Product Description
The Colorado Plateau encompasses the high desert country of Colorado, New Maxico, Arizona, and Utah. In this fourth volume of Eric Bjornstadt's extraordinary climbing tour of the region, the author documents climbs on the region's spectacular backcountry towers and cliffs. Painstakingly illustrated and with a guide's eye for the fascinating natural history of the region, this book is a must for every Southwestern climber.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Its not a bad guide
If your looking to climb half of moab then get this book but the author split the moab area into two books the other half is in Desert rock III i think. But other than that nonsense the guide is good.

Top notch guides
Hmm. Surprised no one has reviewed this guide. Continuing in his series of Desert Rock guides, #4 is a gem in it covers many areas overlooked by the first 3. Having known Eric while living in Moab in the late 90's, I know from personal experience how much effort and pride he puts into these books. I would see him on a weekly basis as he dined at Pasta J's (probably still does) regularly. Being a jeep/ruins/gem guide in the area, he was/is familiar with nooks and crannies of the canyons it would take one dozens of years to accumulate-- which is what he has done. He would give us beta on towers, huge crack faces and more that had never been touched. We'd go out and put up first accents. Many were memorable and are in this book and in #3. Some, not so memorable, but always good memories!
Eric strives for the most accurate info he could get. He'd rely on the climbers themselves for route beta, updating the guides meticulously as he went along.
Great work.
You're in for real climbing adventure of your own with this series.
~jr ... Read more

Product Description
Sabrina Alverez had always wanted to see the panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. What she hadn’t figured on was casting her glance on her savoir, Park Ranger the Lacey Anderson, instead. Was it luck, fate, or both that Lacey was there to rescue Sabrina?

Blurb:

Sabrina Alverez never expected to be immobilized with fear, nor was she looking for love on a solo vacation to Sequoia National Park, but a lot can happen somewhere shy of, and below, 6,725 feet, when there’s an intimidating rock and a park ranger who rocks!
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Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Dont buy it
As useful as a bicycle in the middle of the ocean, probably the tires will help you as the photo of the cover of the book in order to have a good idea of how looks a climbing wall. You can get more info from the climbing holds homepages

basic book 26 pages long
very basic book. only 26 pages long. if your looking to build your own home climbing/bouldering wall. I would recommened just doing a search on google or going to the metolius climbing website.

Well, at least I didn't pay for it
This was a free, 4-for-3 book that looked interesting and I thought would be a good way for me to put together a climbing wall for my foster children that wasn't a plastic one you get at the toy stores. Children get bored on those little tiny walls with plastic holds; I am experienced in woodworking and masonry and wanted to put something up in my basement or garage (which the book specifically promises to be geared to). I don't have a 25-foot ceiling like he does and there seems to be no way to scale down the walls (no pun intended). The entire first page basically says, "Don't build your own wall without an architect or a structural engineer." Thanks.

Weak
This book hardly even covers the basics in building a wall.Very few diagrams and even fewer innovative ideas.He doesn't even bother to include many picture of walls in order to get ideas.Even the limited information free on the web surpasses the details in this book.

Pathetic
This book is an awful intro to building indoor rock walls.Outdated and too thin.It reccommends creating your own holds which is a good way to make poor holds.The Metolious website offers at least as much info as this book and it's free.Unfortunately, there is no other book to reccommend that covers building indoor walls.Someone still needs to write it. ... Read more

Product Description
Smith Rock State Park.It was on the impressive crags ofthis Oregon hideaway that American sport climbing came into its own,and to this day, some of the hardest climbs in the States are found onthese walls.Alan Watts, who has played a lead role in thedevelopment of this popular area, details herein the more then 1,000routes of Smith Rock and the surrounding area. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Classic!
Hands down the best guide to Smith Rock. I recommend it for any climber in the area.

Excellent Historical Perspective
Alan Watts did an excellent job in putting together this guide.The topos and maps are high quality, the photos are excellent and it's easy to navigate.But what really sets this guide apart from many others is the quality of the historical perspective and the overall readability of the text.Watts played an important part in the development of sport climbing in the US and thus was a controversial figure for years.His treatment of those tumultious times is worth the cost of the guide.

Going to Smith in 2 days.
One of the best guidebooks out there. The topos and pictures are clear and the descriptions are detailed. The author has probably done all the climbs so he should know. The topos even give specific gear needed at certainplaces on the climb. Where the author's climbing style lays is obvious, heseems to dislike anything with a chimney. Quality of routes are measured bya 4 star system. The author uses R and X rating. This guide has everythingyou could ask for. If you only want one guide to the area, this is it.

