Devils Lake might not be bad. Next to no rockfall to worry about as others have mentioned and there are plenty of areas with easier approaches. One Of them is as simple as walking a 1/4 mile down some train tracks. There are even some areas that are a little more secluded from heavy traffic so you don't have to worry about disturbing others or vice versa. Baraboo is a cool town and you can find cheap hotels nearby since I assume you won't be camping with a toddler.


It's not a world class climbing destination like Smith Rocks, Joshua Tree, or Bishop but it's our little slice of heaven in the midwest and there is plenty of awesome climbing to be had. The scenery is awesome too. Not 1000 ft. picturesque but rad nonetheless

No one has mentioned the Gunks! Not in the west though. I was going to say JTree but you have already been there. I have a 1 year old so ya, I know. I can't think of anything else in the west that would be acceptable, the approach to the creek aint bad. Let me know if you go back to JTree, I will be all over that mother fucker in April.

my wife and I were climbing "captain hook" while a couple were climbing "the hernia" or vice versa with a 1 year old in a playpen. the playpen was right next to the base of our climb. The parents of the baby were 30 yards away and everything was fine until the dad was halfway on the route and the baby started to cry. My wife and I tried to talk softly to the baby and calm him/her down. Being strangers we didnt want to just pick the baby up. Instead we tried to get the attention of the parents who seemed indifferent. The baby never began to scream, afterwards we hung out with the couple and who were early 20's. My own parents were early 20's when I was that age and we often went camping as a family. I'm sure my dad pissed off plenty of people by bringing me to places where I was the only child but I'm thankful now. That said try to be next to your baby to calm them if they need it.

• It is always better and easier with a third adult, we took a friend with us to Spain for 4 weeks and it was totally worth it. You could also check with climbing team kids, they are generally willing to help look after a little one for the opportunity to get out and climb, sounds like spring break time.

• Joshua Tree was great with our kid, but a big part of the was that there was another family there and the kids all just played together, though at 9 months there is not much in the way of interaction besides feeding and diaper changes.

• The Red River Gorge was good for us as well, rent a cabin, plush.

• What is doable will depend a lot on how mobile your child is at 9 months, could be anywhere from not at all (like ours, didn't crawl till 10 months, which is easier) to walking and falling over everything (this is probably the hardest time to get out with a little one since they want to move around but in most situations it is just not feasible). On that note, I think that Indian Creek is really bad unless they are totally immobile, there is almost nowhere to move around. Most cliffs just have a trail along the base as the only flat area (we took our son when he was 6 months but have not been back since)

Anywhere that is miles away from me is a good start like your basement or garage.

Tell ya what. Next time I'm considering responding to a thread, I'll forward you my proposed response in advance so you don't get all butt hurt by its content.

I think Burt was just kidding. But if you don't like my kids goin nuts you'd hate it when my dogs attack you. lol

Im with Burt. Leave the screemers at home with the grandparents. Why is everyone so concerned for the baby's health. Is no one interested in protecting the serenity that exists (or once existed) in the great outdoors? Do you take you kid to the movies?
Furthermore; I think that it is obsurd to suggest that all places are appropriate for kids. We've all heard stories of drug adicts and prostitutes with kids in tow. Im certain that none of you would agree that those people should "share the things they love with their children."

the answer is no-where. there is no where at any crag that's 'best' for a 9 month old. leave the kids at home, enjoy the break.