Erika Lundahl
Women have always been at the center of Yosemite, climbing on the walls, crafting their own equipment, establishing new routes, and showing us all what it means to dance with rock. Lynn Hill freed the Nose, Beth Rodden established the hardest single pitch climb in the Valley, and Sylvia Vidal raised the bar for hard aid solos. More recently, Libby Sauter, Josie McKee, and Quinn Brett completed mind-blowing speed ascents and link-ups, and Chelsea Griffie became the first African American woman to climb El Cap.
Edited and compiled by climber and writer Lauren DeLaunay Miller—one of the members of the first one-day all-female ascent of the Triple Direct on El Capitan—Valley of Giants: Stories from Women at the Heart of Yosemite Climbing is the first-ever anthology of women and by women about Yosemite climbing history. With 38 different contributions of stories, journal excerpts, and interviews, this new book from Mountaineers Books will serve as a beautiful celebration of women’s leadership in Yosemite climbing history, present and future—and correct a cultural misnomer about the absence of women climbers in this internationally-renowned hub of climbing.
Get your name in Valley of Giants and help Mountaineers Books continue to publish powerful stories of women in the outdoors
Many books have been written by mainstream publishers about mountain adventures of the male persuasion: the accomplishments of women? Not so much. That’s where Mountaineers Books has an edge—and a calling.
Over the last 60-plus years, Mountaineers Books has published hundreds of ambitious books that may otherwise not have been published—from biographies to natural histories to conservation. We champion emerging authors; support community events, partnerships, and exhibits; and produce our books in an environmentally sustainable way, even when it costs more to do so. As a mission-focused, nonprofit publisher, Mountaineers Books is committed to broadly sharing the transformative power of the outdoors from unique perspectives like Lauren’s. Book sales are a part of achieving this mission. However, your philanthropic support allows us to expand our horizons and impact, allowing us to take risks and reach new communities.
You can make a difference, bringing to life mission-driven titles like Valley of Giants. Donation levels start at $100, and in return for your support, we will recognize your name in Valley of Giants: Valley of Giants: Stories from Women at the Heart of Yosemite Climbing.
Learn more about how you can support authors and stories like Lauren’s. Click the link below to read more.
