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Family Friendly Climbing?

Original Post
Kate Caron · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 0

Are there any family friendly climbing spots within an hour-ish drive of North Denver? I'm looking for a moderate approach but more importantly a belay area where kids wouldn't be at risk of falling in the river, a busy road, or falling off a cliff. Sport climbs between 8 and low 10. From browsing other posts on this topic so far I've come up with only one spot. East Colfax in CCC. Can anyone attest to this being a family friendly spot?

Thanks!

Jon Zucco · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 245

Look into Canal Zone in CCC. It's pretty much exactly what you just described.

TSluiter · · Holland, VT · Joined May 2013 · Points: 314

I was going to suggest the Canal zone as well but since I was beaten to it, I'll offer another couple:

Der Zerkle wall in the Flat Irons. Large long flat belay, no worrying about cliff edges, moderate approach and sports between 8 and 10.

Also, for a more 'wilderness' experience, try Dudes Throne in Golden Gate State Park. The walk up to the crag is nice, most of the belay zones are just fine and as a bonus(!): there is a nice pond for the kids to throw sticks in or something like that.

Kate Caron · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 0

Thanks!

Mike Walley · · Broomfield, CO · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 355

You can also take your family to Boulder Canyon or Eldo. I have taken my 10 and 12 year old girls to Wind Tower in Eldo and in BC to Happy Hour Crag, Castle Rock, The Dome, Nip & Tuck, and Boulderado. How old are your kids?

Jim Fox · · Westminster, CO · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 50

North Table Mountain is a good place for kids, but can be really crowded at peak times.

Justin Brunson · · Tacoma WA · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 2,266

I recently compiled a similar list.
Mine is based off of approach length though, so not all of these are super family friendly.
East Colfax is pretty good, but the scree slope on the right side might be a concern for some kids. You will need a third adult/responsible older sibling to keep kids out of the river, but that should go without saying in any area.

Kate Caron · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 0

Thanks everyone!

Christopher Kelly · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 443

Agreed re: East Colfax. Right nearby is also the "Play Pen." Probably the most family friendly in terms of places for the kids to play and be safe in the area. www.mountainproject.com/v/play-pen/108435850

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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