Leave the ordinary behind and climb into stories where adventure’s heart beats strong on every page.
This collection, from survival epics to skill guides, serves as your connection to the vertical world, blending thrilling tales with the insights of climbing mastery.
Set to conquer the heights with the finest rock climbing literature?
Best Rock Climbing Books:
- Touching the Void
- Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
- Alone on the Wall
- The Push: A Climber’s Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits
- Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills
- Training for Climbing: The Definitive Guide to Improving Your Performance
- The Rock Warrior’s Way: Mental Training for Climbers
- Vertical Mind: Psychological Approaches for Optimal Rock Climbing
- Climbing Free: My Life in the Vertical World
- Rock Climbing: The AMGA Single Pitch Manual
- High Infatuation: A Climber’s Guide to Love and Gravity
Get to know the gear used in these books by reading our rock climbing equipment list.
Table of Contents
- #1 Touching the Void
- #2 Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
- #3 Alone on the Wall
- #4 The Push: A Climber’s Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits
- #5 Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills
- #6 Training for Climbing: The Definitive Guide to Improving Your Performance
- #7 The Rock Warrior’s Way: Mental Training for Climbers
- #8 Vertical Mind: Psychological Approaches for Optimal Rock Climbing
- #9 Climbing Free: My Life in the Vertical World
- #10 Rock Climbing: The AMGA Single Pitch Manual
- #11 High Infatuation: A Climber’s Guide to Love and Gravity
- FAQ
#1 Touching the Void
- ✍️ Author: Joe Simpson
- 📆 Year Published: 1988
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
“Touching the Void” is a harrowing and miraculous story of survival and adventure on the devastatingly beautiful Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. Joe Simpson’s memoir details his and his climbing partner Simon Yates’s disastrous, yet extraordinary, attempt at ascending the mountain.
Faced with life-threatening challenges, Simpson recounts his struggle after a fall that leaves him with a broken leg, the agonizing decision of Yates to cut the rope, and Simpson’s grueling crawl back to camp. This book is a testament to human resilience and the unforgiving nature of the mountains.
#2 Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
- ✍️ Author: Jon Krakauer
- 📆 Year Published: 1997
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
“Into Thin Air” recounts the chilling events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster as observed by journalist and climber Jon Krakauer. Krakauer, present on the expedition, provides an intense, first-hand account of the ill-fated climb, the disastrous storm, and the complexities that led to the deaths of eight climbers.
His narrative not only depicts the brutal force of nature but also explores the human psyche, the inherent risks of high-altitude climbing, and the ethics surrounding commercial expeditions on Everest. The book stands as a powerful cautionary tale and a classic in mountaineering literature.
#3 Alone on the Wall
- ✍️ Author: Alex Honnold with David Roberts
- 📆 Year Published: 2015
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
“Alone on the Wall” showcases the jaw-dropping tales of climber Alex Honnold’s free solo ascents of America’s largest cliffs without a rope. Authors Honnold and Roberts take readers into the mind of a man who pushes the limits of what is humanly possible.
The book provides insight into the emotional and physical preparation for Honnold’s death-defying climbs and the sheer concentration needed to scale sheer rock faces with uncompromising precision. This book is a thrilling journey through the world of extreme climbing.
#4 The Push: A Climber’s Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits
- ✍️ Author: Tommy Caldwell
- 📆 Year Published: 2017
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
In “The Push,” Tommy Caldwell shares his incredible life journey, from being held hostage by rebels in Kyrgyzstan to ascending the Dawn Wall of El Capitan, one of climbing’s greatest feats.
His story is one of passion, determination, and the quest to push boundaries. Caldwell writes about love, loss, fatherhood, and the mental struggle to overcome fear. This is an inspirational narrative that transcends the sport and speaks to overcoming the insurmountable walls we encounter in life.
#5 Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills
- ✍️ Author: Craig Luebben
- 📆 Year Published: 2004
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
Craig Luebben’s “Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills” serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to learn or improve their foundational rock climbing abilities. The book provides in-depth information on gear, safety, and essential techniques needed to navigate through various climbing terrains.
Luebben, an accomplished climber and instructor, combines clear instructions with detailed illustrations to ensure that even beginners can gain a solid grasp of the sport. This educational resource is indispensable for climbers who aim to build a strong and safe climbing foundation.
