Best Mountaineering Travel Guides of 2026

There and Back: Photographs from the Edge is a collection of stunning adventure photography by filmmaker, photographer, and mountaineer Jimmy Chin. With over 200 extraordinary photographs captured over two decades of cutting-edge expeditions on all seven continents, Chin shares behind-the-scenes details of how he captured such astounding images in impossible conditions. The book also features stories of legendary adventurers and remarkable athletes he has photographed, including Alex Honnold and Conrad Anker. The book is an extraordinary work of art that will inspire wonder and awe in anyone who reads it.

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) is an essential travel guide for exploring the Canadian national parks. With up-to-date information, insider tips, and user-friendly itineraries, this guidebook helps travelers tailor their trips to their personal interests and needs. The book covers various topics, including history, geology, wildlife, and conservation, and provides honest reviews for all budgets. With over 52 full-color trail and park maps and images throughout, it is a comprehensive guide for exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Hidden Mountains: Survival and Reckoning After a Climb Gone Wrong is a gripping true story that takes readers on a journey through the Alaskan wilderness. The book follows two couples on their expedition to the remote Hidden Mountains, where they encounter unexpected challenges that put their survival skills to the test. Michael Wejchert's vivid storytelling draws readers in and keeps them on the edge of their seats as the climbers face life-altering trauma and grapple with the risks and rewards of their passion for climbing. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves outdoor adventure and wants to understand the true cost of following their dreams.

Climbing New Hampshire's 48 4,000 Footers by Falcon Guides is an essential guide for hikers and mountaineers looking to conquer New Hampshire's most iconic mountains. This book provides detailed information on each mountain, including multiple routes up each peak, unique climate and geology, and GPS coordinates. With full-color photography and maps throughout, Climbing New Hampshire's 48 4,000 Footers is an excellent resource for both novice and experienced hikers. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a must-have for anyone planning to hike in the area.

"Portugal Revealed" is a comprehensive guidebook that takes readers on a journey through Portugal's vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and breathtaking natural landscapes. The book is packed with insider tips, hidden gems, and up-to-date information on everything from accommodations to transportation, making it the perfect companion for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. The author's love for Portugal shines through in every page, and readers will walk away with a deep appreciation for the country's culture, cuisine, and people. Overall, "Portugal Revealed" is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to Portugal, and its unique insights and recommendations set it apart from other travel guides.

Annapurna: The First Conquest Of An 8,000-Meter Peak is a gripping account of an expedition that led to the first successful climb of an 8,000-meter mountain peak. The book chronicles the ascent of Annapurna by Maurice Herzog and his team, who had to make their way through uncharted routes to reach the summit. The book is a masterpiece of adventure storytelling and offers a harrowing account of the team's descent, which was plagued by frostbite, snow blindness, and near-death experiences. The new edition of the book includes a foreword by Conrad Anker and is a must-read for anyone interested in mountain climbing and adventure stories.

The 2023 Rocky Mountain Guide to Exploring Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper is a comprehensive travel guide for those planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies. It provides a list of must-see sights, things to do in each town, and tips on where and when to spot Canadian wildlife. The guide also includes top-rated picks for accommodations and restaurants, as well as park and wildlife trivia questions. What makes this guide unique is that it is based solely on customer experience, with no paid advertising. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to make the most of their time in the Alberta side of the Canadian Rockies.

Lonely Planet Nepal 11 (Travel Guide) is the ultimate guide to exploring Nepal. With up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, insider tips to save time and money, and essential information at your fingertips, this guidebook is perfect for any traveler. From historic temples to trekking in the shadow of Mount Everest, Lonely Planet's Nepal covers it all. The book also provides cultural insights to enhance your travel experience. Overall, this comprehensive guide immerses you in Nepalese culture and helps you discover the country's best sights and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs is a classic guidebook that has been updated for its thirtieth anniversary edition. It features standard, alternate, and technical routes for all 58 Colorado Fourteener peaks, including GPS coordinates, revised topographic maps, expanded route details, and new descriptions reflecting alterations to trail access. In addition to the well-known standard routes, the guide describes many alternative and technical routes. Gerry Roach, the author, has climbed more than 1,200 named peaks in Colorado, including all the fourteeners. This book is a must-have for anyone planning to climb Colorado's mountains.

Glacier Mountaineering: An Illustrated Guide To Glacier Travel And Crevasse Rescue (How To Climb Series) is an excellent resource for anyone planning to travel over glacier country. The book provides critical instruction on glacier anatomy, equipment, route finding, and rescue techniques. The clear and concise text by Andy Tyson is complemented by hundreds of hilarious and helpful illustrations by Mike Clelland. This book is an invaluable introduction to this complicated subject and an excellent reference for beginners and experienced mountaineers alike. Highly recommended for those who want to safely and self-sufficiently navigate over glacier terrain.