Red Rocks Select, Second Edition. Todd Swain. Chockstone Press, Evergreen, Colorado, 1996. 246 pages. $25.00.

Comment: Swain’s second edition contains nearly 800 routes, 300 more than the first edition and nearly four times the number included in Joanne and Jorge Urioste’s 1984 guide. This edition is not intended to be either comprehensive or a “best of’ guide, but is meant to be representative of the Red Rocks climbing experience. A thumbs-up icon denotes routes of high quality. Indexed by both rating and route name. Clear topos and photos. (DS)

Rifle: Climber’s Guide to Rifle Mountain Park. Hassan Saab. King Coal West, Boulder, Colorado, 1995. Paper, 72 pages. $7.95.

Comment: The “How To Use This Book” page is a model of clarity and thoroughness. Routes’ equippers are noted, in addition to its first ascenders.

Routes are rated for quality (zero to four stars) and indexed both by name and difficulty. All guidebooks have a personality but most pretend not to; this one wears it on its sleeve. Preface with an attitude by Matt Samet. Contains advertising. (DS)