High In Utah [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Michael Weibel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 1999

"Alaska is our biggest, buggiest, boggiest state. Texas remains our largest unfrozen state. But mountainous Utah, if ironed out flat, would take up more space on a map than either." -Edward Abbey If you measured the highest point in each county, which of the fifty states would have the highest average elevation? You probably didn't say Utah, but in fact the average elevation of the state's county high points is approximately 11,222 feet (Colorado is second at 10,971 feet). Most but not all of Utah's high peaks grow out of a series of mountain ranges that form a backbone from north to south through the middle of the state. Surprisingly, most can also be climbed in a day, and during the warm months climbing gear may be unnecessary. Some summits are even attainable by car. High in Utah is quite consciously a book for peak baggers, complete with a checklist and elevations. Summits range from Kings Peak, Utah's highest at 13,528 feet, to the unnamed peak in Rich County, a mere 9,255 feet. In addition to the county high points, this book also features four "classic" climbs: Mt. Olympus in Salt Lake County; Mt. Timpanogos above Provo; Notch Peak in the House Range west of Delta; and Wellsville Cone, Cache Valley's western landmark. Since finding a place to start can often be the most frustrating part of a hike, emphasis is placed on directions to each trailhead. There is a road map for each hike, as well as a trail map showing contours. The routes in this guide are not always the easiest or most practical, but they may be the most appealing and are often the most commonly used (lessening human impact on other potential routes). Difficulty levels range from "extreme"--long, steep routes that may require some route finding--to "too easy"--accessible by car. Two sets of hiking times are provided to accommodate variations in hiking speed, and there are also sections on flora and fauna, mountain weather, low-impact hiking and camping, equipment, and altitude sickness. TOC: Mountain Checklist Preface Caution How to Use This Book Introduction Flora and Fauna of Utah's Mountains Mountain Weather Low Impact Hiking and Camping Wilderness County High Peaks (26 Total) Utah Classics (4 Total) Appendix A: Equipment List Appendix B: Problems at High Altitude Selected Readings Acknowledgments About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael R. Weibel is senior reporter for the "Herald Journal, Logan, Utah". Dan Miller is a freelance photographer and designer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: University of Utah Press; illustrated edition edition (January 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874805880
• ISBN-13: 978-0874805888
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #462,449 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Utah
  • #54 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Mountaineering > Excursion Guides

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars High in Utah, October 21, 2000

By 

Scott L Wyatt (Logan, Utah USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: High In Utah (Paperback)

This book is excellent. It is loaded with information on 30 Utah mountains. The description for each mountain includes hiking time (a range for both fast and slow hikers), distance, difficulty, starting elevation, elevation gain, USGS map, trialhead, Camping, tips and precautions, the hike, background, and where to find more information. The book also includes various pictures for each mountain and two maps including the mountian and how to get to the trialhead. The book is not only helpful as a guide but fun to read and enjoy the pictures. I have found it to be the best all-round guide to Utah mountains on the market.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars County highpoints in Utah, November 5, 2006

By 

Roy D. Wallen (So. Hamilton, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: High In Utah (Paperback)

This book is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to complete the highpoints of Utah's 29 counties. For "true" county highpointers, the goal is to get to the highest point in each county. Sometimes this is along a boundary line with an adjacent county (a so-called liner). These liners are distinct from the highest summit in some counties. Wiebel and Miller provide both the highest points and the highest summits. The book is complete with descriptions of approaches and hikes to the highpoints. Although a map and compass (and the knowledge to use them) is always needed, the book is complete on its own. Highly recommended.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High Enough..., July 9, 2001

By 

C. R. Miske (SLC, UT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: High In Utah (Paperback)

If your goal is to 'bag' the highest peak in each of the counties listed, then this is THE book to use. While not as thorough as Kelsey's (and the authors admit that, because the goal is to make it simple) the information provided is more than sufficient. The photos don't really show the routes (like Roach's Colorado books) but do give the 'atmosphere' of the climb. I've done a few out of the book, and plan on doing the rest as time allows. I think it's a nifty idea, and would recommend it to anyone with any experience level at all in the mountains (and especially anyone who wishes to drive to the top and sit on the roof of the car to gain more altitude ;).