Climbing California's Mountains

Rating:
Summary: The climbing book for everyone
Review: 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!!!

Rating:
Summary: The climbing book for everyone
Review: 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!!!

Rating:
Summary: Informative, with some cautionary notes
Review: 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.