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Very nice to have newest edition (third edition, 2009, much added) of a truly encyclopedic volume in which every word counts. I've been using previous edition for years, very valuable.
Secor's The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, Trails is an indispensable reference book for any hiker or climber interested in this area. He opens the chapter on Northen Yosemite by declaring that it is, "not as visually stunning as other regions of the range." Anybody who has hiked the stunning canyons of this region would beg to differ.Inexplicably, Secor writes almost nothing of the big wall climbs in Yosemite Valley and does not address the area around Hetch Hetchy.Other niggles and observations: - Secor's route descriptions continue to be verbose, but he has made a real effort to be precise and his openness to corrections is obvious and appreciated. Solomons Pass will always be Solomons Pass to me, not Nietzsche Col.- Secor tends to bring a climber's bias to the work. Photos, though, are the best way to show a route, and this book does a great job of that in many cases.- Stop renaming peaks and passes after your friends. The poor quality of paper used means that the beautiful photos are not well reproduced. It is a treat for the armchair adventurer and a great tool for anybody planning a backpacking or climbing trip.One change from previous editions, which will take getting used to, but which I think I will grow to like, is that all cross country passes are now listed with the peaks, arranged south to north, whereas in previous editions they were listed separately at the beginning of each chapter.
This edition is larger in format from the previous editions, but the binding and quality of paper are inferior. I worry the binding won't hold up to intensive use. The 2009 revision of R.J. Describing one easy Goddard route, he says: "This is an interesting route on an otherwise dull mountain." This comment, left over from the earliest edition, is curious in that Goddard is in fact a beautiful peak, set off from the main Sierra crest, with one of the nicest views of any peak in the Sierras. It is clear Secor is more familiar with the southern Sierras and less appreciative of the areas north of Mammoth. Roper was wonderfully succinct in his route descriptions and the contrast between the two authors is striking. But he discounts it because the easy route up is a rock hop.
But the tomb continues to be a little too "L.A.-centric" -- there is a lot more data here about the southern Sierras than about the northern Sierras. This edition includes a great deal of new material and, happily, many new photographs showing climbing and high country routes in detail. He disparages a beautiful mountain like Mt. This is inexcusible in a book that retails for $32.95.Secor's work in compiling this treasure of backcountry information is laudable. It is clear Secor tried to address this -- he's added quite of bit of information to the Northern Yosemite section (the last chapter), but a full 13 pages of this new material covers climbing routes on one mountain (The Incredible Hulk). Goddard because it has few difficult technical routes. All in all, a worthwhile addition to my library.
If you're planning hikes in the High Sierras, this would make a good reference but you might find like I did that you may have to re-read the critical passages several times to make sure you understand what you're in for before leaving the trail head. A quick look through the book reveals thorough and dense coverage of the subject matter.
This book was recommended to me by an Inyo forest ranger for the detailed trail information I was seeking. I needed some specific information on hiking trails south of Whitney Portal.
Eventually, I understood but it was a bit of struggle so mark me generally satisfied. The ranger told that is the reference they use.
The book had what I was looking for but the discussion of trail distances was confusing. Also, the fact that Mountaineer Books chose to published it is another strong endorsement.
It's a bit heavy to take on backpack when you only need a small section but it's a paperback and not too expensive so you could cut the book along the spine and take only what you need.
i have loved looking through this book and cant wait to go out and see some of the territory it covers
Are you a technical climber going to or dreaming about the High Sierra. If so, this book is for you with plenty of details on mountain ascents. But, peruse another book if you a hiker, wanting to know in advance the sights to see, altitude to gain and miles to cover on the passes and trails of the HIgh Sierra.
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