Roof of the Rockies: A History of Colorado Mountaineering

By William M. Bueler

Book Overview

* Includes maps, drawings, and historic photos-some never before published * The only complete history of exploring and climbing Colorado's mountains Colorado has some of the highest and most spectacular peaks in North America, and no other state has a longer or more bountiful mountaineering legacy. In this long-awaited revised edition of what has become a mountaineering classic, mountaineer and historian William M. Bueler brings this rich history to life with tales of great adventures in Colorado climbing. Combining solid research and entertaining prose, Roof of the Rockies tells the complete story of 200 years of mountaineering in Colorado, from early 19th century explorations and discoveries to the challenges and triumphs of the present Colorado mountianeering. Fascinating accounts include: the discovery by Pike of his Great Peak, the one-armed major who scaled unclimbable summits, the tragedy of Agnes Vaille, the conquering of the Diamond, and much more. This new edition has been completely revised and is beautifully illustrated with artist's drawings, informative maps, and dozens of vintage photographs.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967146615
• ISBN13: 9780967146614
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Colorado Mountain Club Press
• Length: 239 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

How they got to the top!

A thorough survey of the exploration and first ascents of Colorado's diverse mountainscape. If you want a history of how Colorado's key ranges and the mountains within them were "conquered" by miners, Indians, surveyers, hikers, and gutty climbers then this is the book for you. It gives a great feel for the challenges faced by early climbers and the wonder of adventure in the Colorado high country. Highly recommended for climbing buffs. Not a technical or "beta" book -- this is a very readable survey of a wonderful state.

Interesting tales and stories

Some truly fascinating stories here of climbing in the Colorado Rockies with a lot of historical photos. You'll come away with appreciation of the achievements of the old timers. With footnotes, sometimes it seems a little too dry but overall I enjoyed the tales of first ascents, tragedies, legendary figures, and what must of been, great fun. This new edition carries the story right up to this year.