​Petit Jean
Via Ferrata
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What does "Via Ferrata" mean?
“Via Ferrata” is Italian for "by way of iron" or "iron road".
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What is a Via Ferrata?
A via ferrata is a generic term subscribed to any system of cables, ladders, bridges, spikes, rungs or other anchors that are permanently fixed to rock faces or steep terrain to help climbers maneuver.
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Where does the idea come from?
Via ferratas have been used in Europe for a century or more. The first were probably built by alpine guides to allow their clients access to more challenging mountaineering routes. During the World Wars, via ferratas were used to help move troops through high mountain terrain, and played an important part in some mountain battles. By making the excitement, exposure and scenic beauty enjoyed by climbers accessible to many more people, via ferrata climbing has become a very popular sport in Europe, with hundreds of routes in existence and more being built all the time. The Petit Jean Via Ferrata is the first via ferrata in a State Park in the US. It includes a suspension bridge, a sky ladder, multiple aerial cable walks, and incredible views of Cedar Creek Canyon, the Petit Jean River Valley, and the Arkansas River Valley.
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Is the Petit Jean Via Ferrata safe?
It is impossible to remove all risks from an adventure activity. Via ferrata climbing is not like an amusement park ride where you're strapped in and your safety is guaranteed. It is an active, participatory sport, not unlike skiing, white water boating, mountain biking, etc. It requires alertness and careful judgment. Dangers include falling, rock fall, lightning, and a variety of other inherent risks. You will receive an orientation from Frontier Climbing Co. that explains how to manage your fall protection equipment and negotiate the inherent risks associated with via ferrata climbing.
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How do I manage my fall protection equipment?
The design of the Petit Jean Via Ferrata allows you to be in control of your own fall protection equipment. The Petit Jean Via Ferrata is equipped with a series of cable loops which you attach yourself to using a double lanyard and two carabiners. It is important to note that you should be attached to the cable 100% of the time by at least one carabiner while on the Petit Jean Via Ferrata. There should NEVER be a time when you are not clipped in to the system by at least one carabiner.
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Do I have to be in good shape to climb the Petit Jean Via Ferrata?
You should be in relatively good health, meaning you should be fit enough to complete a steep, rugged trail hike and flexible enough to step up on rungs and rocks that are irregularly spaced apart.
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Do I have to have strong arms and hands?
Surprising to most people that are new to climbing, you actually use your legs more than you do your arms. Think of it in terms of using your legs to step up to move along the route and using your arms for balance and to hold yourself onto the route.
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Is there an age requirement?
You must be 12 years or older to climb the Petit Jean Via Ferrata.
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My 11 year old is (very athletic, very adventurous, big for his/her age, etc.). Can s/he go?
No. 12 years old is the minimum age allowed to climb the Petit Jean Via Ferrata. Younger guests are more than welcome to sign up for our half-day rock climbing trips.
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How scary is the Petit Jean Via Ferrata for non-climbers?
The majority of the Petit Jean Via Ferrata route is high and exposed and so can be intimidating for some visitors that are not comfortable with heights. However, there is always a handhold for you to hold on and a foothold for you to step on, so the route is very doable for visitors who are in relatively good health. Our guides are trained to assist, but it is your responsibility to make good judgment calls on what is best for you.
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I’m scared of heights, should I climb the Petit Jean Via Ferrata?
If you have a general, healthy fear of heights you should be okay. If you are intensely scared of heights, this might not be the best activity for you. Please explore our photo gallery to get an idea of what the Petit Jean Via Ferrata route entails.
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What if I start the Petit Jean Via Ferrata and decide I don’t want to continue. Can I get off?
Yes. There are four escape (exit) routes on the Petit Jean Via Ferrata, should you decide you don’t want to continue. There is a 'warm-up' practice rock to get the hang of and qualify for the Petit Jean Via Ferrata. This is the time to decide if you would not like to commit to climbing the route. Once you begin the Petit Jean Via Ferrata, there are no refunds.
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What equipment is used?
Frontier Climbing Co. provides Petit Jean Via Ferrata climbers with a standard climbing harness and helmet, and a shock-absorbing lanyard specifically designed for via ferrata climbing.
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What is a via ferrata lanyard and how is it used?
The lanyard attaches to the belay loop of a climbing harness. It is a double or "Y" lanyard with two cords running to carabiners (snap links), which are used to anchor the climber to the fixed cable. As the climber moves past an anchor point on the cable (one of the bolts that attach the cable to the rock), one of the two carabiners is unclipped and clipped on the other side of the anchor, followed by the same sequence for the second carabiner, so that the climber is attached with at least one side of the lanyard at all times. On some of the bridge crossings, the lanyards are always clipped to an independent cable. The lanyard is equipped with a load-limiting (shock absorbing) device to reduce the jolt to the climber in the event of a fall.
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Can I bring my own gear?
No. All participants are required to use Frontier Climbing Co. gear.
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How is via ferrata climbing different from rock climbing?
There are a lot of different styles of rock climbing, but in general, with via ferrata climbing you are using fixed anchors such as rungs, cables, ropes and bridges. Also with via ferrata climbing you are using your own fall protection equipment to attach yourself to the fixed anchors where as with most styles of rock climbing the climber is belayed with a rope by his or her partner.
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"Real" climbers don't climb the Via, do they?
Many experienced rock climbers have enjoyed climbing the Petit Jean Via Ferrata. It is a nice change of pace that gives climbers a chance to leave their rope and rack in the car and climb nonstop for a couple of hours without stopping to belay. It is also a great workout and a spectacular way for climbers to introduce non-climbing friends to the vertical world.