THE Smith Rock Guide book
This is the greatest guide book to Smith Rock State Park ever.It has it all.That is all there is to it.This is the perfect guide to the perfect climbing area. ... Read more

Product Description
In "Climbing Rock and Ice", Jerry Cinnamon offers introductory, how-to advice for beginners as well as technical information for sport climbers, seasoned veterans and programme leaders. The book includes up-to-date information on techniques, knots, equipment, belaying and leading, on anchor systems, steep ice, avalanches and climbing leadership. 25 years ago, rock and ice climbers were considered eccentrics, daredevils or lunatics. Now, climbing is a major growth area in outdoor sports, and the ever-increasing numbers of climbers have moved from fringe to mainstream. A recent survey of outdoor enthusiasts showed that over 4 million people in the US climbed rocks and mountains in 1991. Jerry Cinnamon is one of those "eccentrics" who began climbing in the early 1970s. He soon combined his enthusiasm for the sport and his skills as a teacher, developing courses in mountaineering, rock climbing and ice climbing that became part of a professional programme in Outdoor Recreation Leadership at Unity College, in Unity, Maine.Cinnamon's students practice the physical skills of climbing on rock and ice, learn to set up belaying and anchoring systems, and hone their ability to analyze new situations critically. Cinnamon breaks down skills into basic steps that match how people learn, and he passes along time-tested pointers gained from 20 years on cliffs and crags. He instructs newcomers as well as experienced climbers. This book contains the information he gives his students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Covers a lot of information, with poor illustrations.
This book covers virtually every aspect of climbing, from rock gear to avalanche detection and rescue. While it's all inclusive, the drawings (there are no photos) are poor, a significant drawback in a book like this.A lot of the things that he writes about snow and ice get very technical,especially when he discusses snowpack, ice formations, etc., which, if youhave the patience to read all the way through, are pretty interesting. I'dbuy John Long's book from the How to Rock Climb series first hands down,but this one is a good book to have nonetheless. ... Read more

Product Description
Climbers guide to all rock climbing areas in North Carolina. Includes big wall routes and short top roping areas. All season climbing. The only guide to climbing in North Carolina. Contains many photos and topos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Seller!
The seller of this product was extremely helpful and understanding! I needed this guide for a climbing trip a week from when it was purchased. She put it directly in the mail AND emailed me her favorite climbing spots in N.C. I would buy from her again.

Kelley's Climber's Guide to North Carolina
A very well done guidebook.Location information is especially helpful.Kelley made extraordinary efforts to contact climbers of early routes to obtain accurate historical data.We can only hope Kelley will put togethera fourth edition.

Great Book
This book is must have to anyone climbing in North Carolina. Especially if new to the area. It is a very well thought out and produced book, The Photos and topos are very useful,a nd the line drawings are very clear. Itcovers all of the good Climbs I know about in the state.

Must have!
This is the third copy of this guide I have owned. I wore out two copies of the 2nd edition. This latest edition is superb in the descriptions, details and advice offered. ... Read more

Product Description
Joshua Tree National Park is the most popular rock climbing area in the world--and for good reason. When other climbing locales are buried in snow, Josh is basking in Southern California sunshine. Thousands of sport and traditional routes on park's distinctive domes offer climbers of all abilities endless variety, from classic, well-protected cracks to delicate friction faces and edgy vertical testpieces. Excellent bouldering abounds, and superb camping in the beautiful, high-desert environment encourages extended stays. Simply put, no climber's career is complete without at least one trip to Joshua Tree, and many people find themselves returning year after year.

Rock Climbing Joshua Tree West is the first of two volumes that together replace Rock Climbing Joshua Tree, published in 1992 and 1986. Covering climbs in the western half of the park, completely revised and with thoroughly updated route information, and extensivelyillustrated, it's the climber's comprehensive and indispensable guide to the area.
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Customer Reviews (3)

Can't Wait for Vols. 2 & 3.
I went to J-Tree for the first time last week. I bought this book at Nomad Adventures in Joshua Tree.Because it's one of three volumes, more detail is given for the routes.There are just too damn many routes in J-tree to try to pack them into one book.This book is a must.I am looking forward to the next two books - and my next trip back.

nice to have new material on an place that has a lifetime of climbing
Got this book this month (December) and have already began picking out new routes I want to do!I definitely am an advocate of his (Randy Vogel's) seeming conviction that his original JTree book needed some updating.This guide gives new route info, as well as more developed topo's, pictures, etc.I will likely get his new book when it comes out in print this January, simply because I am already impressed with this one and his next one will cover the Central (Split Rock, Saddle Rock, etc.) more extensively than his original 1 book volume did.

