Arlene Blum defied the climbing establishment of the 1970s by leading the first all-female teams on successful ascents of Mt. McKinley and Anapurna, and was the first American woman to attempt Mt. Everest. At the same time, her groundbreaking scientific work challenged gender stereotypes in the academic community. With candor and humor, Blum recounts her journey from an overprotected childhood in Chicago to the tops of some of the highest peaks on Earth, and to a life lived on her own terms. Breaking Trail is a testament to the power of taking risks and pursuing dreams.

“Compelling... Blum exudes possibility.”
—Los Angeles Times

“Personal and disarmingly honest . . . [Blum] simply
tells her nourishing and deserving story . . . reminding
us that a woman's place is indeed on top.”
—The New York Times Book Review