"As Thomas Howard proves in this engaging study of early efforts to breach the Sierra Nevada, contemporary pathways represent an intriguing interaction of geography, human intention--and will. Having read this book, one will never again think simply about roadways. From Native American trails to overland stage routes, and the railways and freeways that were to follow, each axis of approach coaxed from the land and from the people who crossed the land the highest levels of engineering skills and dialogue with nature."--Kevin Starr, State Librarian of California

"Tom Howard's intricately researched and well-told story. . . [is] the best kind of commingling of geography and history. . . that the legendary George Stewart would have relished."--Paul F. Starrs, editor of Geographical Review

"This lively and scholarly study is the definitive analysis of the overland mountain routes to California. . . . Sierra Crossing is indispensable for anyone interested in the historical geography of the westward movement and California history."--Martin Ridge, Senior Research Associate, The Huntington Library