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1000 Classic Joshua Tree Routes - New Guide

Randy · · Lassitude 33 · Joined Jan 2002 · Points: 1,279

Nice and Naughty?

Winglady Winger · · Montrose, CO · Joined May 2010 · Points: 35

Definitely another one to add to our library! You can never own too many JT guidebooks.

Rolf Rybak · · Penticton BC · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 564

My favorite climb " Blackjack " is missing! That's OK , less traffic means less polish. A shame some of the newer classics like LA Woman didn't make the cut.

Glad to see that Figures on a Landscape was upgraded, hopefully I can get back on it this year after taking the big swinging fall 20 years ago.

I will save this book for my table top, too many nice photos in the book to destroy it in my pack and the crag. My favorite is Kevin Powell's phot of Space Mountain, looks like a must do route.

Klimbien · · St.George Orem Denver Vegas · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 455

Hoping Nomad's is stocked up - swinging by tomorrow morning to pick up a copy.

- OHHH and Thanks Randy, your time and efforts are much appreciated.

Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349

^^^

Was just in Nomads a couple of hours ago and they have quite a few of Randy's new guidebooks out.

You're set!

K Weber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 15

OMG.

How many guides have been done for JTREE in the past 5 years?!?!

5,6,7???

There is just a glut of guides from Vogel and Miramontes.

At least this NEW NEW on is under $40.

Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711

And, don't forget Bob's too.

When I travel to climb in Joshua Tree, I tow a small trailer for the guidebooks. And that's just for the Bartlett guides...

Randy · · Lassitude 33 · Joined Jan 2002 · Points: 1,279

There are 5 or so current guides for the 8000+ routes in Josh.
1. Joshua Tree West: a comprehensive guide for West Entrance to Hidden Valley CG appr. 2200 climbs. $35
2. Miramonte's Joshua Tree selected guide to about 3000 routes throughout the Park. $40
3. Joshua Tree Climbs (this guide) 1000 selected Classics. $25
4. Bob Gaines selected 250 routes. $19
5. The Trad Guide. 60 easy climbs. $18

And a bouldering guide $38

  • This 1000 route guide has a bigger variety of routes than Bob's or the Trad Guide for not too much more money.
  • It has far more detailed and reliable beta than the Miramontes guide, though certainly far fewer routes and crags.
  • It covers the entire Park, though far fewer routes and crags than the limited geographic coverage of Josh West.

So, it depends on what you need and/or are looking for as to which guide(s) are best for you.
lozo bozo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2015 · Points: 30

I think the topo Toe Jam is messed up

Edit: Thank you for the correction Randy

Randy · · Lassitude 33 · Joined Jan 2002 · Points: 1,279
fruitloop wrote:I think the topo Toe Jam is messed up
Actually it is correct. The right-hand crack flake is the first part of Spider (5.8). Toe Jam stays in the upper left crack until you finish straight up. Look at Joshua Tree West for the correct lines of these two climbs.
Will S · · Joshua Tree · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 1,061

Randy, any intention on publishing the other two volumes of the complete guide? After "West" was published (what? 8 or 9 years ago?) haven't really heard a peep about finishing the set.

I have no need for a select guide, but getting away from the same crowded areas and climbs with a complete guide would be welcome and I'd pre-order if there were a scheduled publication date.

Randy · · Lassitude 33 · Joined Jan 2002 · Points: 1,279

Will. Absolutely.

Now that this and some other projects are out of the way, I am revising and updating the Central Joshua Tree text -- which was largely completed a number of years ago - Falcon decided not to publish it.

Mostly upgrading to color photos and a few maps to update/finish as well as add some routes done in the last year or so.

Will S · · Joshua Tree · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 1,061
Randy wrote:- Falcon decided not to publish it.
Wow, that sucks. Must have been put off by sales numbers of West? Great to hear they will be coming out, and color is nice. Looking forward to it. Seems like these days with "print on demand" and self publishing capabilities out there, the days of publishing houses making those calls are all but over.

If we hide your mountain bike, would that speed up the process?
;^)
Bob Gaines · · Joshua Tree, CA · Joined Dec 2001 · Points: 7,008

Hi Randy,

Congratulations on the new guidebook...very well done. Great maps, topos, and photo diagrams!

Like Will, I prefer the comprehensive guidebooks...Joshua Tree West is my favorite. Can you tell us what areas will be covered in Central Joshua Tree?

Randy · · Lassitude 33 · Joined Jan 2002 · Points: 1,279

Hi Bob.
Central Joshua Tree covers Echo and Key's Ranch Road, Barker Dam, Comic Book, all of Southern Wonderland, Black Rocks, Love Nest area, Cap Rock area, Ryan CG and vicinity, Saddle Rocks, Hall of Horrors, Cave Corridor, Sheep Pass, and Small World crags. The So Wonderland is a huge section.
Haha, my bikes have definitely occupied a lot of free time.

Cody Younkin · · Encinitas, California · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 0

First, congrats on putting out a new J tree book. I can only imagine the time and effort it took to create such in depth guide book I like the compactness and material this books was printed on (literally a good page turner). I love history of climbing and wish there was a section on this for people new to j tree but again it is a guidebook. A minor blemish of this style of guide book. I wish the routes descriptions and image were on the same page. Im lazy and don't like flipping back and forth. I still give it a 5 out of 5 for bulk and imagery. Thanks. Cody

Kyle Wills · · Whidbey Island, WA · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 1,110

Definitely a fan of the West guide book and can't wait for Central. Like everyone here I own an absurd amount of Jtree Guides, my wife thinks its hilarious. Normally I rock just the new Miramontes and the West guide when out in the park. If you publish a central guide I would consider dropping the Mira guide from my standard quiver. Although I am a big fan of sun shade information. Color is not necessary although I understand it probably helps sell, when its on a shelf next to other color guides.

Adam Stackhouse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 13,970
Randy wrote:Thanks to Locker and Todd for the Nice Comments. I am now focusing on revising the previous draft of Central Joshua Tree to include all newer routes and information. All comments and suggestions more than welcome. A guide is always a community project and without the help of many climbers, it would be an impossible task.
Something I've been waiting on for about 4 years. Get to work.
GeorgeN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 0

Hey Randy, Live in Colorado & we're planning a trip in April. Where can I order a copy via mail?

Randy · · Lassitude 33 · Joined Jan 2002 · Points: 1,279

I always encourage people to purchase guides from local climbing shops (support your local shop). If you are not in a hurry, and the guide is not in stock, encourage your local shop to stock/order a couple copies.

Barring that, I can sell and ship a guide directly if you really need it before heading to Josh and can't find it locally. email me randy k vogel at aol dot com.
Delivered: $30 Priority Mail. PayPal accepted.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern California
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