SWEEEET!
Just got my copy and after spending a couple hours with this guide, all I can say is Wow! Kinda thick, but so much info and really liked the history section. Can't wait to visit some of the new spots...

Only question, when are the other volumes coming out? ... Read more

Product Description
Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have long been known assublime tourist areas, but the rock climbing and bouldering along theCalifornia's south-central coast are just beginning to attract theattention they richly deserve. From the sweeping walls of the EchoCliffs to the awesome overhangs at the Owl Tor, from classic problems atPainted Cave to the vast boulderfields atop Pine Mountain, the manyroutes and boulder problems described in this book will appeal to a widerange of tastes and abilities. Written by one of the area's leadingactivists, Rock Climbing Santa Barbara and Ventura provides first-handinformation to more than 50 scenic and uncrowded climbing areas not tobe left off your tick-list. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Climber's Tool and Literature
Steve Edwards' book was my first purchase as an avid rockclimber when I visited Santa Barbara in January 2002 to prepare for my transfer to the area.Even before using the guide to locate the local climbing I enjoyed it immensely for the history and personal flavor given by the author.

There is much more to this book than a climbing guide.It is also a personal pilgrimage.Steve experienced a golden era in Santa Barbara climbing that he describes so vividly yet knows has passed forever.His is the passion of a personal life transition that we all go through and there is both joy and sadness in the writing.His obsessive intensity and endurance for physical training is mirrored by an affection for caffeine, alcohol and nicotine that make him such an interesting character.Steve is also a movie connoisseur from his early days running a video shop in the student quarter (Isla Vista) next to UCSB and he blends this knowledge with climb descriptions for occasional flashes ofbrilliant humor.And I should refrain from commenting on the Reverend Speefknarkle!Steve's defining picture is buffed and honed on "Pieces of You" atop the fantastic Pine Mountain boulderfield.

The book fulfills its primary purpose as a tool for guiding the climber in locating and selecting appealing routes exceptionally well.My copy is already dogeared and marked up with yellow highlights after just one season and it has never led me astray.Only rarely have I disagreed with the grades Steve gives for difficulty and quality but this is to be expected for these subjective ratings.

In summary, this book is a must buy for any climber interested in the Santa Barbara - Ventura region yet it has deeper appeal as literature capturing one man's personal journey through the 90's.How we all wish to turn back the hands of time!

A non-climbers review of a rock climbing guide
I visit the Santa Barbara area often.So I picked up this book and thumbed through and became intrigued enough to buy it.Not for the rock climbing information (although the personality and names given to each trail had me captivated); instead I became curious to know this philosophical guide writer, Steve Edwards. Formerly thinking all rock climbers were a bunch of daredevils, this guide opened my eyes to the depth of committment it takes to be a rock climber, much less, write a guide! And their love of the earth is more honest and real than most armchair environmentalists.Reading this book definitely helped me grow. I hope you will read it and then go hug a rock - and maybe even a rockclimber!

The definitive climbing guide for the Central Coast!
Whether served up with a tray of Bombay Sapphire martinis (shaken, two olives) or a six-pack of ice cold Oly, let this text be your companion to some of the best and most scenic climbing areas in America! Looking forsteep, gargantuan sport routes that make your tendons twitch just lookingat 'em? How about classic sandstone slabs with holds so fragile they maybreak if you merely pass gas? Or maybe you're into divine boulderfields sovast that first ascents are possible until Jesus comes back to spot you?This book has it covered. Steve Edwards has done a first class job ofdirecting you in entertaining fashion to the climbing, history, andlifestyle that Santa Barbara climbing is all about. Read it over coffee andcigarettes not just as a guide, but as fine literature. It's better than'Atlas Shrugged', and shorter too!

This is not a review
I am the author of this title and didn't know where else to submit corrected info. The book is called: Rock Climbing: Santa Barbara & Ventura

220 pages

The guide features over one thousand routes andboulder problems along California's central coast from the outskirts of LosAngeles to the wine country north of Santa Barbara.

