Customer Reviews

Dawson's Guide to Colorado's Fourteeners, Vol. 1: The Northern Peaks

5 star:		(6)
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I've read seemingly every 14er guide available. Much of the information overlaps as one can imagine. However, what really sets this (and the companion volume as well) one apart is the truly four season information that it provides. Louis gives you ratings for summer and snow climbs as well as ski descents. None of the other 14er guides I've read give you that. These volumes are often compared to Gerry Roach's books which are excellent in their own right. However, in my mind the information in Louis Dawson's guides is better as many of us climb in seasons other than summer!

Lou Dawson is incredible, not only does he describe summer routes in this guide but makes one want to get out of their "warm" recliner and conquer some winter and spring routes as well. a must have book for Colorado's 14'ers. While you at it, get Vol 2 as well!

... and get out to the mountains he loves.

He was the first person in history to ski down all of Colorado's fourteeners. He's climbed all at least once and many several times. Among his accomplishments are four ascents up the Diamond face of Longs Peak, so it is no surprise that Longs Peak figures prominently in this text. Dawson began climbing at an early age, and has written several other guide books for hikers in Colorado. His illustrations are excellent, and his narratives are brief enough to keep your interest and meaty enough to provide the information most are looking for.

Having climbed Colorado 14ers for more than 30 years, I've used all available guidebooks. First rule, remember that the info in the book is often wrong -- unless you're willing to think for yourself, avoiding mountains is the best bet. After that, to me Dawson is the best guidebook ever. Roach is good too -- it's good to have both. But in spite of the price difference, Dawson's 2 volumes are well worth it. And please, tread lightly!

This guide is the best of all the 14'er guides I've seen. The most distinguishing characteristic of the book is the photographs of the mountains with the routes shown on the pictures. No other guide does this and it helps in visualizing what the written descriptions of peaks say. Bar none, this is the best 14'er guide you can buy.

While this book is very useful for those climbing in the dry season, the true strength lies in snow and ski-routes. The best "dry season" 14er guide would be Gary Roach's Colorado's Fourteeners, 3rd Ed.: From Hikes to Climbs There are number of routes over snow, including ones that are only safe over snow, and even some new routes. There are ski-descents on virtually ever peak (except for maybe Capitol) and good information about what is required including skill level and any other unusual characteristics. The time estimates were especially useful for those who have not climbed the peak before.