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Climbing with kids!

Original Post
HoppyCamper · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 0

Fellow climbers!

Having recently become a dad, I am looking for decent climbing around Northern California and the Sierras that is family friendly. My main criteria would be that there be good single pitch (sport or trad), a relatively easy approach (no exposed scambling w/ kid on my back!) and a safe spot to hang out at the base of the climb. There are a number of crags in Castle Rock that fit the criteria, but I'd like to broaden my horizons.

No climbing for the little guy yet, but I would love it if some of my climbing fun could be shared with the whole family.

On another note, if you have kids and want to meet up for climbing around the Bay area sometime, get in touch!

Cheers!

RJNakata · · SoCal · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 460

How about Pinnacles NP, Discovery Wall. One pitch, pretty easy approach, low key.
Pinnacles National Park

Keith Boone · · Henderson, NV · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 492

Good luck with this one. I found the only place I can climb with my toddler is the gym. There are too many hazards unless you have a third person to help watch.

RJNakata · · SoCal · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 460
Keithb00ne wrote:Good luck with this one. I found the only place I can climb with my toddler is the gym. There are too many hazards unless you have a third person to help watch.
Absolutely agree with this. You need a third to watch the kid.
HoppyCamper · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 0

Pinnacles is a great suggestion. Discovery Wall has a nice broad base with plenty of room and an easy approach. Will definitely have to make my way back over there as the weather cools off for autumn!

Totally on the same page about the need for at least 3 adults. I can't imagine every trying to belay and watch a child at the same time. Would be a very dangerous situation for kid and climber!

Now I just have to convince my climbing friends that bringing the baby out to the crag is a great idea...

Keith Boone · · Henderson, NV · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 492

Also the third person can help keep the kiddo away from the base of the climb. A dropped carabiner or another piece of gear is another hazard to watch.

RJNakata · · SoCal · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 460
Keithb00ne wrote:A dropped carabiner or another piece of gear is another hazard to watch.
Little kids in helmets can make for some memorable photos.
WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 0

Hey hoppy my wife and I have a two year old and are about to have another. The trick isn't to convince your climbing friends that kids are ok. Its finding climbers with kids. We Are just north of bishop ca. And always down to climb with others. If you make it out our way, there's tons of climbing that can be great with kids. Alabama hills is one of my favorites. Hundreds of routes literally feet from where you park. As long as there's at least four adults you can always have a couple climbing and the kids are babysat. Another thing that worked good for me when we didn't have anyone else to watch, keep the kid in your osprey poco pack(or equivalent) while you belay. This only works on single pitch sport routes with safe belay positions though. You have to make some compromises but just getting out there with your kid from day one is the best thing ever. Our two year old is already climbing he dosent know anything else. Pretty soon he'll be my rope gun. Take care have fun and enjoy the journey

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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