I have a jpg of thecover that I will send to you if you email me at: mannyvarjak@hotmail.com ... Read more

Product Description
Short, steep, and well-protected is the name of the gameon San Luis Valley's high-quality volcanic cliffs. Known for itsexcellent aretes and stemming corners, the Valley is one of the mostpopular sport climbing areas in Colorado. Come ready to pull down onpockets, edges, and huecos, as well as sample some superb crackroutes.

Now in its third edition, Rock Climbing the San Luis Valley describesmore than 300 routes at Penitente Canyon, the Rock Garden, WitchesCanyon, Shaw Springs, Sidewinder Canyon, and La GaritaWall. Completely revised, this guidebook contains updated routeinformation and now details the canyons using photo topos and overviewmaps. Also included is a bouldering section that will guide you tomany of the Valley's stellar problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good information, but...
Although this book contains some extremely helpful information on climbing in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, this homage to Mr. D'Antonio's ego is, at best, painful to read.Mr. D'Antonio's pioneering climbing inthis area undoubtedly opened a premier sport climbing region for thebenefit of hundreds, if not thousands of climbers.Nonetheless, thequalitative descriptions of the climbs oddly coincide with routes that theauthor himself developed.The density of self-congratulatory commentsbecomes choking as one continues to peruse the enclosed information. Climbers visiting the area will buy this book because it contains the bestinformation on the area (it does lack some routes that have been up for awhile, but blatantly ignored by the author, a good example being the routesto the right of Mysterious Redhead in Penitente Canyon), but as the daygoes on, one may find themselves as exhausted by the insipid writing as theclimbing in this gorgeous climbing region. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover what you need to know about how to do “trad” climbing, sport climbing, bouldering, solo climbing, scrambling, mountaineering, ice climbing, and indoor walls.Learn about the climbing and protection equipment that you will need to enjoy this sport.

Learn what indoor rock training equipment will get you in shape fast for rock climbing, the different rock climbing techniques like rope systems and belays and the mistakes you must avoid to stay safe and how to climb like a pro using 20 pro rock climbers techniques.

Discover all the common types of calls you can use to communicate clearly with other climbers, what you need to know about all the grade scales and ratings of climbing routes and the most exciting rock climbing destinations for the beginning, experienced and expert rock climber.

Learn the two best things to do when you start experiencing aching joints.
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Product Description
" with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Northern New Mexico offers mild winters, cool summers, unrivaled sunsets and panoramic vistas. Crank steep bolted cobbles amid the pine forests of El Rito. Sample the splitter cracks and bolted basalt of the Rio Brande Corridor. Mutli pitch trad climbing provides day long adventure on Questa Dome. Many fine bouldering areas serve as destinations or quick fixes. Tres Piedras, Cimarron and Comales Canyons, round out the offerings. Free camping, hot springs, and uncrowded cliffs combine with Southwestern charm to make Taos the ultimate Four Corners climbing destination. ... Read more

Product Description
McConnell's Mill State Park is the most popular climbing areain western Pennsylvania. In this first ever comprehensive guide to theMill, Bob Value describes both classic routes and lesser-knowntreasures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good book, highly recommended
Bob Value's guide book for McConnell's Mill offers a great history of the Mills and enough detail for most people to find their way around. Book lacks more pictures of boulders which would allow an easier way to find your place but overall a good book for anyone looking to climb there. ... Read more

Product Description
Sport climbers often project a route that tests their physical limits in hopes of an eventual completion. Succeeding requires a solid understanding of great belaying and other lead-climbing techniques that aren't found in other climbing disciplines--but are detailed here in this accessible new guide.

Targeting all abilities, Sport Climbing teaches climbers how to rehearse moves and train for specific routes, how to get through the pump, how to fight until the end of a pitch, how to stay composed when tired, and how to best use their bodies to climb efficiently and expertly. Whether inspiring new climbers to learn the nuances of scaling vertical terrain, or delving into a deeper, more conceptual understanding of how to go about projecting a route, Andrew Bisharat brings confidence and a level of practicality to the sport. He reveals how the skills specific to redpointing transfer over to all climbing disciplines, making this a must-have book for any climber. Featuring anecdotes from famous climbers such as Tommy Caldwell, Katie Brown, Boone Speed, Josh Wharton, and Alex Honnold, the author brings a modern voice to a complex sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very useful, informative, and well-written!
Bisharat's book is introduced by one of the best climbers in the field, and for good reason.It's a book that is valuable to both the novice and experienced climber.Bisharat makes the sport accessible to new climbers, especially in the area of gear, which can seem overwhelming to those who come in with little background knowledge.His clear explanations are well-supported by the pictures.Some of the later chapters are especially relevant to more experienced climbers, and get anyone, regardless of expertise, psyched to climb.Bisharat's book is every bit as well-written as his pieces for Rock and Ice, and it is definitely a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Excellent Book
Sport Climbing: From Top Rope to Redpoint, Techniques for Climbing Success unfolds in a logical progression, from a detailed history of sport climbing, through movement and gear, and then on to more advanced techniques. I could go on and on about the many things I liked, but instead I'll share a few of the snippets that really stood out to me.

