is available from Wilderness Press, (800-443-7227), Amazon, REI, Barnes & Noble, Borders and other book and outdoor outlets. At Yosemite National Park it's in the Main Visitor Center Bookstore, the Mountaineering and Sports stores. It is also available from the Yosemite Association for 15% off. Ask for it if you don't see it on display. For bookstore purchase: ISBN: 978-0-89997-443-9 120 pages; over 60 pictures Softbound $12.95 list price 5 ½ x 8 ½ inches
. Reviews Dr. D of Los Angeles, CA said: "This book is required reading for anyone attempting to hike Half Dome. The key to this hike is preparation - practical, mental and physical, and Mr. Deutsch does an excellent job of addressing all 3 of these parameters. By breaking the hike down he also allows one to "visualize" the hike before setting out, and provides useful benchmarks by which to pace onesself on hike day. His advice is circumspect and focused on safety at all times - there are many potential dangers up there, and without being alarmist, he shares his accumulated wisdom as well as regulations put forth by the NPS to educate hikers about what awaits them. An added bonus is that this book becomes a "keepsake" of sorts - his exquisite detailing of the hike itself allowed me to "relive" this wonderful day and recall details that would otherwise be forgotten. I purchased copies for everyone in my hiking group - and look forward to taking this book to the summit many many more times." Eddie "O". of Los Angeles, CA said: "My brother and I had a perfect experience on our first hike to the top of Half Dome due largely to the advice and information in this book. It allowed us to psychologically and physically prepare as best as possible. Much thanks to Rick Deutsch for sharing his vast knowledge and experience." Bob C of Livermore, CA said: "Rick's book is apparently the only currently available "how to" guide for hiking Half Dome. The book provides nearly step - by - step insights to the nuances and challenges of the various routes, but deals mainly with the "stair route", from the Mist Trail to LYV and finally Nevada Falls and the cables. His PowerPoint presentation was very informative, especially for those who think Half Dome is something to be done on a lark, or to fill up a lazy afternoon when the Giants are out of the race and the Niners have not yet started their season. Rick reinforced the value of preparation and preparedness for this trip - carrying ample water, for example, as well as being in very good physical condition. The pictures in his slide show were incredible. He had taken some phtos that everyone who's never done this route should see before making the trip. His photos of the cable route drew gasps at times, and after watching the show I had to take out my "life list" notepad and remove Half Dome from my "wanna do's". And of course I bought the book! It's easy to read, very informative but mostly (I can say this among fellow experienced outdoors folks) simple common sense. It's a Wilderness Press book, one borne of the many trips the author's taken summiting this demon of a peak. And he's a San Jose guy. I "recommend" for all who are considering Half Dome, especially if it's your first trip." Mike Dunne of the Sacramento Bee attended my July 18 talk at REI in that city. He wrote a kind review - he is their restaurant critic! The complete story is here. (See July 19 entry.) He scoffed at my diet of Energy Bars, trial mix and jerky on the hike. He plans to do Half Dome in September. I am curious what he plans to dine on at the summit. Ribs? Shrimp Cocktail? Grouper? I offered to join him - I'll carry some extra Powerbars just in case he accepts my offer! F. Ward of Crestline, CA said via Amazon.com: "The author, Rick Deutsch, has hiked Half Dome 17 times <now 21> by his own account and certainly knows the route. I found most of his advice pretty sound. You should leave early, drink lots of water (filtering on the way is an excellent suggestion) and try to get to the cables before noon. I strongly agree with his suggestion that, as you ascend the cables, you breathe deeply and focus on the rock 10 feet in front of you rather than take in the "scenery" on the 45 degree ascent. Speaking as someone who does not enjoy vertical relief, I can attest that I would not have made it to the summit had a ranger not given me similar advice. The trail description was also well written. . . . In all, this book does what it sets out to do very well and the author should be commended." C. Lanier said: "This guide really helped me prepare and enjoy the hike. Successfully completed journey with Leukemia Society Hike for Discovery group this past weekend. If you are already looking at this book you get a high adventure IQ score, necessary for completing this hike (should be required reading before accessing the Dome). R.& L. Brear (Walnut Creek, CA) said: We just want you to know that we followed everything you suggested and advised in your presentation AND your book (we bought 2.....one for us, one for our son who had previously hiked Mt. Whitney). We felt so well prepared, both in our conditioning and our gear - thanks to your information. I'm sure our trek would not have been as successful if we had not had your book for reference (and your REI presentation for enthusiasm and tips.) So we give you and your book A++++++ for getting us prepared for an experience we'll never forget." M. Bylicki (North Canton, OH) said: This book is a MUST READ for anyone considering the Half Dome hike. It requires physical training/endurance, proper gear & attitude. If you want to experience the hike of a lifetime and enjoy every step of the way read, and then re-read Rick's book, follow his advice & he'll get you there safely! Preparation & safety are key on this very popular & strenuous endeavor. His brief history of Yosemite, the cables & first hikers makes for an interesting, quick read. The information on accommodations, preparations & the pictures are right on. Take the book on your hike (it's small enough for your pack), you may want to check exactly where you can pump water & where the field toilets are & how much farther you have to go." W. Deutscher, (Redwood City, CA) said: "We met at your REI (San Carlos) lecture on hiking to Half Dome. BIG difference!!" G. Woerz (San Francisco, CA) said: "This book offers great advice for first time hikers as well as hiker's like me that want to climb Half Dome again. I was most impressed by the detailed information about the little spring at 7200 feet. Without that knowledge we would have had to carry much more water. Still, I got a little worried that we wouldn't find it, but the detailed description that includes many pictures was a reliable resource during the complete hike. The information 'ELAPSED TIME' also turned out to be very valuable. Especially since we hiked Half Dome late in September with the daylight fading pretty early The book is small and easy to carry." N. Wheelock (Denver, CO) said: "This book was a big help to me on my first trip to Half Dome. Lots of great photos, and helpful tips. Even gives a quick history of Yosemite, and how the famous cables got there. Most of my hiking has been in Colorado, and Rick Deutsch's guide made my trip to Half Dome a pure pleasure. A super value for the bargain price. I'm giving it as a gift to all my hiking friends." L. Reid (Livermore, CA) said: "The guide was an excellent choice for physical preparation and selecting the proper equipment. This information made the hike a wonderful life experience I will always cherish, instead of a struggle. We were able to Seize the Day. " P. Eckert (Denver, CO) said: "Going down to your local sporting goods store to buy gear for a hike may be fine if you're going for a walk in a mountain meadow, but for a specialized hike up Half Dome in Yosemite, you need better equipment and much more information. Rick Deutsch's book on doing this hike, provides all the answers. And, it's written by a man who has made the hike 21 times. It's concise and to the point. All you need to know is in the book. I highly recommend reading this book before you make that hike up Half Dome." |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome |
How to Order
One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome
One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome
Copyright 2008 Carpe Diem Experience | All Rights Reserved
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
