Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Michael P. Ghiglieri (Author), Charles R. Farabee (Author), Jim Myers (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 2007

Gripping accounts of all known fatal mishaps in America's first protected land of scenic wonders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is much, much more than a simple accounting on tragedy. It is rich in historical context and develops the setting and background for the deaths chronicled. It provides valuable lessons to be learned and to be re-learned and reinforced. Through the investigative reports, it puts you into the minds of some of the people involved and even into the minds of the victims. It provides rare insight in the world of Yosemite. --Michael Finley, Superintendent of Yosemite 1989-1994

About the Author

Michael Ghiglieri earned a Ph.D. in Ecology from U.C. Davis for research on wild chimps in Uganda. He has worked as a wilderness river and trekking guide in the Sierra Nevada and many other regions and countries since 1974, rowing 141 trips down Grand Canyon. His book Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon is still Northern Arizona's regional best selling book. Charles R. "Butch" Farabee earned his M.S. from the FBI Academy and during 34 years with the National Park Service (10 in Yosemite) rose from protection ranger to superintendent. He has responded to 1,000+ Search & Rescue missions and has managed these departments in Yosemite and Grand Canyon. His books Death, Daring and Disaster: Search and Rescue in the National Parks and Ranger: An American Icon are sold in nearly every National Park in America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Puma Press LLC; 1st edition (March 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970097360
• ISBN-13: 978-0970097361
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

113 of 114 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yosemite and Young Males: Not a Good Combination May 6, 2007

By Fritz R. Ward TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

When I was last in Yosemite, April of 2007, I hiked to the top of the Yosemite Falls Trail and, after taking a quick break, decided to head for Eagle Peak. Alas it started to snow and after about 1/2 mile I turned back. A trail maintenance ranger at the bottom of the trail, who knew of my plans, asked when he saw me if I had made it. "No," I replied. "I turned around." He then mentioned that someone else, facing the same conditions that day, had not made the same choice. On the broad shoulder of Half Dome, with snow flying, this person had decided to go for the top, even in the bad conditions and even though the cables were not properly strung. He slipped and fell. I never found out if he lived, but the description offered by the ranger fits a pattern found repeatedly in this fabulous book. Young men taking foolish chances end up hurt and/or killed.

This book is a sequel to the immensely popular Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon and like the first volume it is somewhat morbid. The authors, one of whom was a Search and Rescue (SAR) ranger in Yosemite for many years, catalogue all the ways one could conceivably die in Yosemite and then devote a chapter to each. Murder, suicide, and motor vehicle deaths are all covered, but so too is a variety of deadly accidents experienced by climbers high on cliffs, hikers lost or off route from established trails, drowning victims, people falling over the edge of waterfalls, and even people who jump off cliffs hoping to parachute safely to the valley floor (BASE jumping).... Although the authors admit they probably have not found every single death in the park's history (records for the early years in the 19th century are incomplete) they are reasonably convinced they have found 95% of all deaths, many of which are discussed in considerable detail within the pages of this book. Readers will also learn a lot of park history and folklore, including the story of the downed plane loaded with high grade marijuana. The Sylvester Stallone movie Cliffhanger was loosely based on this incident.

What in general do the authors conclude from all this? Mostly that young men, the predominant victims in the Park, seem to feel that they are invulnerable. They will leave the trail for a "shorter" route even if the trail they are on is the highly dangerous ledge trail (closed years ago, but still popular with some thrill seekers). This same population ignores signs about rushing currents above waterfalls, or climbs too far, too fast, without taking sufficient safety precautions. They might even unhook from their lines while on precarious ledges. Of course, there are a few daring (foolish?) women who join their ranks. Jan M. Davis, a Hollywood stunt specialist, died on a BASE jump. Ironically, she was protesting the park's policy banning such jumps. But for every story like hers, there are dozens of young men who make similar mistakes. Indeed, the main thing I got from this book was a sense of relief that I am now middle aged.

In all, this is an excellent, fascinating read. It is well worth the price and if you want to experience parklands anywhere; the advice these authors give may save your life. Be forewarned, however, that this book is very graphic. Full of gory detail, it is definitely not for the squeamish. Read more ›

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite April 20, 2007

By Laurie Kassir

Format:Hardcover

Dr. Ghiglieri nails his subject - complex personalities, surrounded by natural beauty, dealing with danger and threat. Dr.Ghiglieri brings a wealth of experience as a naturalist, historian and river guide to weave a spellbinding tale. Dr. Ghiglieri was a lead guide on a OARS trip I took in the early 90's from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch. We vived to be in his boat - to learn history, geology, river skills, and people skills. Deep in the wilderness, the experts such as Ghiglieri learn only only to read rivers and nature, but also to read people. The naturalists observe individuals and couples thrust into a new enviromnent stripped of accoutraments, family/friend networks, and electronic diversions. After his viewing many couples for many summers, I took to heart Dr. Ghiglieri's observation that a relationship tested and happy after 11 days of wilderness, camping, rowing on the Colorado was sturdy for the long run.

Off the Wall: Death In Yosemite and well as the companion Grand Canyon book superbly combine the oh so human qualities with sublimb natural situations. Dr. Ghiglieri's books are gripping and memorable. I was at Yosemite yesterday strolling through the valley cemetary for Effie Crippen - age 14 - dead in the 1880's after wading in lovely Mirror Lake and stepping on a glass bottle. I was alone and wanted to hike - but didn't. Caution. The story of Ms. Crippen humanized the grand monoliths of stone, enriched my understanding of the valley. I highly recommend Dr. Ghiglieri's books Death In Yosemite, Death In the Grand Canyon, and Canyon for "bringing to life" and telling the stories of our national parks. Laurie Kassir, San Andreas, CA. and Houston, TX

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Just Don't Have This Book In Your Pack If Near Deep Water October 5, 2007

By R. Giesecke

Format:Hardcover

I returned from my first trip to Yosemite five days ago. I bought this book during the last two days I was there and began reading it. Oddly enough I bought it the day after I had managed to scale down the infamous, "Four Mile Trail" that begins at Glacier summit and basically ends at the foot of Sentinel rock.

As I scaled down that well-worn-and-established trail, I started to become wrapped in the sense that the valley-floor was not emerging fast enough, and merely wondered whether or not a more "direct route" was attainable. Fortunately for me, this was only a passing thought.

I also noticed that the switchbacks, thought mostly broad and even, did contain waiting peril for those not circumspect. It occurred to me also, that my initial impulse to try and beat the bus carrying my family back down the mountain was fraught with the fatal potential to cause me to run right off a sheer cliff.

The next day I'm reading accounts of people who'd managed to make both decisions on that very trail. Talk about one's blood running cold in the stream of familiarity. . .

Very well written. I won't go so far as to say the details are endlessly morbid, but they are offered occasionally to underscore the power of mistakes that are--when removed from an unparalleled place like Yosemite--merely capers laced with the occasional bone-break or contusion.

I do not undersell the fact that anyone considering climbing Half-Dome--especially those who want to use the "cable route," should first read this. The same goes for any erstwhile hiker and rock climber that assumes their cat-like reflexes are insurmountable. They might be the very things that kill you.