Technique

The chapter devoted to technique covered the basics, but also offered a few gems that I had never really thought of before, at least on a conscious level. One, "balance first, move second" talks about putting yourself in balance before reaching that next hold. Seems pretty basic, but as a tall climber, it's usually easier to focus on just reaching the next hold instead of worrying about balance.

Belaying

"Aside from knowing how to safely operate the belay devices, giving a soft catch is the most important, and least understood, aspect of great belaying." Preach on brother. I remember a day at the Minimum Crag in Maple Canyon where we watched this climber repeatedly taking bone-jarring whippers on one of the classic steep routes there. His belayer kept him so tight, what should have been casual lobs into space instead were candidates for a broken ankle each time he pitched. It was almost unbearable to watch, when all the belayer had to do was jump at the right moment and give a soft catch. Everyone who ever belays anyone should read this section and put the advice into practice.

Strategy

Many climbers want to be better at onsighting, but they simply try to just onsight harder routes. Bisharat states that in order to boost your onsight level, try to redpoint four routes that are four letter grades harder.So if you want to comfortably onsight 11a, redpoint four 12as. After all that work in the harder grades, when you go to onsight 11a, it will feel significantly easier. And the reverse is true for redpointing, he states you should be working on routes four letter grades harder than your hardest onsight. So if you can onsight 12a, you should be working on redpointing 13a.

There's a lot more packed in the pages of SCFTPTPTFCS, and Andrew has created an invaluable resource for the climbing community. Those new to the sport, or sport climbing in general, will undoubtedly gain much from the knowledge within, and my guess is the veteran bolt clipper will find some gems as well.

Sport Climbing by Andrew Bisharat
Sport Climbing by Andrew Bisharat is quite simply the best modern compendium on this most popular form of rock climbing. The book is well-written, with an entertaining history section and concise advice on all relevant aspects of the discipline. If you're looking for a book that lays out techniques that will help you climb better, and more safely, then you will not find a better manual than this.

Gear heads and nigglers will undoubtedly focus on Bisharat's omission of in depth analysis. Thankfully, you will not find the words "triaxial loading" or "gate lash" in this book. Nor will you encounter tedious discussions of anchoring systems. And rightfully so. These subjects have no place in a how-to book on Sport Climbing, and including them would dilute the title and make it far less user-friendly. Such emphasis on technical jargon might impress fellow climbers, but it will not improve your climbing, which is, after all the thesis of this book.

Most helpful are Bisharat's first-hand strategies for redpointing and onsighting. Affirmations like "Let your expectations float to the surface and evaporate,"seem at first simplistic, but prove particularly useful when actually applied to the real world setting of the crag. The best climbers in the world (Lynn Hill, for example) cite these affirmations as key to their success.

If you're new to the sport, or an old horse looking for sure-fire time-tested methods to climb better, more safely and have more fun, then pick up Sport Climbing by Andrew Bisharat. It's far and away the best book yet published on the subject.

GearFlogger.net reviews Sport Climbing by Andrew Bisharat
Readers of Rock and Ice magazine are familiar with Andrew Bisharat's spleen-of-consciousness writing. He takes a first try at the long form in his book Sport Climbing: From Top Rope to Redpoint, Techniques for Climbing Success. The result is a bit of a mixed bag: some good advice, somewhat disorganized, ultimately unsure of its audience and with some glaring omissions.

The first chapter of SC is great, covering the history of SC, how it differes from bouldering and traditional climbing, and even gets straight to the heart of the matter: climbing is about falling, failure and fear, no matter what level you're operating at. There are a number of nice psychological nuggets like this throughout the book, even if the author does let his yoga fetish go a bit too far, e.g. "Let any expectations float to the surface and evaporate in the sun." I don't know about you, but when I'm pumped out at a scary bolt it's all I can do to keep my expectations from squirting out my butt onto my belayer's head. The detailed strategy recommendations for onsighting and redpointing are likewise worthwhile.

