Gabby Olsen founded Rock Odysseys in 2013. She had been president of the University of Utah climbing club, organized a youth climbing program at a top climbing gym, and traveled extensively through the American West and internationally to climb before she brought the operation to Springdale. Rock Odysseys is, by her own characterization, one of the only woman-owned and -operated guide services in the United States — a distinction she holds alongside her AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor credential.
The company offers guided rock climbing trips and instructional courses in and around Zion National Park, with a focus on making technical terrain accessible to climbers at every level. Lead guide Ethan Newman holds both an AMGA Assistant Rock Guide certification and Certified Single Pitch Instructor credentials — a guide team depth that exceeds most regional operators. The operation is permitted and licensed to operate on public land.
Olsen's approach to guiding is explicitly educational: the goal is clients leaving more capable on rock, not just more frightened of it. Group sizes stay small; all trips are private.
**Verification notes** Website live; Gabby Olsen confirmed as founder on the About page with AMGA credential and founding year 2013. AMGA credentials for Olsen and Newman confirmed. Phone verified. Company described in Utah climbing guide directories as one of only a few women-owned guide operations statewide.