Climbing Mt. Shasta: Route 1, Avalanche Gulch

I climbed Shasta with some experienced friends this summer. This book was the perfect introduction to what I would experience on the Avalanche Gulch route. It's a quick read that covers the history of the area, gives good information on timing your ascent, and a good idea of what you need to do to prepare. It really made me feel comfortable and confident in the weeks leading up to the climb, which made the climb that much more enjoyable. The perfect book for a first-timer like myself! Take moleskin. :)

After reading the review titled "A big disappointment" it seems the reviewer has misconceptions about the book. From his eyes, not knowing anything at all about Mt. Shasta and never climbing it before, he was looking for a book that would match climbing Mt. Everest or one that is so advanced that the reader climbing Mt. Shasta for the first time would have no choice but to "look elsewhere." It would be like writing a guide book and then adding a review that condemns the book because it does not have information about the American presidents. The reviewer talks about his extensive climbing experience in his bio.The fact is there are at least 15,000 people (first time climbers) that attempt to climb Mt. Shasta a year and only a third make it. I would say at least 95 per cent of those that climb have never used an ice axe or crampons. The book is written for those people and it's designed to cover the Avalanche Gulch route only. Mountaineering is a sport and like most sports, you must understand the game. The book helps you understand the mountain and gives you the information that you need to make a safe and successful climb to he summit. It's a companion in your backpack!

This book is a simple, straightforward guide to climbing Shasta, especially for first-timers. I was given three books about Shasta by some friends before my recent trip and this one was the most useful. It gave warnings about all the dangers, tips for having the best time possible, and clear descriptions of all the available routes.

When I first picked up Steve Lewis' guide book Climbing Mt. Shasta, I asked myself why in the world would someone write a guidebook on just one route? Typically, a guide book will try to show most of a particular area's trails or climbs. After pondering this, I realized that the Avalanche Gulch route on Mt. Shasta is probably one of the most climbed routes in the United States. More people have been injured or killed on this route due to poor information than any other on the mountain. Steve Lewis' book dedication gives a clue to the book's purpose "I dedicated this book to the memory of all persons who have been injured or lost their lives on Mt. Shasta. Hopefully, the information presented here will make future climbers aware of the hazards of mountaineering." This is unique for it is the most completed guide book I have seen anywhere. The information presented includes climbing techniques, weather, geography, flora, fauna, history safety, gear, and, of course, the route itself. Climbing Mt. Shasta is not so much a guide book as it is an introduction to mountaineering. I hope other guide book writers will pick up on Steve's idea, and write books that are as complete as this one. Northern California Trail Magazine; Chico, California

What an exciting book Steve Lewis from Mt. Shasta has written! This book was written specifically for those who are motivated to climb Mt. Shasta for the first time. It contains detailed information for novice climbers and for experienced mountaineers who dream of reaching the Summit using the Avalanche Gulch route. But for those of us who don't feel the desire to go to the top, this book is packed with loads of information about the mountain's legends, lore, fact and fiction. Steve's really done his homework. There are maps, charts and exact guidelines for your trek to the top. The hazards of mountaineering are thoroughly stressed. Everything you may need to reach the "Summit" is explained in detail. I enjoyed some of the quotes used, such as, "Concentrate on your footing, not on your fear." Also, "Only conquer on foot what you feel you can conquer in your mind." Good advice for just walking on flat ground!!!! Climbing Mt. Shasta is an absolute hit!! Well done, Steve, and congratulations on going even farther than the "Summit."