Getting Started with Rock Climbing

Now that the snow is clearing and the sun is shining, it’s a great time to go outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather. Rock climbing is a popular sport during the warmer months, but it’s imperative to know what you’re doing before tying in outside. Bernardo Beteta is a rock climbing guide at the Boulder Rock Club and Colorado Mountain School. He gives advice on how to start climbing with your family and what to look out for as a beginner.

Learn the Technical Aspects

Beteta suggests parents should learn the technical aspects before climbing with their children. It’s important for parents and children to become familiar with the process and comfortable before going outdoors. There are several climbing gyms where parents and children can learn the basics and become acquainted with the equipment in a safe environment.

“Learn the technical aspects in the gym, like hanging on the rope, putting on a harness that goes on top of the clothing you’re wearing, and then being in that vertical terrain and not afraid of being off the ground.”

Outdoor Climbing is Much Different

“If they [parents] are only used to climbing in the gym, they should definitely get some proper instruction to go outside with their kids before they do it,” Beteta says. “If you go outside and something doesn’t go according to plan, you need to know the technical aspects of how to solve that problem.”

If you’re new to outdoor climbing, consider hiring a guide to help you learn the techniques and what to look for, or bring a friend who has experience with this activity. A lot of vital gear is needed for outdoor climbing to ensure everyone is safe.

“It’s not something you can just look up on YouTube, buy the gear at REI, and then go and do it yourself,” Beteta says. “It’s not something you would want to start making mistakes while you’re learning and having other people be involved in those mistakes.”

Last Word

“People that are getting into the sport should definitely not take it lightly. With regard to the safety of climbing, there have been a lot of scenarios where people venture out into climbing areas without having the proper equipment or the proper instruction and knowledge. It ends up being a really bad experience, and potentially, somebody ends up getting injured.”

— Austria Cohn

4 Hoppin’ Bunny Sightings

With Easter just around the corner, this is a perfect time to take your kiddos to find the Easter Bunny. Here are various fun-filled events for children to see the hopping bunny and take adorable pictures!

Egg-Stravaganza

Lyons Park

Everything Easter is in Strasburg, and welcomes everyone to the egg hunt on Saturday, April 1. Each age group will have a separate egg hunt. Make sure to look for the Golden Egg because the winner will receive a grand prize! Keep a look out for the special guest hopping around, and enjoy the sack races and bounce house. strasburgparks.org

Easter Egg Hunt

Northridge Park

The Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 is a free annual event, so hop over to Highlands Ranch and help find the eggs. Dress for pictures and bring the camera for the special appearance from the Easter Bunny. The event is outdoors, no matter the weather, so dress accordingly. hrcaonline.org

Hop and Shop

Outlets at Castle Rock

Take the whole family Saturday, April 8, to Hop and Shop. When the kids need a break from shopping, head to the fun, Easter-themed activities. Enjoy a delicious candy buffet, join the scavenger hunt, and take family photos. outletsatcastlerock.com

Photos with Bunny

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

From Saturday, April 1 to Sunday, April 16, take all your little bunnies for photos with the one and only Easter Bunny. Reservations are limited, but walk-ups are always welcome. There are three photo packages to choose from, starting at $34.99 for five printed photos. shopcherrycreek.com

— Austria Cohn