Looking for advice on where to climb-summer road trip with kids

Here is what I know:
I'm going to be in going on a multi-purpose road trip this summer. Leaving MN on June 18, have a wedding in Dillon CO on June 21st, need to drive to visit Grandma in Sedona AZ and get back to MN by June 29. We plan on spending at least one night either on the way out or back in the Black Hills and will climb at Rushmore.

This is what I need:
Looking for areas that would be good to climb with kids at (7 and 9). This means easy approach, and base of climbs are generally not too dangerous.

Any non-climbing stuff along the way (especially Dillon to Sedona) that's a can't miss. I'm thinking Grand Canyon, Indian ruins, breweries, etc...

Also looking for a 1/2 day river rafting trip appropriate for kids. We wanted to do one last summer in the Tetons but ran out of time.

It would help to know what your route is going to be and what kind of stuff your kids climb. 10 mile canyon has some easy approachable trad in Summit County. If you don't mind driving 45 minutes, Camp Hale has the practice wall which is about as kid friendly as it gets ( Vault toilet, huge flat grassy area we trees for shade at base, bolted top rope routes, no approach) Climbing is super easy at the practice Wall, 5.8 might be the hardest.

For the 7 year old rafting, the Colorado from Shoshone power plant to Glenwood has a combination of barely class 3 at the 1st 3rd to a float for the last 2/3 including a chance to soak in hot springs that feed into the Colorado river. Some of the other rivers might be a little wild for a 7 year old in Early June. I assume we are going to have a fantastic run-off this year.

Hey Rick,
We're pretty open as far as route goes. Most likely route appears to head West on 70 out of Dillon and then bust South through Arches and Moab. I'm open to going a different way though.

Kids can crush face climbs to about 5.7, 5.8. Cracks, one of them is a total no-go and the other can thruch up cracks to about 5.4. Practice wall sounds just our speed.

Do you have a guide or raft company you'd recommend we seek out?

Steve M wrote:Hey Kids can crush face climbs to about 5.7, 5.8. Cracks, one of them is a total no-go and the other can thruch up cracks to about 5.4.

It will probably be too hot, but consider Elephant Butte in Arches and Wilsons Arch and Looking Glass Rock south of Moab.
A slot canyon might be fun too. Maybe Dragonfly-I haven't done it though so can't comment specifically. You'll want a wet canyon most likely.
Rushmore and the Needles both great for kids. Could visit Wind and Jewel Caves too.
If you have bikes, (or want to rent) then riding down Vail Pass is a fun fast downhill, good for kids.

I cannot remember any guiding outfits that I would recommend for the Colorado River, my info would be 15 years out of date anyway.

I recommend spending less time at the Grand Canyon ( or none at all ) and more time around Moab. Delicate Arch is awesome, I don't care how touristy and your kids would love it. I have hiked it about 8 times during different seasons and plan on doing it again. If you have a vehicle with moderate clearance, the Schaefer Trail/Potash Road into Canyon Lands is worth a day and you could climb with the kids along the way.

Wall Street

Rick Blair wrote:I recommend spending less time at the Grand Canyon ( or none at all ) and more time around Moab.