I will be in the Flagstaff area with some family that doesn't climb much. I won't have anyone capable of lead belay with me so I'm looking for somewhere I can set up a top rope from the top and belay for my family members. Any insight is greatly appreciated!
The pit has a lot of moderate routes you can access the top of (especially over towards the son tower side), and the overlook is approached from the top anyways.
The Overlook might fit your requirements. It is close to town. Beautiful scenery. A very short walk to the crag. Almost everything can be set up as a top rope. Almost everything is moderate:
Wren and Scott, thank you so much for the recommendations. From the beta it looks to me like the Pit has chains or hangers up top but the Overlook is mostly natural anchors. Is my assessment of that correct?
Also, this time of year I'm guessing I need to mindful of snakes? I think we are planning on climbing really early in the day which makes me more antsy about snakes.
Your assessment is correct. There are tons of moderate cracks at the Overlook that are easily TRd if you have gear. I think the ethic there is to try and avoid using trees.
Easy climbs for family that have accessible anchors are harder to come by at the Pit. If my memory serves me right. It's been a while. But you don't need anything beyond quickdraws and a sling or two if gear is a limiting factor.
There aren't many rattle snakes at either area. I'm sure that you could stumble upon them but I never saw one in the 10 years I frequented those areas. Definitely be aware but I wouldn't be too concerned about it. I did have a Mountain Kings snake fall on me while I was belaying at the Overlook one time. Scared the piss out of me at first and then it was kinda cool because I love snakes and it was my first time seeing that species.