Pikes Peak Backcountry: The Historic Saga of the Peak's West Slope

Books of this type are often inaccurate, lack perspective, or amateurishly written, but Pikes Peak Backcountry is none of these. The author is a real pro, both as a writer and as one adept at crafting a very readable, fine history of the region, including its geologic history, indigenous and early settlers, mining, etc. In the 1960s-1970s, my dad taught a geology field course in Florissant, so I was privileged to spend ten summers growing up in the area, a wonderful experience. Ms. Kaelin has absolutely captured the beauty and exciting history of the area. And speaking as a book developer, I note that she has created a book that is a model (in structure, writing, readability, accuracy) for anyone who wishes to write a high-quality local/regional history. Brava!

This is a well-researched and informative book. Because Judge James Castello, a real pioneer of the area, was by third great-grandfather, it meant even more to me. Kaelin gained my respect by being accurate in her accounts of the time. Well worth adding to any Colorado history collection.