The Desert: A Dirtbag Climbing book

by Luke Mehall

The Desert is Luke Mehall’s fifth and final offering in his series of dirtbag climbing books. The book begins with Mehall’s first trip to The Desert, a visit to Indian Creek in 1999, and chronicles nearly two decades of experiences. Over time the author grows from thinking that the red rock desert of the Colorado Plateau is just another stop along the way, to finding himself more and more at home there. Ultimately the author’s passion for first ascents with his best friends fuels his desire to get to know the area in an intimate way. At the same time that this transformation occurs the Bears Ears National Monument is created by the Obama administration, and then ultimately dismantled. While the ultimate decision by the courts is awaited Mehall contemplates the importance of public lands for the soul of America. The Desert is a definitive, independently published account of a dirtbag climber searching for love, passion, fresh air, and, ultimately an escape from the hyper-connectedness of the modern world.

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2020

About the author

Luke Mehall lives in Durango, Colorado. He is the publisher of The Climbing Zine, an independent print publication and website, and he is the author of The Desert, American Climber, Graduating From College Me, The Great American Dirtbags, and Climbing Out of Bed. He enjoys climbing, sleeping in tents, hip-hop, yoga, vinyl, typewriters, Scrabble, and uninterrupted mornings of writing. In 2017, his mustache was named the best of Indian Creek.

Reviews

[SnowflakeZen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This writing is free; it flows. It’s raw and earthy. Uncensored and relatable. It had me laughing and crying. Looking forward to reading more.

One part I want to remember, “I like it when someone else doubts what I can do when I know I can...it builds the fire. When I receive rejection or critique on something I know in my heart I’m right about, it’s like jet fuel for the story-it almost propels me into being.”

[Dallas Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great glimpse into the heart and mind of a great Indian Creek climber. Luke’s writing is vulnerable and authentic but I may have given it 3 stars if I weren’t a climber myself. Sometimes the writing isn’t super cohesive, but it’s genuine and passionate. Luke’s climbing is as gritty as his prose, and reading of his life in the desert, putting up FAs and advocating for Bears Ears was well worth the read.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke's writing is raw and unapologetic of that fact. In true Mehall fashion this story ranges through many topics and styles, including his signature "too soon" poetry.

This book was a great read for me as I'm homesick and miss the same desert that has had a great effect on both of our lives. It's good to have more voices for the land.

[Rseal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!