is: It started in March, Millenium Year Phone call from brother: “Hey, come on out here.” “We can hike canyons and rap off the cliffs. Come on you sissies, no buts, ands, or ifs.” So onto the planes got two city Shears Not been together for so many years. First came the elder, a poet to some. Then came the younger, least athletic one. Slot machine airport, crude … Continue reading →

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ZAC Memories from Ellen Comiskey

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

Hi Jonathan, Our family spent a good part of one of our greatest vacations with you. In April 2004 (when your wife was pregnant with your first child), our kids were age 10, 13, 14. We came out to Utah (from Wisconsin) in early April for a week. We climbed in St. George, and went canyoneering with you and Dwayne. Today the youngest, now 18, left to go to Peru for a year, and as I think back to the wonderful times we had together, I am glad we had the opportunity to spend time doing great, fun things in the natural world under the guidance of fun and knowledgeable people like yourselves. We never could have done that on our own. The whole family remembers the great time we were able to have because you were able to take us there. Thanks. We will be back, eventually… I hope you are well. Congrats on your 15th anniversary! Love, Ellen Comiskey

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New ZAC Video: Lake Powell Canyoneering

Posted on August 9, 2011 by

When I think back on my time in the Lake Powell canyons, my heart sinks a little. Our experiences in life are fleeting; only memories remain and at some point those fade too. I will forget most moments from this trip, but I will hold many with me until my mind falters in old age. Watching people push themselves for the sake of getting better astounds and encourages me. Overcoming my own obstacles is immensely satisfying as well. Here is a moment I will not soon forget: When I stemmed across the pool Chris talks about in the video, I was so afraid, but so determined. That combination of emotions is hard to sustain for long, but when you get the opportunity to use them to make yourself better, that is a gift. Immediately following me across the pool was Chris, who shared emotions and challenges similar to my own; I had the privilege of helping talk her through the traverse and supporting her emotionally on her way across. When she made it to the other side, it gave me as much joy as it had when I had reached safety myself. This is canyoneering at its finest – when … Continue reading →

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