Ross Park is a city park on the south side of Pocatello, in southeast Idaho, with two short basalt cliffs running along it. Locals call them the Sunny Side and the Shady Side. Between them, they hold well over 100 marked routes, most of them easy to top-rope, with a zoo, playgrounds and restrooms nearby.

The honest family verdict: one of the most family-friendly climbing spots in the West. Short walls, numbered and graded routes, maintained anchors and city-park facilities. Bring a sun plan, because the Sunny Side lives up to its name.

We have climbed here over the years.

Family crag snapshot

Check access before you go

Ross Park is a public city park, and climbing is a normal part of its use. Idaho State University’s Outdoor Program maintains the top-rope anchors on both sides. The bolts on the Sunny Side are also kept up for the Pocatello Pump, a climbing competition that has run since 1981 (Mountain Project).

Because it is a busy city park, be a good neighbor. Park in the climbers’ lots, keep noise down, and pack out your trash.

Getting there with kids

The park’s listed address is 3270 S. 2nd Avenue, Pocatello (Southeast Idaho High Country). For the Sunny Side, take S. 2nd Street through the south side of the park to a climbers’ lot about half a mile south of the Pocatello Zoo (Mountain Project). The Post Register describes a dirt lot on the west side, across from the railroad tracks.

For the Shady Side, park on S. 5th Street next to the climbing area (Mountain Project).

Both walls are right off the road, so the approach is a few steps. That is the main reason Ross Park works so well with small kids.

Which walls work best for families

The Shady Side has about 60 marked and rated routes on walls of 25 to 30 feet, from 5.6 to 5.12 (Southeast Idaho High Country). Mountain Project lists it as top-rope only. It faces northeast, so it stays cool on summer evenings. Southeast Idaho High Country calls it family-friendly climbing. This is the best side for young kids on warm days.

The Sunny Side has more than 60 routes, with about half bolted for leading and the rest top-rope (Post Register). Mountain Project lists 57 sport routes, 85 top-rope lines and 3 trad routes. Routes run from about 5.7 to 5.12 on 25 to 35 foot walls. It faces southwest, which makes it warm on winter afternoons and very hot on summer afternoons.

On both sides, most routes are numbered with tags rather than named, and grades are marked at the base (Post Register, Mountain Project). That makes it easy for kids to pick a route and track their progress. The Post Register calls Ross Park “a great learning crag for new climbers” and notes tables, benches and wood chips at the base.

There is also plenty of bouldering on and around both walls. With younger kids, a simple plan is to set two top-ropes side by side on easy numbered routes, let the kids rotate, and keep a picnic blanket on the wood chips well back from the wall.

Safety notes for parents

Sun and heat. The Sunny Side bakes in the afternoon. Climb it in the morning or in cooler months, and use the Shady Side on hot days.

Steep basalt. Mountain Project describes the climbing as steep edges, pockets and cracks. Some routes are steeper than they look. Start kids on the easiest marked lines.

Railroad and roads. The Sunny Side lot is across from railroad tracks, and both walls are close to roads. Keep small children close at the parking areas.

Busy park. Ross Park is popular. Keep kids clear of other groups’ ropes.

Helmets. Wear them at the base and on routes. Our what to pack for a family crag day list covers sun and water.

Best time to visit

Spring and fall are the most comfortable. In winter, the Sunny Side is perfect on sunny afternoons. In summer, climb the Shady Side in the evening, when it is cooler (Mountain Project). The Post Register suggests the Shady Side for days of 70°F and above.

Toilets, water and food

Upper Ross Park has restrooms, picnic tables and pavilions (Mountain Project). We could not confirm drinking fountains near the walls, so bring water. Pocatello has plenty of shops and restaurants.

Where to stay

Pocatello has hotels and rentals. Most climbing families stay in town and walk or drive the few minutes to the park.

Things to do nearby with kids

Ross Park is a full day out on its own. Mountain Project lists playgrounds and pavilions in Upper Ross Park, and a zoo, a skateboard and bike park and a swimming pool on the south side. A morning on the rock and an afternoon at the zoo or the pool is an easy win with kids.

Is Pocatello good for families?

Yes. Ross Park is hard to beat for a family climbing day. The routes start steps from the car, they are marked and graded, the anchors are maintained, and the park has restrooms, playgrounds and a zoo. The main thing to manage is sun on the Sunny Side.

Pick the side by the weather: Sunny in winter, Shady in summer. Start on the easiest numbered routes. Leave time for the zoo or the playground.

New to climbing outside? Read how to choose your first outdoor climbing area with kids and our family climbing gear guide. When the kids are ready for more, try City of Rocks with kids. Or browse family climbing in the USA and all kid-friendly climbing destinations.