Rappelling in Tucson: 2 Hours off the Cliff

One to three rappels down the wall, gear on, in the time most tours spend hiking.

Rappel off cliffs above Tucson in a two-hour activity with an instructor, gear, water and snacks included. You descend one to three times depending on time, starting moments from the parking area with virtually no hiking. Suitable for ages six and up and all fitness levels. Instructors are trained by the American Mountain Guide Association.

The experience

The setup cuts straight to the rappel. You arrive at the cliff, get a five-minute safety brief from your instructor, and start your first descent backed up the whole way. Depending on how the time breaks, you'll make between one and three trips down the wall. No long approach hike, no waiting around: the activity starts steps from the car.

Gear is provided and fitted to you. Water and snacks keep you fueled between descents. Your instructor stays with you throughout, trained by the American Mountain Guide Association. The views from the top are part of the draw, but the rappel itself is the point: the rope, the wall, the control of your own descent.

What’s included

• Rappelling gear fitted to you.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• instruction and safety brief from an American Mountain Guide Association-trained instructor.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:30, 13:00 and 15:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (19 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (10 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arizona Climbing Guides

Is this one for you?The two-hour window and the short walk from the car make this work for travelers who want the rappel without a full day of hiking and approach. If you're looking for a longer climbing experience or a multi-pitch descent, a different activity might suit you better.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 18 years); Child (6 to 9 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the actual time I spend rappelling versus getting ready?

The five-minute brief happens before you start, then you're on the rope. Between one and three descents fit into the two-hour window depending on how the group moves. Most of the time is spent rappelling, not gearing up or waiting.

Do I need climbing experience or special fitness to do this?

No experience is required. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, and instructors back you up the entire descent so you control the pace. Children from age six can participate.

What happens if I want to stop after one rappel?

You can do one descent if that's what you want. The "one to three trips" depends on time and your comfort. Your instructor will work with you on how many runs fit the session.

Is there any hiking involved?

Virtually none. The activity starts moments from the car, so you skip the long approach most climbing outings require.