Family Friendly Crags
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Where do those who climb with kids go and why? We have 4 kids ranging in ages from 13 to 1 and we seem to wind up at the same places every season. So I'm looking to broaden our horizons to other kid friendly venues primarily in Colorado but also within about a day drive of Denver so WY, UT & NM. Places with a mix of grades at or below 5.11, trad, sport or both, would be great. Thanks! |
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The Lower West Side of Devils Head, Elevenmile, Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Penetente. |
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Scott, |
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Agree with Elevenmile. Great place and has place for kids to play in river and stuff. |
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Not exactly a destination, but Camp Hale just past Redcliff has about 50 sport routes about 70% of which are 5.10 and under. More than enough to keep you busy for a weekend and plenty of good camping to found.... |
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You might try the Ironclads. Same reasons Mike gave. |
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For sport climbing Penitente can't be beat. |
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DavidH wrote:For sport climbing Penitente can't be beat.For what its worth, this is a picture from Penetente. Now, I spend too much time at Castlewood and thus am really skittish about snakes, having seen a couple hundred out there through the years. And in all fairness I have not seen one at Penetente. But those high shrubs lining the paths tightly to the walls give me the creeps, much less having toddlers in tow. But all in all Penetente is a fun place. |
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City of Rocks near Almo, Idaho. I haven't actually been with the kids (Due to proximity) but I want to. It's similar to JTree in that it's mostly flat with many large rock formations. |
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@Matt, We mostly end up at the Ironclads since it is so easy to approach, is not cliffy and has not snakes. Other ares we hit are Shelf (avoiding the Bank campground), Turkey Perch and various bouldering areas like the Upper Boulderfield near Independence Pass. |
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What about smaller crags like Nip and Tuck in Boulder Canyon? Anyone know of any others? I'm trying to compile a solid list. |
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Try the Lower West Side of DH. It gets a lot of sun w/out getting too hot. Lots of moderate and really fun routes. |
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Scott, |
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Re: Camp Hale |
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Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs is excellent for young children in some areas of the park. These walls have flat, sandy areas right next to the trail to belay from. Very few catus in the park also make it nice for little ones. I hope to bring my 3-year-old out there this weekend, weather permitting. |
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- Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills is great for kids (and adults). And there is lots to do for families on rest days. |
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Jurassic Park (Lily Lake) in Estes is great for kids.
No mention of Vedauwoo so far. I only have a bit of experience there myself but I know many people, climbers and not, that love to go there with their kids.
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Vedauwoo has been one of my family favorites too. I had not been there in a year or two until I went last fall and nearly broke into tears at the sight of all the dead trees. Then the wind kicked up and all those widow makers started to sway... |
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And another nice place are the crags in the Naturita area. Good for families who want some desert stone with a mix of trad, sport and good bouldering. |
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Leave 'em at home!! |
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Mike Lane wrote: For what its worth, this is a picture from Penetente. Now, I spend too much time at Castlewood and thus am really skittish about snakes, having seen a couple hundred out there through the years. And in all fairness I have not seen one at Penetente. But those high shrubs lining the paths tightly to the walls give me the creeps, much less having toddlers in tow. But all in all Penetente is a fun place.I saw this Mike and the first thing I thought of was Castlewood! Yes, passing thru the high shrubs can feel like a scene out of Jurassic park. You're never going to be able to eliminate 100% of the risk it's just a place my wife and I alone can manage 2 kids and climb. |