Flakes, Jugs, and Splitters: A Rock Climber's Guide To Geology

by Sarah Garlick

With an informal Q-and-A format and fun, informative language, this book brings the often-esoteric science of geology into the hands of rock climbers. Winner of the 2009 Banff Mountain Book Award for mountain exposition.

Genres: Climbing, Outdoors

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2009

Reviews

[Wren]

As a climber who is not also a geologist or earth scientist, this book was extremely interesting. The entirety of my limited knowledge of geology comes from climbing, and I have often wondered about many of the exact topics that are presented here, regarding formation of micro- and macro-features of climbing areas. I was very excited to read about many areas I’ve visited, such as Tuolumne, Paradise Forks, Bishop, etc. While the explanations felt pretty thorough, there is enough of an introduction to geologic concepts that I felt like it wasn’t too hard to mostly understand everything in there, even without any natural sciences background. I wholeheartedly recommend this to other climbers who are interested in the rock they’re pulling on or whose favorite part of a new guidebook is the geology section.

[Tim Lee]

This is a fascinating and fantastic book for rock climbers and geology enthusiasts alike. It’s the perfect book to understand the rock you’re climbing.

[Reuel]

Good explanations--and especially good illustrations--that clearly explained the geology of specific crags and a number of National Parks.

[Angie]

SOFTCOVER — OWN IT