Favorite Guidebooks

[ynp1]

I agree that ray has done a great job with the guide book.

I like guide books with a lot of history and stories in them. maybe that is just me, but i like the history of an area.

I think extreme angles is doing good stuff with the gunks and devils tower. in the DT book they even have a topless girl in it, which i think more guide books need. who doesnt like boobies!!!!!!!!!!!

[SCIN]

The Spearfish canyon guidebook is hilarious, and the Smith Rock guidebook is a tremendous work of art and historical record.

The RRG guidebook is one of the most impressive I've seen for the way it accurately describes so many unique cliffs that are just plain hard to find. All the stars make it kinda heavy though

Mike, I think you'll feel better about the 3rd edition. I heard that from a lot of people and took it into consideration.

[ynp1]

i also like Mark Synott's Baffin Island guide. It has amazing pictures of HUGE unclimbed faces. It also has the original topos from the first ascentionest. which can be pretty funny at times.

[rjackson]

Extremeangles Press has a guidebook for the Gunks that has all sorts of details that go way beyond other guidebooks of the area. Purest have stated that using that guidebook is like having someone hold your hand up the route.

I'm not a purest, but I in no way thought that the Extreme Angles' guide held my hand. It just made it easier to tell if you were on the right route IMO (if you chose one of the routes they covered). I think the climbing in the Gunks is heady no matter how much beta you have.

As far as a favorite, gotta go with the local... thumbs up Ray.

[anticlmber]

mr B's 2nd, i agree with hammy about the writing.

that thing WAS my bible, i read it every day for years, anytime i could i'd be looking at obscure areas, memorizing the descriptions, and dreaming of the adventures.

with that said.....ray gives better directions.

[mike_anderson]

Oops, I said Spearfish, but meant Tensleep. Seriously, if you ever come across one in a gear shop, or a buddy has it, flip through it...it will make your day.

[jimmy]

I agree with you, Mike. The Ten Sleep guidebook is definitely one of my favorites. I love the quality rating system: A silhouette of a sexy lady = a 4 star route. An American flag = a 5 star route. "If you don't do this route you hate America, and your mother." Classic. On top of the great guidebook, I would have to say Ten Sleep has the most amazing limestone I have ever touched.

I was also really skeptical when I heard that there was going to be a new guide for Eldorado Canyon, but after seeing it, I have to say that it really is an amazing guide to a magical place.

...and I'm not just saying this to brown nose, but I LOVE Ray's RRG guide...truly beautiful. I can't wait to see v3.