Moab: Kane Creek Canyon: Ice Cream Parlor
Overall:
I just recently found out about this area, which is a little embarrassing, but I haven’t ventured out for climbing in the Moab area too much with my family just yet. Now, I can’t wait until the spring when we can go – our schedule is just a little to hectic to make it work before the snow comes.
This area is a great place to get kids on the wall because it has some of the easiest climbs in the Moab area. I’ve had many parents vouch for its greatness who have taken their young kids there. There is also a lot of camping, hiking, and other activities in the area so you can make a long trip out of it which our kids always prefer.
According to Mountain Project you can get there from the Main St. in Moab. From there, head west on Kane Creek Blvd. (near McDonald’s). After the pavement ends you will begin to enter into Kane Creek Canyon. Drive about 3.6 miles down into the canyon. The potable natural spring is at 2.2 miles, so check your milage here and extrapolate for your odometer. After a creek crossing (which is dry most of the year) the road turns sharply to the left. There is some parking near large boulders here but many people drive another 100 yards and park on the road. The access trail is better there.
Routes:
There are climbs for both you and your kids here. The routes are a mix of Sport and Trad routes ranging from a 5.5 to 5.12. You can read more about these routes atMountain Project.
Approach:
Another great thing about this area is that it’s so close to the road. But while the approach is short, it can be a little steep and so your really little ones might need a hand.
Landing:
There are ledges and areas that are mostly flat but the ground is rocky. No cliffs or dangers that we are aware of.
Traffic:
This is the down side. It can get crowded with dogs and kids and tour groups. If you can, make it up there during a week day.
Additional Family Activities:
These are all of the activities we were able to find in the Kane Canyon Area, there are limitless more activities in Moab, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks within an hour drive.
Camping:
There is a ton of camping in this canyon. Read more about the campsites here.
Off Roading:
An amazing 13 mile difficult trail with a crazy amount of creek crossings. You can read about it a fourwheeler.com and alltrails.com
ATV:
These trails are also popular on an ATV. Read more here.
Hiking:
Great hikes to petroglyphs and arches!