Camp 4: Recollections of a Yosemite Rockclimber

by Steve Roper

The author recalls his experiences over ten years he spent climbing the rock walls and peaks of California's Yosemite Valley

Genres: Climbing, Adventure, Outdoors, History, Nonfiction

255 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Arjun Boddu]

So good. Probably my fav non fiction book. Steve roper as a person is so great.

[Mike]

This was an interesting book to read while on a recent trip to Yosemite--an engaging account of an important chapter in the history of the Valley. As a non-climber, I would have benefited from a little primer on the climbing techniques he refers to frequently throughout the book; without them, I think this book is probably best suited for people who already know something about the sport. And without visuals to go along with his descriptions of various climbs, not to mention the many climbers involved over the years, things do start to blur together a bit. Still, there are some really exciting (and scary) stories here, and it's a fun read.

[Norbert]

From starting of climbing in Yosemite to the Golden Age, Steve Roper explains all the evolution the evolution that happened in Yosemite valley from the inside.

I enjoyed the book especially on the second part with the details of big walls attempts, description of the gear, the climbing philosophy, people thoughts and lives.

[Vicki Hill]

If you love rock climbing stories, the Sierra Nevada, and all the "interwoven" relationships of the early climbers (and later to become major outdoor garment and gear gurus), you'll really enjoy this book

[Nic Blackburn]

History

This must be the go to book on the history and legacy of Yosemite climbing. The stories are told in such an honest way that you feel like you're there yourself. If you love rock climbing or at all interested in a unique piece of American History, please read this book

[Seán]

A great read, really enjoyable hearing about the development of rock climbing in Yosemite. Some stories I'd heard the vague details of before, but hearing a fleshed out version from an insider's perspective was fascinating. I particularly enjoyed hearing about how and why the ethics in Yosemite developed over time. My only gripe was that despite being written in the 90s, the book only covers up to 1970/71. On the one hand this is understandable as it is partially a personal memoir. However, as a result it feels incomplete as a history of Yosemite given the events of the 70s/80s and the likes of Bridwell, Long, Barber, Westbay, Croft etc. are only mentioned in passing.

[Vinny Corsaro]

Incredible history, really unique voice, and entertaining stories.

The perfect mix of history, climbing, and personal narrative.

I may be biased because I'm an avid rock climber, but this is probably the best climbing book I've read, both on grounds of content and actual writing.

Makes me want to live in a camp in Yosemite...

Who knows...? v

[Leland William]

Perhaps more in the 4.5 territory. It hit especially hard as I have been walking through the same meadows, and climbing the same walls that were being described. Beautiful photography and vital writing. I’m not really that into climbing literature but I found this well written enough to really enjoy it.

[Scott]

As a climber I have to give this book 5 stars. The old stories and the boldness with which these guys went after it is truly awesome. I'm not sure how much a non-climber would enjoy this but if you have an interest in the sport it's a must read.

[Taylor Douthit]

In Camp 4, Steve Roper details the major rock climbing ascents that took place in Yosemite Valley circa 1930-1970 and shares some tales of the escapades that unfolded on the towering granite walls and in the climbers campground Camp 4 during the Golden Age of Yosemite Valley rock climbing.

[Pari Ghazi]

5 stars, and that's not just because it's a book about climbing. One heck of a writer and a treasure chest of stories about friendship; rules (setting them, breaking them); limits; how rocks sharpen people and how people sharpen rocks; how to live a good life.

[John Rose]

If you're into the history of climbing in America or have a fascination around climbing in Yosemite, look no further. I will say this book probably lends itself more to a climber as the amount of detail listing historic climbs can get a bit repetitive at times, but that just shows to the level of detail in this book. I loved reading about the evolution of climbing from the very beginning to people hammering pitons into the unknown for 3,000ft with basically no gear other than a rope tied around their waist compared to today's climbing world. I would definitely recommend this book to any climber as having real world experience really just adds to how crazy these guys were pioneering the sport.

[Josh Chartier]

A must read for any Yosemite rock climber.

[Jd Miller]

An incredible look into the birth of one of America's outdoor subcultures. Steve Roper's detailed history provides a look into the ideologies that compelled young men to climb and adventure in a relatively unadventurous age. I find really interesting how the intent of the dirt bags was not really to rebel or reject society but to find a heteratopia that was the absence of normal society.