LAHS 2009 graduate Dion Obermeyer now owns a small canyoneering and rock climbing guide service, Rock Odysseys, with his fiance Gabby Olsen. Courtesy/Dion Obermeyer

Co-owner Dion Obermeyer with Rock Odysseys guides. Courtesy/Dion Obermeyer

By DION OBERMEYER 
Owner of Rock Odysseys
LAHS 2009 Graduate 

• “Growing up in Los Alamos has had a significant impact on my life trajectory.” –Dion Obermeyer

In year 2000, I started my first job as a paper delivery boy. My route was a handful of streets in Western  Area, about a half mile east of Los Alamos High School (LAHS) and Sullivan Field.

Each delivery day a large bundle of newspapers would arrive just before I would get home from school. With at least some help from my parents, I would roll and rubber band each newspaper. Next steps were to get on my bicycle with my red messenger bag and head to the subscribers’ homes.

I saved my paychecks and built up enough to purchase both a new mountain bike and a game console. This was my routine for several years until I reached my second year of junior high. At that time, I no longer had an interest in delivering papers and team sports become a larger time commitment.

After graduating from Los Alamos High School, Class of 2009, I attended University of New Mexico in Albuquerque for freshman year for my college studies. After the first year I transferred to Northern Arizona University (NAU). In addition to my studies at NAU, I worked in a geologic laboratory that specialized in climate research in the artic regions. The laboratory’s lead, Dr. Kaufman, is a distinguished scientist with noteworthily publications including author citations in the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

In the final year of my undergraduate studies, I received several grants that provided funding to join a research group focusing on climate change in Svalbard, an archipelago located between longitude 10° and 35° E and latitude 74° and 81° North.

Upon completion of my undergraduate bachelor’s degree, I moved to Jackson, Wyo., to chase the winter snow storms and work at the world-renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. “The last of the Old West”, the town of Jackson’s motto, is a place full of bluegrass music, cowboys, summer fun, and endless snowstorms. During the summers I worked as a whitewater rafting guide. This marked the start of my career as an outdoor professional. After 3 years of fun, it was time to move on.

The next stop was Zion National Park in southwestern Utah. I was offered a guiding position for canyoneering and rock climbing. It was a great position that mixed my favorite activates. While working I met my fiancé, Gabby. She was also a guide and an exceptional rock climber as well. We used our off seasons to travel to Spain to enjoy the espresso, croissants, and amazing Mediterranean rock climbing. 

After several years of guiding, we were ready for the next career step. The owners of the company that Gabby worked for were no longer interested in the career. Gabby and I were eager for more responsibility, and we took over Rock Odysseys. Under our guidance, Rock Odysseys has become one of the premier guide services for canyoneering and rock climbing trips in Southern Utah. Rock Odysseys is now ranked number one on Trip Advisor and while focusing on quality we only employ a few of the best guides to empower and inspire every participant regardless of abilities, age, gender, background, or experience levels. Guest experiences in the beautiful slots canyons and cliffs pushes them outside of their comfort level providing benefits to both their physical and mental health. From ages 5 through 80, slot canyons and rock climbing are for everyone.

Gabby and I have finally settled down, although I do not believe any of our parents would think that to be the case. With the seasonality of our company, we are able to get back to travelling. Last winter we spent most of our time on the coast of Greece with daily cold plunges in the Argolic Gulf and world class rock climbing 10 minutes from our rental. This winter we spent several months in Kentucky at the Red River Gorge, another world-renowned rock climbing destination. We will continue to run Rock Odysseys as a premier guiding service while also continuing our passion for rock climbing. 

Growing up in Los Alamos has had a significant impact on my life trajectory. Several years of being a paper boy taught me discipline and how hard work can pay off. The emphasis on education has benefited me throughout my university studies and now as a small business owner. The access to outdoor pursuits will continue to be a priority in my life. Thank you to the community of Los Alamos for putting me on the best life path I can ask for.

Dion Obermeyer guides a rappeling client. Courtesy/Dion Obermeyer

Rappeling down a rock in Zion National Park in Utah as part of a rock climbing outing with Rock Odysseys. Courtesy/Dion Obermeyer