Baby Steps offers a straightforward, focused trad climb perched on the slab left of the more popular ‘Maybe the Marmot Ate Your Baby’ route at Marmot Tower. Located within the rugged expanse of Staunton State Park, this single pitch climb covers about 80 feet and asks climbers to engage with a clean slab that gradually builds to a distinctive overhang. The move from the base up to the overhang unfolds across smooth rock, demanding careful footwork and steady hands. Once at the overhang, a rightward traverse leads to a crack system that feels like a brief but rewarding pulse of vertical resistance. Pulling through this is the route’s decisive move, where technique and a bit of grit combine.

Protection for Baby Steps calls for a solid rack topping out at a #2 Camalot, accommodating the range of natural features found on the climb. The slab sections provide ample opportunities to place nuts and smaller cams, but the overhang and crack require well-placed pro to maintain safety, especially given the exposed nature of the moves. For those who prefer a gentler approach or for practicing falls, it’s possible to top rope Baby Steps using the anchors located at the top of 'Maybe the Marmot Ate Your Baby,' easing the mental load.

Approaching Marmot Tower is an adventure in itself—Staunton State Park offers an inviting mix of rugged pine forests and open rocky outcrops with sweeping views of the South Platte Valley. The gravel road and forest trails leading to the base are well maintained, but climbers should prepare for a 20–30 minute approach over mixed terrain that can be slick after rain or snow melt. Arriving early in the day helps avoid the afternoon sun that bakes the slab, making early morning climbing cooler and safer.

Baby Steps rates at 5.9 PG13, positioning itself as a climb that straddles the line between fun and meaningful challenge. The ‘PG13’ comes from the occasional runout sections; while the climbing itself is straightforward, careful gear placement and confident footwork are essential to manage the risk. Compared to nearby climbs, Baby Steps feels a bit softer at the start but demands more precision and composure at the overhang and traverse—making it an excellent step-up climb for those venturing into more serious slab techniques.

The best season to climb Baby Steps stretches from late spring through early fall, when conditions on the slab remain dry and the risk of loose rock is minimal. Winter and early spring bring snow and ice to the area, which can render the slab treacherous. Descending is straightforward via a short scramble down to established trails, but climbers should watch their footing as the rocks can become slippery.

Staunton State Park, where Marmot Tower stands, provides a compelling backdrop combining solitude with accessible wilderness. The area rewards with clear mountain air, distant ridgelines, and the persistent call of the South Platte River below, inviting climbers to reconnect with the raw terrain and test their skills in a subtle but engaging trad climb. Baby Steps is a climb that promises both pragmatic enjoyment and the satisfaction of mastering controlled movement on Colorado’s sandstone slab.