The chapter on gear is decent, with helpful tips on when to retire different pieces, but gives incomplete advice like "wire gates are... less likely to come unclipped," and "don't clip your belay carabiner through the tie-in points" without explaining the why and why not (triaxial loading and gate lash respectively). On the other hand, great detail is given to SC-specific techniques like regaining your high point, stick clipping and cleaning a route. Even here, however, there is no mention of simply having the person following the route clean the draws, or walking to the top and setting an anchor, which even for SC can be useful.

The biggest shortcoming of the book is its superficial treatment of safety. The author lists wearing a helmet as the first safety rule on page 101, but it's barely covered in the gear section and worse, there's not a single photograph or illustration of a helmet being worn anywhere in the book. Talk about too cool for school. There's also no discussion of anchors, fall factors, multi-pitch climbing techniques or how to escape a belay. The advice to quickdraw yourself to a bolt and climb above it also deserves more discussion: the author notes that a static fall can hurt, but neglects to mention the high probability of total gear failure, especially with a high-tensile dogbone.

This book is the first I've read that dilutes the otherwise stellar quality of the Mountaineers Outdoor Expert series, and fails to make the GearFlogger Backcountry Bookshelf. Hopefully they'll go back to the drawing board with a more focused, balanced and comprehensive second edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you need to assist your partner past a difficult section of a climb or rappel down a multiple pitch route with an injured climber, you owe it to yourself and your fellow climbers to be prepared. How to Rock Climb: Self-Rescue fully describes and illustrates a variety of techniques that every climber should know for safety and self-reliance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Mumbled solutions....
The book presents a few scenarios (though not enough) for self rescue but ultimately the author produces such complicated and mumbled solutions that understanding the diagrams is work.Most of the solutions could be presented in a simpler way, with less backups, less fuss whitch is usually the way emergency situations require you to act.Also very common devices such as the croll, tibloc and other vertical devices are not at all mentioned.I think this could be better.

An excellent reference for multlipitch climbers
This book is for the experienced climber who understands the importance of self rescue skills for multipitch trad climbing.
It does not take the place of a professionally-led self-rescue course! If you try to learn the techniques on your own with this book you will be frustrated. This is the reference for after you take such a course.
While it is shows many scenarios, it can be confusing with so many variations. They should have concentrated on the principles so the climbers could think their way out of a specific situation using the basic scenarios.

This a must have for every climber!
I am an aspiring Big Wall climber. I would not be caught dead 2000 feet off the deck without the information contained in this book. Regardless of your goals as a climber, you owe it to yourself and your partner to learnand master the techniques contained in this book. BUY IT!

If you climb you should read this book!
The book covers all aspects of rescue of a fallen climber, from freeing oneself from a harness to ascending or decending the rope to finally hooking up and hauling the victim to safety. I've read numerous books onclimbing and if your looking fora book on self rescue, this is the one!

Awesome book
The American Alpine Institute recommended this book to me after I tooktheir basic mountaineering course.I've read it several times now.Itexplains important topics like escaping from a belay, pulley systems,lowering methods, rappelling with an injuryed partner and self-belayed soloclimbing.The illustrations are excellent. ... Read more

Product Description
With the aid of route-marked photos, the author describes the normal, classic, extreme and descent routes for each peak. Introductory pages are written with the visitor in mind, giving concise direction on how to get from points of entry to the climbing areas, where to pick up supplies, what to expect of the weather, information on Park regulations, huts, equipment, safety and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well done
This is the pretty much the current and standard guide to the Canadian Rockies.More complete guides exist, though they are rare and out of print.This guide presents 200 of the best climbs, eliminating overdrawndiscussions of the obscure and focusing nicely on routes that have becomelegendary in the mountaineering world.The book itself is well made andsuitable for the top of your pack. ... Read more

Product Description
Rock Climbing Western Oregon is a three Volume guide to the lesser known regions of western Oregon. THE ROGUE is volume #3 and covers the southwestern area, including the coast. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the most extraordinary survival stories ever told -- Aron Ralston's searing account of his six days trapped in one of the most remote spots in America, and how one inspired act of bravery brought him home.

It started out as a simple hike in the Utah canyonlands on a warm Saturday afternoon. For Aron Ralston, a twenty-seven-year-old mountaineer and outdoorsman, a walk into the remote Blue John Canyon was a chance to get a break from a winter of solo climbing Colorado's highest and toughest peaks. He'd earned this weekend vacation, and though he met two charming women along the way, by early afternoon he finally found himself in his element: alone, with just the beauty of the natural world all around him.

