Everybody loves the spring and summer in Rexburg. The sun begins to shine and the snow starts melting to let the summer fun begin. The Spring Semester at BYU Idaho takes place in the months of April through July. The average temperature high ranges from 62˚F-90˚F; although Rexburg weather can be very sporadic, so don’t be surprised if snow is falling in July. There are many outdoor activities to do during the warm summer months including: hiking, mountain biking, camping, picnicking, boating, white water rafting, kayaking, fishing, swimming, bridge/cliff jumping, rock climbing, motorbike riding, marathon running, and floating the dry bed. This page will focus on cliff jumping, rock climbing, and white water rafting, giving all the information necessary to have an enjoyable day activity.

Rock Climbing

Feeling cooped up and need to let some energy out? Try rock climbing. There are many options for rock climbing depending on your skill level and experience. Either visit a rock climbing gym (Sticks and Stones) or climb a structure nearby (Heise Rock Climbing).



Cost

Stick and Stones: $8/day with gear included; $5/day if you have your own gear

Heise Rock: (rental at ORC) harness= $6, helmet= $4, shoes= $7


Directions

Stick and Stones is located at 49 E Main Street, Rexburg ID (356-7116)

Heise Rock Climbing is a further drive. Follow these directions:

  1. From Idaho Falls, take HWY 26 E towards Palisades Reservoir.
  2. Travel past the Ririe turnoff, continuing through the farms until you come to the turn marked Heise Hot Spring.
  3. Travel north following the signs to the hot springs. The road meanders around a little until it crosses the Snake river, where it turns to the right, heading east, hugging the hillside.
  4. You will eventually pass Heise hot Springs, the associated campground and golf course.
  5. Continue another ¼ mile. The Heise Rock is just off the road to the left. The location is on private land so be respectful.

Preparation

If climbing at Stick and Stones gym, all gear will be provided for you. If you have your own gear, (rock climbing shoes, harnesses, and a helmet) bring them along and the fee will be reduced.

If traveling to Heise Rock, be sure to bring your own gear. This can be rented at the ORC a day in advance. At Heise Rock you will want to have someone in your party who is familiar with rock climbing so they can set up the harnesses, ropes, and belay while someone climbs. It is best to climb when the sun is out shining on the rocks so they are warm to the touch. Use the map to the right to decide where you would like to climb.


Before climbing, familiarize yourself with this rock climbing terminology (taken from: http://www.coolsportz.com/rock-climbing-signals/default.htm) :

  • "On Belay" - given by the belayer; means the belay is in effect, a fall will be caught from that point on, the climber may begin climbing.
  • "Belay On" - given by the climber; confirms that the belay is on.
  • "Climbing" - given by the climber; tells the belayer that the climber is starting to climb.
  • "Climb Away" - given by the belayer; tells the climber that the belayer knows the partner is climbing. Do not climb until you hear this; it is confirmation that the belayer is paying attention. Climbers have been hurt falling in the first few feet of a climb because the belayer was not aware the climber had started.
  • "Slack" - given by the climber; requested when the rope is too tight.
  • "Up Rope" - given by the climber; means that too much slack has developed and the climber wants the belayer to take it in. This is what you yell instead of" Take up the slack."
  • "Falling" - given by the climber; means the climber is actually falling or, just as likely, thinks he or she is about to fall - when climbers are really Calling, they usually yell "Aaahh!"
  • "On Rappel" - given by the climber; tells others that the climber is about to rappel.
  • "Oft' Belay" - given by the climber; tells the belayer that the climber is anchored or on the ground and that the climber no longer needs the protection of the belay.
  • "Belay Oft" - given by the belayer; tells the climber that the rope is out of the belay device.
  • "Rock" - given by anyone; means something is coming down, look out-should be yelled by anyone who sees something falling.

Safety


When rock climbing there are a few safety precautions to take (taken from http://www.coolsportz.com/rock-climbing-safety/default.htm):

  • Make sure all knots are tied properly and harnesses are strapped into place before beginning the climb.
  • At gyms, be aware of those climbing around you. Also, if belaying a climber, stay focused on their climb and keep communication with the climber.
  • In outdoor climbing, be sure of the rock and weather conditions.
  • Wear helmets to protect from falling rocks. If climbing and you kick a rock loose, be sure to call out “Rock!” to warn climbers and bystanders below. If you hear someone yell “Rock!”, stay in place, keep your head level, and pull your arms down to your sides. It is best to always wear your helmet to protect your head from falling rocks.
  • Know your own limits and don’t push them. Common injuries don’t come from falls, but from overuse of muscles.
  • Keep a first aid kit nearby just in case. Have tape and supplies for blisters.


Additional Ideas

After climbing you can visit Heise Hot Pools, less than a mile away! For more information visit: http://www.yellowstoneteton.org/thingstodo/RockClimbing/Heise.html
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