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What should I wear?
You should dress for movement and according to the weather. The temperature tends to be about 10°F cooler on the mountain but you will be climbing and working up a sweat so it is recommended that you bring layers (long sleeve teeshirt, sweatshirt etc) so you can layer and de-layer accordingly. Short shorts are not recommended and many climbers prefer to wear pants or capris to keep their knees covered.
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Should I wear gloves?
We recommend wearing fingerless gloves while climbing, but they are not a necessity. They help with protection against minor cuts and abrasions. Fingerless bicycle style gloves are the best option because they don’t interfere with your ability to operate the carabiners. We will have gloves available for purchase at our outpost.
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What shoes should I wear?
Sturdy, close-toed shoes such as lightweight hiking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are best. Please do not wear sandals of any kind, including Chacos, Tevas, FiveFinger shoes or Crocs.
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What should I bring with me?
A small daypack, water (at least 1 liter), snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medications (if needed on the trip), camera (optional, must be secured), extra clothing (light rain jacket, sweatshirt, long sleeve t-shirt, etc.) fingerless bicycle style gloves (recommended).
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How long will the climb take?
We allot 3 hours for gear fitting, orientation, qualification, and to climb the Petit Jean Via Ferrata. Exact time depends on group size and ability.
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I have a very large group. Is this ok?
Yes. The maximum number of participants for the Petit Jean Via Ferrata is 5. Groups of 6 to 10 participants can book two trips for their group. If your group size is 11 or more, contact us at info@frontierclimbingcompany.com for discounted rates.
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Do I need a guide?
Yes.
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Can’t I just guide my own group or myself?
No. All trips must have a Frontier Climbing Co. Guide with them.
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Rock Climbing​
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Can I rock climb at Petit Jean State Park?
The state park is currently open for public and guided climbing trips through Frontier Climbing Co. Please see any of our location pages for approved guiding services and additional information on climbing.
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Do I need climbing experience?
No! Our guided climbing trips are designed for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced climbers looking to improve their skills. We'll tailor the day to your experience level.
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What kind of climbing will we do?
Most trips focus on top-rope climbing, which is ideal for learning and enjoying outdoor rock climbing in a safe, supportive environment. If you're an experienced climber looking for something more advanced, contact us to discuss your goals.
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How long are the trips?
We offer both half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) climbing experiences. Check each trip for specific timeslots.
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Will I get to climb multiple routes?
Yes! Most participants climb several routes throughout the day, depending on the group's pace and the difficulty of the climbs.
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Is rock climbing safe?
Rock climbing has inherent risks, but our guides are trained to manage those risks through professional instruction, modern equipment, and established safety practices.
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Who are the guides?
Our guides are experienced climbers with professional training who are passionate about helping people safely enjoy outdoor climbing.
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What equipment is provided?
We provide all technical climbing equipment, including:
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Helmet
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Harness
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Climbing shoes
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Chalk Bag
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Rope
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Belay devices
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All necessary climbing hardware​
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How much does a climbing trip cost?
Pricing varies by trip length and group size. Visit the Pricing page for current rates.
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How many people can join a trip?
Our maximum amount of participants is 12. If you have 12 or more people in your group, contact for discounted rates and booking.
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Can I book a private trip?
Yes, we only guide private trips tailored to your goals.
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What should I wear?
Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely and closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking.
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What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
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Plenty of water
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Snacks or lunch (for full-day trips)
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Sunscreen
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Bug spray
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Weather-appropriate clothing
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A small backpack
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Any personal medical supplies.
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Is there an age requirement?
We've taken out climbers as young as 5 years old and as experienced as 72 years old. As long as you can follow directions while climbing and you have a desire to climb, you'll have a great trip.
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Do I need to be physically fit?
You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable hiking short distances over uneven terrain and participating in physical activity throughout the day.
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Can I participate if I'm afraid of heights?
Absolutely. Many first-time climbers have concerns about heights. Our guides help you progress at a pace that's comfortable for you, and there's never pressure to climb higher than you're comfortable with.
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Where do we meet?
If your trip is at Petit Jean State Park, we will meet at Mather Lodge to get geared up. If your trip is at Rattlesnake Ridge or Dardanelle Rock, we will meet at the parking areas for those crags.
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Where do you climb?
We guide at several climbing areas throughout Arkansas. Rattlesnake Ridge outside Little Rock has two walls, Nowlin Creek and West Pinn. Dardanelle Rock outside Russellville as over 100 routes to climb as you hike to the summit. At Petit Jean State Park, we guide within the Seven Hollows trail system.
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What happens if the weather is bad?
Trips may continue in light rain depending on conditions, but severe weather or unsafe rock conditions may require rescheduling.
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Can my friends or family come watch?
Yes. Any spectators will need to sign a liability waiver.
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Can I bring my own climbing gear?
Yes. You're welcome to use your own equipment as long as it meets current safety standards. Your guide will inspect it before use.
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Can I take photos while climbing?
Yes! We encourage photos when it's safe to do so. Your guide may also take pictures throughout the day.
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Will I have to lead climb?
No. Beginner climbing trips are conducted on top rope, so you can focus on climbing without worrying about placing protection or leading.
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What if I can't make it to the top?
That's perfectly okay! Success isn't measured by reaching the top. Our goal is for you to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and have fun outdoors. Many participants surprise themselves with how much they accomplish.