An 8-year-old boy is the youngest person ever to attempt to scale El Capitan, a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park that has become one of the most well-known and challenging destinations for rock climbers.
If Sam Baker makes it up the rock face, he will also become the youngest ever to reach El Capitan’s summit, which stands taller than two Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other.
Sam began rock climbing early in his life, but it is possible that he may not be old enough to take on the challenge.
According to the National Park Service there are approximately 100 accidents that result from climbing in Yosemite each year.
Sam’s dad, Joe Baker, is with his son every step of the way. According to Baker, Sam is wearing a harness for safety. They spoke to “Good Morning America”Wednesday during an overnight rest about one-third of way up
They appeared to be in good spirits, and they were eager to finish the challenge.