Booked Front Range about 2 weeks in advance to ensure we got the time and date we needed. Started early on a weekday to get some "real rock-climbing" for kids who have been to gyms and rock walls but never on the real thing (and adults who are older and rustier than we like to admit).
First off, Garden of the Gods is beautiful, but also can get crowded (because it is FREE - what!?! Thanks, Colorado Springs!). We were glad we chose an early booking at 8:30 when it wasn't yet too hot or crowded. Front Range was great - they emailed us the day before AND called us to ask if we had any questions, plus texted us a Google Maps link to the parking/meeting spot. They also told us that we would be the only ones on our climb - they keep a small group with a guide to guest ratio of 4:1, which makes for an amazing personal experience.
Jameson and Jeff were there waiting for us with gear at the ready. They got us harnessed and helmeted up and walked us to the South Gateway climbing route, explaining some of the history and geology of the area and the park along the way. It was actually pretty cool to be walking past other groups of tourists with our gear on, hearing them say "Hey, are you going to climb that?" or "Look at those guys, they're going rock-climbing..." (jealous much?)
As we requested, J & J chose a climbing route that was pretty straightforward for our family of 2 out of shape adults and 3 kids (14, 11, 9). They gave great advice on technique, routes, and of course safety. Jeff particularly was great with our youngest who was not sure this was the right activity for him, but seemed to change his mind about it (see pic). Both guides were super personable and funny, putting us all at ease.
Of course the view from the top was breath-taking and our older kids (and dad) wanted to do more climbing. This experience is enough to make someone want to move to Colorado Springs, or at least return for more. Thanks, Front Range! Thanks Jameson and Jeff!