Climbing California's Mountains (Climbing Mountians Series) (Paperback)

by Jay Anderson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
California's Sierra Nevada, Trinity Mountains, and coast ranges are among the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Readers are guided to 69 hikes and climbs up California's highest and most beautiful peaks. While there are some technical climbs, most of these summits can be reached without the use of specialized climbing or mountaineering equipment. Find the best routes up California's mountains with this authoritative, illustrated guide.


From the Back Cover
California is home to some of the nation's most scenic and majestic mountains, a diverse and varied playground for those who want to experience the breadth of basic mountain climbing. Volcanic peaks, rocky slopes, sheer cliffs, granite cornices, easy scrambles, challenging ascents, open meadows, and incredible views are just some of the highlights awaiting nontechnical climbers in the Golden State. From easy romps up San Jacinto Peak and multiday trips to Banner Peak to rocky climbs up Mount Williamson and more advanced mountaineering at Cathedral Peak, Climbing California's Mountains provides the information needed to ascend sixty-nine of the state's most outstanding summits. Inside you'll find: an introduction to each peak - geology, history, scenic highlights, and more; summit details, including information about elevation, route ratings, and trip distance; detailed approach maps; permit information, the best climbing season, and details on other mountains in the area.


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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Falcon; 1st edition (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076272210X
• ISBN-13: 978-0762722105
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #784,451 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative, with some cautionary notes, July 23, 2003

By	Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a book geared more towards novice hikers than experienced ones. If you're new to the sport and have never laced up your boots, then this guide will help you immeasurably. There are fitness tips and other essential bits of information that you should know. However, if you're an avid, experienced climber, then this book probably won't help you a great deal. So much of the material is well-known to people who've been hitting the trails for awhile. Examples of this are reminders to take extra socks, sunscreen, trekking poles and insect repellent. While these tips would benefit a newbie hiker, such information is superfluous to most others.

There are no photographs, but each hike is described in detail and there is an accurate map and trailhead information included for each trek. There is an emphasis on easier, shorter hikes, but the tough "butt kickers" like Shasta, Baldy, San G., Alta Peak and Whitney are not forgotten. There is a ranking system for each hike in terms of difficulty and in general, the system is fair and judicious. Perhaps it errs on the side of being overly generous on what is difficult and what hike is a stroll in the park. In short, a good guide, particularly for beginners.

2.0 out of 5 stars Needs Work, October 10, 2005

By	Coal Cracker (California) - See all my reviews

This book has a very tough goal: to summarize routes that novice climbers/hikers can follow to the summits of California's more accessable peaks. However, it falls short on several counts. The route descriptions are rudementary at best. The lack of photos introduces severe abiguities that can lead novice climbers into trouble. Many of the route descriptions are out of date and need revision. A route described for a given peak may actually be more difficult than other known routes up the same peak (e.g. Mt. Morrison). This book could easily be twice as thick with photos and more detailed route descriptions. I hope that the author significantly updates the text in future additions. It has the makings of a classic in California mountaineering!

5.0 out of 5 stars The climbing book for everyone, September 8, 2003

By	"elsoan" (Laramie, WY) - See all my reviews

Jay Anderson's guide allows all levels of climbers a chance to experience the beautiful mountains of California. As a college student I need accurate depictions of the route, including time constrants and skill levels, and Mr. Anderson's guide gives me that so I am able to plan a weekend getaway with my friends whether they are avid climbers or weekend hikers. Mr. Anderson's guide is down to earth and easy to read, which is always a plus. This book is great for everyone!!!