Region, Rock, and Culture in American Climbing

The United States offers rock climbers a greater variety of geologic environments than any other country in the world. Drawn to this smorgasbord, climbers cross the country in search of new rock, sharing techniques, equipment, and information. And in recent years millions of new converts have been drawn to the sport as climbing gyms and schools continue to open across the country.

Veteran climber and guide Don Mellor suggests in American Rock that this newfound popularity may soon cause American rock climbing, once the obscure pursuit of an eccentric few, to become bland and homogenized. In this thoughtful history and overview, he celebrates a dazzling mosaic of geologic regions and the distinct climbing styles they have engendered, and urges climbers to get out of the gym and take to the road to experience the rich variety of American rock for themselves.

In opening up the history of American climbing, Mellor chronicles the rich history and vibrant personalities of the climbing scene, and explores the meanings behind ongoing debates in the climbing community over access, techniques, and equipment. And throughout he pleads for conservation and respect, to protect these fragile resources for generations of climbers to come.

"This is the first and only book to look at American climbing as a whole, especially important as the specialties in U.S. climbing (bouldering, sport, traditional, big wall), diverge. Every climber-even those who seldom venture out of the gym-will appreciate learning about the history, the culture, and the great places in American climbing."
—Lynn Hill

"Don Mellor's American Rock is an inspirational, sure-footed romp through the climbs and climbing culture of our great landscape-and a must-read bible for all young crag rats who aspire to reach the heights."
—Ed Webster, author of Snow in the Kingdom: My Storm Years on Everest

$27.95 (Can. $39.99)
0-88150-428-9
6 x 9, 304 pages, hardcover, 42 b & w photographs, 1 maps, index