It was 2:41 P.M. Eight miles from his truck, in a deep and narrow slot canyon, Aron was climbing down off a wedged boulder when the rock suddenly, and terrifyingly, came loose. Before he could get out of the way, the falling stone pinned his right hand and wrist against the canyon wall.

And so began six days of hell for Aron Ralston. With scant water and little food, no jacket for the painfully cold nights, and the terrible knowledge that he'd told no one where he was headed, he found himself facing a lingering death -- trapped by an 800-pound boulder 100 feet down in the bottom of a canyon. As he eliminated his escape options one by one through the days, Aron faced the full horror of his predicament: By the time any possible search and rescue effort would begin, he'd most probably have died of dehydration, if a flash flood didn't drown him before that.

What does one do in the face of almost certain death? Using the video camera from his pack, Aron began recording his grateful good-byes to his family and friends all over the country, thinking back over a life filled with adventure, and documenting a last will and testament with the hope that someone would find it. (For their part, his family and friends had instigated a major search for Aron, the amazing details of which are also documented here for the first time.) The knowledge of their love kept Aron Ralston alive, until a divine inspiration on Thursday morning solved the riddle of the boulder. Aron then committed the most extreme act imaginable to save himself.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place -- a brilliantly written, funny, honest, inspiring, and downright astonishing report from the line where death meets life -- will surely take its place in the annals of classic adventure stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (133)

Excellent Read
This was a well written and intriquing story. Nevermind that the fellow made a mistake. I forgive him of that. We all make mistakes. What was so compelling was just the story of how the human spirit can overcome dire circumstances. I recommend this to anyone who has the least interest in hiking, canyoneering, climbing and in general, outdoor sports of that nature. Once I got to about page 75 or so, it was very hard to put the book down.

Canyonlands adventureer
Aron Ralston's book may well have saved my life and my husband's life in the same canyon system where he effected the most amazing and heroic of self rescues by amputating his own arm to escape BlueJohn Canyon.While as 'seasoned' citizens, neither my husband or I are into extreme sports like Ralston's canyoneering, much of the Canyonlands National Park (the rest of the National Park system, State and local parks and more)is readily accessible and restoring to the rest of us.We got lost, spent an overnight alone with a mountain lion, and in late morning found ourselves without water at the same spot that Ralston eventually found a Dutch family to help him. We relied on insight from his book to make wise decisions that -- along with the Artist in Resident who found us and the Park Ranger he called -- allow me to sit at my desk and write this review ten months later.The book is a good read in the safety of your own home, as story of inspiration on the metaphorically level for getting through difficult emotional problems so prevalent in our current political, economic, job situation and all the stresser of every day life.We all find ourselves between the proverbial rock and hard place and some of us may have to make financial, familial, and/or interpersonal decisions just as extreme as Ralston's decision to saw off his own arm with a generic multi-purpose tool.(I gave my husband a Swiss Army knife and a camelback (hydration system) for Christmas -- just in case our next stroll in the park goes as badly as the last.

Read the 1- 2-star reviews for what it's really like.
Do not be swayed by the 5-star reviews. This is a terrible book. Read the 1- and 2-star reviews; they are right on.This book is loaded with self-indulgent filler, 90% of which I skipped.Ralston is a terrible writer.He is egotistical and stupid getting into the situation he was in.

For a book that you won't be able to put down, try "Touching the Void" by Jon Simpson.There you have an example of an adventurer who's true, incredible story is compellingly told. Amazing story.

Great book!
Written in the same gritty retrospective style used by Jon Krakauer in his first person account of the tragedy on Everest, "Into Thin Air", you will be spellbound by Ralston's description of his 6-day entrapment in Utah's Blue John Canyon. I read this book in a weekend. You will be amazed by this young climber's ingenuity, introspection and resolve to rescue himself. At times uncomfortably detailed (as when he describes how he had to amputate his hand), you will feel you are right there in that remote canyon with him during his ordeal. I used the book as the basis for a team building exercise with my staff at work. Ralston now does motivational speaking. Check out YouTube video..

Great book unlike another
I loved this book so much.It's a true page turner.This book has action through every page.I give it a high five stars ... Read more

Product Description
The complete introduction to rock climbing, from first steps to learning ropework and safety. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Get the Complete Guide to Rock Climbing Instead
The complete Guide to Rock Climbing (Malcolm Creasey) contains everything in this guide (identical pages) and more, and for the small additional price is worth getting instead.

