Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life (by Sonnie Trotter)

Join Sonnie around the campfire for stories of climbing and the climbing life.

In 2025, Sonnie Trotter celebrated his 30th year of climbing. He’s long been at the forefront of the sport, specializing in first ascents of rock faces most people cannot imagine scaling. In Uplifted, Sonnie recounts dozens of memorable moments, highlighting the physical and mental challenges, sense of freedom, and rich personal relationships that feed his passion. His enthusiasm is contagious; it is easy to see why climbing becomes a lifestyle for so many.

From learning basic skills in an abandoned grain silo to mastering some of the hardest climbs on Earth, Sonnie shares entertaining and candid tales about life on the road, overcoming obstacles, grasping opportunity, and living in the dirt. With honesty and humor, he writes about shifts in his attitude towards risk. Now married and the father of two young children, he thinks differently, reconciling these parts of his life with his identity as a climber. This is a crossroads that many—whether from commitment to a passion or profession or through other circumstances—will relate to.

Details

• About the Author

  Sonnie Trotter is a Canadian professional climber, known for his strength in many rock-climbing disciplines, contributing to hundreds of first ascents around the world.

• Endorsement

  “This is a refreshing memoir, fast, fun, and joyous, which reflects Sonnie's lifetime spent on the rock. He's always climbed with a certain effortlessness. This book captures that ease and joy in his retellings of adventures around the world.”—Alex Honnold, climber featured in Free Solo and author of Alone on the Wall

• Endorsement

  "Sonnie’s name is perfect for him. He has this incredibly bright view of the world. He's he's just happy and psyched and brings this positive glow to everything he does. He really is as nice of a guy as he comes across. He is literally one of the more positive people out there. So if you want to be somebody that enjoys life, look at Sonnie Trotter and read his book."—Tommy Caldwell, author of The Push: A Climber's Search for the Path

• Specifications

  208-page hardcover book printed in full color with over 80 photos; 6 inches x 9 inches

• Publisher

  Published by Patagonia

• Country of Origin

  Made in Canada.

• Weight

  573 g (20.2 oz)

• Last Season Color Offered at Full Price

Materials & Care Instructions

• Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper

Purchase an eBook for Kindle, Nook, iPad and most other devices for $14.95. Note: gift cards are not valid for eBooks.
Uplifted book trailer
Uplifted Spotify Playlist
Uplifted Audiobook available from Penguin Random House Audio
If you would like to reflect on the ideas presented in Uplifted, click here for our Reader’s Guide.