I began rock climbing when I was 20. Feeling my late start was a disadvantage, I introduced my daughter Jasmine to the sport when she was 2.

Now at 4, Jasmine is a terrific climber, and while she can't tie her shoe, she can tie a figure eight.

I have yet to meet a child who doesn't enjoy climbing, whether it's up furniture, trees or rocks. Kids are natural climbers. But simply mention the words preschooler and rock climbing in the same sentence and a look of fear is likely to cross the face of the listener. But actually, a child is more susceptible to getting hurt at the park. On top of playground equipment, they are not protected by a full body harness, a rope and helmet.

One of the many elements we enjoy about rock climbing is it takes us to remote and wild places we wouldn't otherwise find ourselves. On a beautiful autumn day, Jasmine and I set off to Hellgate Gulch with her friends Enrya, 5, and Tate, 6. Merely getting to this climbing area is an adventure.

A narrow winding passage following an animated creek leads us through the canyon. The sound of falling water echoes off the limestone cliffs that tower hundreds of feet above. Indigenous hunter-gatherers have long traveled this sacred passage, which was part of a north-to-south trail system.

In the midst of the canyon, pictographs dating back to 650 A.D. adorn the base of a cliff. In addition to marking the trail, American Indian art sites were believed to signify places of supernatural powers. The children admired the rust-colored pigment, their imaginations interpreting stories of days gone by.

Just beyond the steep canyon, we hiked up a rugged trail through a briar patch, to the base of an 80-foot quartzite cliff. We set up ropes to bolted anchors, and outfitted the kids with a harness and helmet.

Enrya began to climb up the marbled rock, "This is fun!" she yelled. "I feel like a spider!"

Upon reaching the top, Jasmine takes in the sweeping Montana view of dry meadows and snow-capped mountains. Then looking down at me she shouts, "Mama, you look like a little ant!"

As Tate's feet reached the ground, a look of accomplishment swept over his face, "I was 80 feet in the air!" he exclaimed. "I made it to the top!"

Rock climbing creates a healthy and exciting challenge for children, requiring trust and focus. Climbing also provides an opportunity to observe cliff ecology and helps create wilderness advocates.

After enjoying a full day of rock climbing, the children displayed a newfound confidence. We said goodbye to the chiseled canyon and were greeted by the golden sun setting over Canyon Ferry Lake. Climbing reminds us that with perseverance, even a small child can reach great heights.

Mariah Davis has a degree in outdoor experiential education and is the founder of Adventures Unlimited. For information call 465-4562.