I'm considering some easy Chimney Rock climbs with family - Lizard Tail Spire or Stupa Crag areas - including 2-4 year olds. What are the conditions like at the bottom of the climbs? Is there a decent area of flat-ish hangout at the bottom to keep kiddos away from big drop-offs? Any other tips/comments? They have all been to crags before, but a few hundred square feet of pretty safe, pretty flat room at the bottom goes a long way at this age. Thanks for anyone who has tips! I'm up for general tips as well. If I bring the gear, I'll probably hop on something harder (5.10ish) as well, but mostly we'll be checking out the easy stuff.
Stupa would be your best crag for a safe area close to climbing. That said, best to still have supervision for the kiddos, lots of cacti and hazards on the ground, and to keep them a safe distance from the climbing. As you know Sedona is famous for loose rock and this sport crag is no exception. If you can swing a few hours away, Funship is close by which also has a few fun sport climbs with a short approach once leaving the trail, but no optimal space at the base for the littles. Have fun!
Lizard tail spire not a good area to hang out with kids. The main wall on stupa (magic cactus and the three routes right of it) is great modulo loose rock but the rest of stupa is scrambly.
slim
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Dec 9, 2025
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stupa would be good. pretty minor approach, fairly flat base area. the approach to lizard tail spire, combined with the base area (think loose chunks at the angle of repose...) probably wouldn't work. if you are talking about the cragging at the base of LTS, it would be a little better, but a long approach.
a fun and doable outing would be belaying the kiddos up bell rock. a lot of easyish routes that would work.