Daring Colorado Kid To Climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park
Colorado is known as a home for adventure seekers and one unique family is instilling that spirit in their children through mountain climbing.
8-year-old Sam Adventure Baker is training to be the youngest person to ever climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park according to the young boy's personal site.
Adventure Really Is His Middle Name
Sam's parents, Joe and Ann Baker are also proud parents to sons Sylvan Lightyear, age five, Joey Danger age two, and one daughter, Ember Moonlight who lives forever in their hearts.
Both Joe and Ann are also adventurers and have been climbing mountains for decades. In fact, the pair fell in love on their very first climb together on Pingora.
Reaching for the Stars By Climbing
You might be thinking that parents who allow their young children to climb dangerous mountains are incredibly insane. However, Joe and Ann aren't preparing their kids for just today's mountain climbing challenges, they're preparing them for the biggest obstacle of all, life.
By allowing Sam and his brothers to mountain climb they are teaching their boys problem-solving skills, strength, and courage.
At age 3 Sam followed his first multi-pitch route at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. By age 4 Sam had climbed the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder, Colorado. At age 5, Joe took Sam to climb Pingora. Sam's little brother, Sylvan Lightyear, also recently turned 5 and was able to complete the climb to Pingora's peak as well.
It's Not About Breaking Records
It's true that Sam would be the youngest person to climb El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, California, but breaking records isn't what the Baker family is really about.
The family seeks to encourage others to get out and adventure together. Joe and Ann's real goal is to raise boys that can conquer any challenge that comes their way. The couple is creating a bond and life-long memories that their boys can cherish forever.