are unlikely to be encountered at the high elevation above tree line Each section begins with a history of each area – near Mammoth
that Sierra Crest Route traverses), as well as environmental injuries – Crest, for example, the author provides an account of the naming of
including the two most common and preventable ones: hypothermia Michael Minaret – followed by a description of the approach route to
and altitude sickness. the crest from the access points along
The inclusion of subjective
“What makes the Sierra Crest Route new, different, and
the way. For the Mono area, Italy Pass
dangers – where one or more
provocative is that it is the first time that a cross-country
marks the beginning of the area, while
group members are mentally or
route of this length, complexity, and difficulty has ever
McGee Pass identifies its end – and
emotionally unprepared for the
been created. It might be argued that a route like this
the beginning of the Mammoth Crest
rigors and hazards of the task area. Most areas share the same rules
– is thought provoking. “The
was put together during the original explorations for the
and regulations, though the explorer
most serious subjective danger is
John Muir Trail almost one hundred years ago, but the
should be mindful that some have
overconfidence,” Daughenbaugh
original route was in fact created for pack animals and the
unique rules to be learned in advance.
writes. “Most at risk are individuals
possibilities for the route were limited to their capabilities.
Alternative routes and mountaineering
who consider overconfidence as
Early Sierra explorers were, therefore, confined to the
opportunities are also painstakingly
optimism, believing that nothing detailed, along with escape routes in
bad can happen to them.” It is
easiest possible routes; Crest Route travelers are not.”
case of emergencies.
especially advisable that the - Leonard Daughenbaugh, from the introduction Daughenbaugh refers the reader to
leaders of groups on the route be R.J. Secor's and Steve Roper's climbing
devoid of such characteristics – and the author explicitly advises that guides, listed in the references section. ◆
no one attempt the route on their own. Catherine Billey is a graduate of the University of California,
The bulk of the book contains a breakdown of the route into Berkeley. She was with the staff of the New York Times in the Los Angeles
twelve sections. Starting from the south, they include the areas around News Bureau before relocating to the Eastern Sierra, where she enjoys
Olancha Peak, Mount Whitney, Mount Williamson, Woods Lake, the spending as much time hiking in the backcountry as her busy reading
Palisades, Evolution, Mount Humphreys, Mono, Mammoth Crest, and writing schedule will allow.
Yosemite, Mount Conness and Sawtooth Ridge.
July | August 2009 Mammoth Sierra Magazine 11
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44