Mountain Project Logo

best TR kid climbing near Moab?

Original Post
Josh · · Golden, CO · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,140

Hi people of the desert,
My family is going to be in Moab for Thanksgiving this year (through a blessed series of circumstances that allow us to abstain from the usual requirement to be in Phoenix with my in-laws). If we wanted to take our kids climbing somewhere, what's your recommendation?

We'd be looking for easy-moderate toproping that is not too complicated to set up and not too burly to access. Our oldest is almost seven years old. She'll happily climb 5.6-7. Our youngest is 3-- he'll play with toy trucks in the dirt at the base. Maybe he'd hop on the rope to bounce around a bit. Maybe one or two other families join us, but that is far from certain.

I can ropegun just about anything we'd be looking for, but with only two parents watching 2 kids, I'd like to avoid climbing a big, involved pitch myself with my wife hampered by being my belayer. So, the ideal is something with top access or an easy scramble to the anchors. We can bring whatever kind of gear is needed for anchoring.

We'll be coming from Colorado (Golden), and despite living there and climbing for more than 15 years, I have climbed in the Moab area only a tiny bit (criminal negligence, I know...). Thanks so much for any advice you have.

Andrew Gram · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 3,725

The best bet is probably School Room Slabs

The only downside is the traffic on Potash Road, but it should be manageable.

Another option, though not really scramble around friendly is Ice Cream Parlor

You might also consider bouldering at Big Bend Bouldering Area

Josh · · Golden, CO · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,140

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated.

Moab Utah · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 0

Wall Street will have a narrow window of sunshine at Thanksgiving. Full sun, in November is nice and warm, the shade can be darn cool and taxing for kids. Take a lunch, be out there lunchtime.

josh holmes · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 215

While the climbing is more "kid friendly" at Wall Street the area itself is not. Roadside climbing, think belaying from the back of the truck. There is very little room for children.

So my two cents;

plus one for the ice cream pallor really fun the 5.8's are cruiser easy.
plus one for big bend boulders
plus one for Lizard Rock at the Fischers (have to lead it)
plus one for Owl Rock in Arches (have to lead it)
plus one for Anasazi Tower in Donnely Canyon (have to lead it)

big giant minus to Wall Street on Potash Road. unless letting children play in the street is ok.

Tug · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 0

Not sure why josh homes is so minus on Wall St. It is by far the most convenient place to take little kids with the easiest climbing and easiest tr set ups. That's the place you want to go if you want to get your kids on the rock.

josh holmes · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 215

@Tug
I don't think the shoulder of a highway is a good place for kids to be introduced to desert climbing.

Chris Schmidt · · Fruita, CO · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 0

some of the pull outs on Wall Street really suck and you don't have much room

the easy slab spots are great big pull outs with plenty of room and Thanksgiving Potash traffic probably will be pretty minimal

Tug · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 0

Unless your kids can climb 5.10 Indian creek would be a poor choice. . If you actually want your kids to climb take them to WallSt. If you just want your kids to hang out, climb where ever you want. But taking them to owl rock or lizard rock is just bad beta. Guide company's take hoards of kids to wall st all the time because its the only beginner crag here. Icp is not bad but your kids are not going to be able to climb more than a route or two. The Schoolroom1 and schoolroom two have tons of really easy slabs that will keep your kids entertained for as long as they want to climb and they are far enough away from the road where it is safe.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern Utah Deserts
Post a Reply to "best TR kid climbing near Moab?"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started