6-year-old boy from Colorado Springs climbs to new heights
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Sam Baker may only be a first grader, but he's one of the youngest people to ever climb Lost Arrow Spire, a famous rock climb in Yosemite National Park.
While his ascent is certainly am impressive accomplishment, he's eyeing something even more tremendous, El Capitan.
For Sam, it's easy to see that his dreams are big, just like the walls he climbs.
"It is really fun climbing," says Sam. "You find a good experience when you do it."
Last month Sam and his dad, Joe adventured to Yosemite where they climbed to tip of Lost Arrow Spire. A slender finger of granite that extends out 2,700 feet above the ground.
"It's more about having the mental stability," says Joe. "Imagine yourself getting out on the wing of an airplane, while it's flying. That's what it feels like, you are just in the wind and open air. It's so sheer, it feels like you are hanging over eternity."
Sam made history being one of the youngest to ever complete this iconic and challenging climb.
"I don't get that nervous because he is so athletic and so in shape and is always with my husband when we climb and my husband is a very smart climber," says Ann.
Rock climbing is a family affair for the Baker's. A sport that was easily passed down from Ann and Joe to their young kids.
"For me it was just a young passion to get out and climb stuff and loved climbing everything," says Joe. "I see that in my boys and I'm just trying to build it into them and encourage them."
"I love doing the things that I love to do with them," says Joe.
And they love having Garden of the Gods nearby. They say it's the perfect playground where they can show their boys the ropes and challenge them to new heights.
One of their usual climbs is Montezuma Tower. It's nothing new for Sam.
"What I love is putting these really hard obstacles in front of him and then see him overcome them and I feel like that's my role as his dad," says Joe.
With that mindset, the challenges will continue to ramp up for the father-son duo.
"Moonlight Buttress in Zion National Park is the next big thing I want to do with him," says Joe. "I'm sure we'll tag a record on it being the youngest and all in preparation to one day hopefully do El Capitan."
But before that climb happens, many days will be spent training. Sam will work on his technique, while also embracing typical kid activities. Like running around with his brothers.
His dad is proud to watch him, and help him every step of the way. One climb at a time.
"I'm having the best time of my life with my son," says Joe.
