Local Climbing Guidebooks

Rock climbing guidebooks provide information about climbing routes, areas, and locations. Guidebooks offer information that helps climbers plan and execute their climbing adventures safely and effectively.

Wisconsin Guidebooks

Devil’s Lake: A Climbing Guide

With a diverse array of routes catering to various skill levels and an unparalleled learning environment, this guidebook unveils the beauty of Devil’s Lake State Park. Immerse yourself in the vivid descriptions of the area's unique quartzite rock, from beginner-friendly ascents to challenging crack leads, all while fostering a vibrant climbing community. Authored by Jay Knower, a seasoned climber rooted in Devil's Lake history, this book offers nearly 1,000 climbs, boulder problems, maps, captivating essays, and practical insights for an unforgettable climbing experience.

Climber’s Guide to Devil’s Lake

Embark on a journey through the captivating realm of rock climbing with the third edition of the Climber’s Guide to Devil’s Lake by Sven Olof Swartling and Pete Mayer, both passionate climbers and members of the Chicago Mountaineering Club. Packed with nearly 1,800 climb descriptions, GPS coordinates, and landmark photographs, this guide equips climbers of all levels with the tools to conquer Devil's Lake State Park's majestic cliffs and formations.

MN & WI Bouldering Guidebook

Navigate the bouldering terrain of Wisconsin and Minnesota with confidence using the WI + MN Midwest Bouldering Guidebook. Through its visuals, intuitive layout, and instructions, climbers of every proficiency can uncover the region's treasured challenges and timeless classics.

Devil’s Lake Bouldering

Take a bouldering odyssey in the heart of the Midwest with Devil's Lake Bouldering. As the region's premier bouldering destination, this guide unveils a collection of over 900 problems on the purple quartzite of Devil's Lake State Park.

Dive into the bouldering universe armed with detailed instructions, driving directions, and a wealth of reference and action photos meticulously crafted for convenience and delight. Delve into the historical legacy and the awe-inspiring wonder of Devil's Lake and its surroundings through the keen insights of author Ian Cotter-Brown.

Digital Guidebook - Mtn Project

Mountain Project is a popular website and app within the rock climbing community that serves as a comprehensive resource for climbers. It provides a wide range of information about climbing routes, areas, gear, and general climbing-related knowledge. Mountain Project helps climbers discover new climbing areas, find routes suitable for their skill level, and share valuable information about climbing locations.

Climbing Route Database

The Mountain Project hosts an extensive database of climbing routes from around the world. Each route is typically documented with details such as route difficulty (graded using various rating systems like the Yosemite Decimal System or French grades), route type (sport, trad, bouldering), length, protection information, and user reviews. This allows climbers to research and plan their climbs more effectively.

Interactive Climbing Maps

The website and app provide interactive maps that help climbers locate different climbing areas. Users can search for climbing spots by location, view routes on the map, and get directions to the crags.

Community and User - Generated Content

Climbers can contribute to the Mountain Project by adding new routes, updating route information, posting photos, and writing route descriptions and conditions. This user-generated content is invaluable in keeping the information up-to-date and relevant.

Route Reviews and Ratings

Climbers can rate and review routes they have climbed. These reviews often contain helpful tips, advice, and insights that can assist others in planning their climbs.

Climbing area beta

The Mountain Project offers detailed information about climbing areas, including access information, camping options, local regulations, and nearby amenities. This information is crucial for ensuring climbers have a positive and responsible experience while visiting new locations.

Community Engagement

The website and app foster a sense of community among climbers. Users can connect with fellow climbers, share their experiences, seek advice, and discuss climbing-related topics on the forums.

Mobile App

The Mountain Project app provides climbers with easy access to route information, maps, and community features directly from their smartphones. This is particularly useful when climbers are on the go and looking for real-time information about nearby climbing areas.

Safety & Planning

The availability of accurate route information, route conditions, and user reviews helps climbers make informed decisions about which routes to attempt, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable climbing experience.

Overall, the Mountain Project plays a vital role in the rock climbing community by providing a centralized platform where climbers can gather essential information, connect with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and contribute to the collective knowledge of the sport. It's a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced climbers looking to explore new climbing areas and improve their climbing skills.

Decoding Guidebooks

Route Information and Descriptions

Guidebooks list various climbing routes within a specific climbing area. Each route is usually accompanied by a description, including difficulty level, length, type of climbing (sport, trad, bouldering), and any notable features. Route information helps climbers choose routes that match their abilities and preferences.

Difficulty Ratings

Guidebooks often include grading systems that indicate the difficulty of climbing routes. These ratings can vary depending on the region and the type of climbing (e.g., Yosemite Decimal System, French grading system). Ratings consider factors such as technical difficulty, physical challenges, and route exposure.

Navigating: Topos and Maps

Guidebooks provide topographic illustrations or maps of the climbing area, showing the layout of routes, trails, access points, and key landmarks. These visual aids help climbers navigate the area and locate specific routes.

Access and Approach

Climbing guidebooks provide information on how to access the climbing area, including driving directions and parking details. They also offer guidance on hiking trails or approaches to reach the climbing routes safely.

Safety Information

Safety is paramount in climbing, and guidebooks often include important safety information, such as potential hazards, recommended gear, and strategies for minimizing risks. They might also highlight any recent route changes, closures, or access issues.

Climbing History and Cultural Insight

Historical and Cultural Context: Some guidebooks include historical or cultural context about the climbing area, providing insight into the development of climbing routes, notable ascents, and the climbing community's history in that region.

Climbing Beta

Guidebooks might offer insider tips and local knowledge about climbing techniques, strategies, and best practices specific to the area. This information can be particularly helpful for newcomers to the location.

Environmental Awareness

Many guidebooks include information about Leave No Trace principles and other environmental considerations to help climbers minimize their impact on the natural surroundings.

Visual Previews: Photos in Guidebooks

Guidebooks often feature photographs of the climbing routes, the area's scenery, and climbers in action. These images give climbers a visual preview of what to expect.

Revisions and New Editions

Climbing areas can change due to factors such as new route developments, closures, or changes in access. As a result, guidebooks might release updated editions to provide accurate and current information.

Guidebooks are typically published by experienced climbers, local experts, or climbing organizations familiar with the area. In recent years, digital guidebooks and apps have become popular supplements/alternatives to traditional print guidebooks, offering interactive maps, real-time updates, and additional features.

Keep in mind that the specific content and format of rock climbing guidebooks can vary widely depending on the publisher, the climbing area, and the type of climbing covered (such as sport climbing, traditional climbing, or bouldering).