Denali's West Buttress: A Climber's Guide

By Colby Coombs

Book Overview

* The only available guide devoted solely to the route used by 90 percent of all climbers who summit Denali * Historic aerial photos and introduction by one of the route's pioneers -- Bradford Washburn * Author Colby Coombs is a Denali climbing guide and a 12-year veteran of the route Denali's massive West Buttress Route is one of the world's most popular -- and treacherous -- climbs. Seasoned guide Colby Coombs and legendary mountaineering photographer Bradford Washburn teamed up to provide climbers with information devoted solely to this challenging route. Denali's West Buttress: A Climber's Guide gives the aspiring Denali climber the details required to efficiently plan and safely launch an expedition on the West Buttress. The climbing guidebook covers every aspect of climbing the route -- from preparation to climbing strategy to step-by-step route instruction. Washburn's magnificent photos -- with route and milestones clearly delineated -- paired with Coombs' explicit text guide the climber from camp to camp to the summit and down again, outlining specific hazards and obstacles and offering techniques and instruction on how best to surmount them. The book pays special attention to environmental considerations and presents low-impact methods for minimizing human and garbage waste on the route. This guide provides complete, detailed, first-hand, safety-conscious information on the West Buttress Route, serving as a much-needed resource and a grand tribute to this historic climb.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898865166
• ISBN13: 9780898865165
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

How often do things go as planned? Mine did!

I ordered the book about climbing Mt. McKinley for my son, as it is his dream. The book came quickly, it was brand new and everything worked out perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you for making things run smoothly in December!!! That doesn't happen every time, but this was super. I was very pleased.

Trustworthy

This is one of only two books I would trust for reliable information about the West Buttress route of Denali. Very informative and practical!

Simple and to the point

This book was easy to read and provides a great historical overview of the mountain, what equipment you need and a detailed step by step guide to the West Buttress route with Maps from Brad Washburn. Although I would say this book is merely a warm up in the research you need to do and understand to climb Denali. A very practical guide.

Denali's West Buttress: A Climber's Guide to Mount McKinley'

Required preparatory text for anyone planning the climb. Gives a clear understanding of the route and what is involved in attempting it. Written in concise, clear language by Denali authorities with emphasis on safety and sanitation. Of special interest is a chapter on women's concerns. Also, good reading for non-climbers wanting an inside view to what climbers experience enroute to the summit.

Enormously comprehensive; thoroughly practical.

A thoughtful compendium of useful knowledge: for the neophyte, as well as the experienced. Practical advice on "leave only your footsteps"; interesting historical background; lucid prose makes it an easy read