#6 Training for Climbing: The Definitive Guide to Improving Your Performance
- ✍️ Author: Eric J. Hörst
- 📆 Year Published: 2002
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
“Training for Climbing” by renowned climber Eric J. Hörst presents a thorough approach to elevating one’s climbing performance through targeted physical and mental training. Hörst utilizes his extensive experience and research to craft effective workouts, nutrition plans, and skill development practices tailored for climbers.
The guide is practical, customizable, and filled with insights into the physiology and psychology of climbing. It’s essential for climbers who wish to push their limits and achieve their peak performance on the rock.
#7 The Rock Warrior’s Way: Mental Training for Climbers
- ✍️ Author: Arno Ilgner
- 📆 Year Published: 2003
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
“The Rock Warrior’s Way: Mental Training for Climbers” by Arno Ilgner is an insightful exploration of the psychological aspects of climbing. Ilgner combines his climbing expertise with his knowledge of mental training to help climbers overcome fears and focus their minds for success on the rock.
The book offers strategies for enhancing one’s mental toughness, concentrating under pressure, and learning from each climb regardless of its outcome. It’s a vital resource for climbers who understand that the mental game is just as important as physical skill in conquering the toughest routes.
#8 Vertical Mind: Psychological Approaches for Optimal Rock Climbing
- ✍️ Author: Don McGrath and Jeff Elison
- 📆 Year Published: 2014
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
“Vertical Mind” delves into the psychological hurdles climbers face and offers solutions to overcome them. Authors McGrath and Elison integrate psychological theory with practical climbing experience, making the case that psychological strength is as crucial as physical strength for climbing success.
The book addresses common mental traps and provides techniques for developing a focused and resilient climbing mindset. It’s a thought-provoking guide designed for climbers who want to maximize their potential by training their minds along with their bodies.
#9 Climbing Free: My Life in the Vertical World
- ✍️ Author: Lynn Hill with Greg Child
- 📆 Year Published: 2002
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
“Climbing Free: My Life in the Vertical World” chronicles the extraordinary career of Lynn Hill, a legend in rock climbing, particularly known for her free ascent of the Nose on El Capitan. She narrates her journey from discovering climbing in her early teens to becoming one of the leading figures in climbing.
Alongside co-author Greg Child, Hill shares the ups and downs of her career and insights into her philosophy on climbing and life. Her story is inspiring and pivotal to the history of climbing, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the sport.
#10 Rock Climbing: The AMGA Single Pitch Manual
- ✍️ Author: Bob Gaines and Jason D. Martin
- 📆 Year Published: 2014
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
“Rock Climbing: The AMGA Single Pitch Manual” is the official manual for the American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor program. Authors Gaines and Martin provide an exhaustive resource on techniques for setting up and managing single pitch climbs efficiently and safely.
The manual is filled with practical advice, from teaching beginners to more advanced skills like rescue techniques. This guide is an invaluable tool for those pursuing certification or looking to instruct others in the art of single-pitch climbing.
#11 High Infatuation: A Climber’s Guide to Love and Gravity
- ✍️ Author: Steph Davis
- 📆 Year Published: 2007
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
In “High Infatuation: A Climber’s Guide to Love and Gravity,” Steph Davis tells her story of adventure, passion, and the pursuit of a life set firmly above the ground. This collection of memoirs and essays reflects on Davis’s experiences as a top climber, BASE jumper, and all-around adventurer.
Here, she delves into her personal life, sharing her thoughts on risk, relationships, loss, and living in the moment. The book resonates with anyone who dreams of a life less ordinary and is looking for the courage to break away from conventions.
FAQ
What are the best Rock Climbing books of all time?
“Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” “Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills,” “Training for Climbing,” “How to Rock Climb!” and “The Rock Warrior’s Way” are the best Rock Climbing books of all time. These classics cover everything from technique and safety to the mental aspects of climbing.
What is the best Rock Climbing book for adults?
“The Rock Warrior’s Way” by Arno Ilgner is the best Rock Climbing book for adults, addressing the mental challenges faced by climbers and providing strategies to overcome them.
What are the best books for Rock Climbing fundamentals and strategy?
“Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills” and “Training for Climbing” are the best books for Rock Climbing fundamentals and strategy, offering detailed advice on improving technique, building strength, and developing a climber’s mindset.
