Re: What? No Kids Allowed Above Treeline?!

Thanks, Tom. That was an interesting discussion on the topic, especially about the 4-person winter rule, which I admit has kept Dave and I from heading up to Baxter (sans children) in winter (yet). I think it can be a conundrum: are two or three experienced people safer than four, if you had to add one or two of those people to meet the four-man rule (but that’s probably for another thread).

Generally I love Baxter, even with its rules, often even because of its rules (no dogs, no cell phones, no radios in campgrounds, etc...). It is a remote park (and far more in winter than fall) and I'm very glad it exists and that it is intended to be more of a wilderness experience.

But, I guess when a rule suddenly applied to something I wanted to do it felt a lot different. I’d hate to see anything happen to a kid anywhere, but I still don't like or agree with the no kids above treeline rule. I'd rather have it be a very strongly worded recommendation on why it may not be appropriate or safe, but leave it up to experienced parents to decide in the end.

I’d like to think that most parents would be prepared to go back down with their kid if conditions became beyond anyone’s comfort or ability level.

I think I’m just going to have to wait and hope the rule changes this year.