One of the best beginners' guides to rock climbing!
What a gem! I was surprised nobody had yet rated this fine book. After taking introductory lessons and going on my first climb, I went to the nearest bookstore to examine all the intro books to rock climbing. After searching through about ten of them, I pulled two from the pack and bought them: "The Beginner's Guide to Rock Climbing" and "Rock Climbing: A Trailside Guide."

Half the book is filled with expertly-taken color photos to illustrate in detail the many techniques (e.g. movement on rock, specific types of holds, ropework, belaying, etc.) you will need to quickly ascend the learning curve.

Most important in my decision to buy this book was the fairly large section dedicated to technique (the very experienced instructor couldn't overemphasize technique, technique, technique). While most books only explained technique in words and/or accompanied it with black and white pictures, this book does it with detailed close-ups in full color. The book gives you plenty to learn from: creative handholds, unusual positions, chimneying, jamming, etc. In addition, anyone who has climbed will appreciate the section on how to conserve energy using different techniques outlined in the book. It may literally be a life-saver when going on longer climbs.

In your research, you may also come across Malcolm Creasey's other intro books. A good 70-80% of those other books are made up of the exact same sections from this book! It is no surprise given how instructive and valuable these core sections are.

If you're looking for one of the best introductory texts on rock climbing, look no further, because you get it all from this very comprehensive guide at a relatively rock-bottom price! ... Read more

Product Description
Maps, topos, and photos combined with writtendescriptions of over 500 routes, gear lists, and first ascentinformation, makes this book the most complete guide ever published tothese areas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Desert Rock III
Finally, a virtual bible of guidebooks for this infinate land of valleys and cliffs. Eric does a great job with this series. So much info for one book. Countless hours and hours went into these books. This series is one of a Kind! ... Read more

Product Description
They all thought I was crazy when I said I was going to learn to Rock climb…

But when they saw the pictures of my first ascent there skepticism was turned to amazement .

If you’re a complete beginner and you want to learn how to rock climb…if you posses some basic skills but want to advance further…if you want to discover the “inside tricks” of rock climbing pros… then this website was written just for you.

There’s No Simple Guide!

That’s when I realized I’d have to figure all this out on my own. I decided I was going to do some major studying.

I called up some friends who had more experience than me and they gave me some beginners tips.

I got every magazine, book, and even started reading a lot of websites. Here’s what I found out…

It Can Be Hard, Or Even Dangerous, IF You Don’t Know What You’re Doing!

But rewarding, fun, and it will get you in top shape (something that I really needed)

Here are some good reasons why you can get started right away:

• It’s a relatively inexpensive sport
• It will get you in top shape
• The more you know the more fun it will be
• You can practice as much as you want – you don’t have to be on a cliff
• If you make any mistakes it’s not going to be deadly- you can start the basics at lower heights


After I did all this research it was like my climbing improved ten-fold. I’m even proud to say I cleared my first Grade IV at Yosemite last week!

What I realized was that I had compiled enough information to create a straight-to-the-point simple guide to help other people learn to climb… so they wouldn’t have to go through the painful research and trial and error I had to go through.

The Complete Guide To Rock Climbing

I put together an ebook with all my information, it’s called Rock Climbing From A to Z, and here’s just a taste of what you’ll discover inside…

• Rock Climbing 101: Everything you need to know about the differences and how to do “trad” climbing… sport climbing… bouldering… solo climbing… scrambling… mountaineering… ice climbing… and indoor walls (pages 6-18)
• Climbing Equipment – Don’t let the salesperson load you up with junk you don’t need, here’s all the gear you need plain and simple (pages 19-24)
• You complete guide to protection equipment – pros – (pages 24-26)
• Exactly what indoor rock training equipment will get you in shape for rock climbing fast (page 26)
• Your complete guide to rock climbing techniques – rope systems… belays… and the mistakes you absolutely MUST avoid to stay safe! (pages 31-40)
• How to climb like a pro – over 20 techniques pro rock climbers know that get them up the rock faster and with less effort (how many are you using now?) (pages 44-48)
• Don’t sound like a rookie out on the rocks- here’s all the common types of calls so you can communicate clearly with other climbers (pages 48-49)
• What you need to know about all the grade scales and ratings of climbing routes (pages 51-58)
• The two best things to do when you start experiencing aching joints (almost all climbers go through this at some point or another) (pages 61-62)
• The most exciting and fulfilling rock climbing destinations for the beginning… experienced… and expert rock climber (pages 67-72)
• Plus much, MUCH MORE!
... Read more