Mount Whitney; Mountain Lore from the Whitney Store, 2nd Edition by Doug Thompson & Elisabeth Newbold

While many books describe the rugged hike to the top of Mt. Whitney, highest peak in the continental US (14,494 feet), no book has more detail and inside information about the various routes, their requirements and the choices involved than this one. Written by people who have lived and worked in the area for a generation, and who have helped hundreds of hikers and climbers in their quest to summit, this detailed compilation of info about the mountain and its surroundings should be required reading for those who go. It not only includes a detailed 30-page guide to the main trail, but also valuable info about when things go wrong, bears and other wildlife, weather, WAGbagging, success factors, moonlight hiking, sleeping along the trail or atop the summit, much more.

Also has essential info about the rugged Mountaineers' Route, off-season summit attempts, and a wealth of historical lore and facts about all area trails, the summit, spectacular Lone Pine Canyon (if you love the Sierra and you've never been in Lone Pine Canyon, you've missed one of the most amazing places in the Range of Light), and what you will find at Whitney Portal.

Throw in a history of the peak and canyon, info about permits, personal stories of many who have summited, and a few choice recipes, and you get this fascinating book of facts, stories and lore. With updates through 2009.

2003, 264 pages, 5-½" x 8-½", one-color cover, 77 black & white photographs, 2 maps, 2 sketches, chart of dehydration and stress factors, bibliography, list of plants seen on Whitney Trail, appendix of historic documents about the mountain. Published by Westwind Publishing Co. ISBN 978-0-9653596-1-0. trade paper