Discover 101 of the best hikes in Southern California, from family outings to 50-mile treks.The Southland is unparalleled for its beauty and diversity. A coastal trail, a desert hike, and a mountain trek are always just an hour or two away. Experience 101 of the region’s best hiking trips with authors David Harris and Jerry Schad. See a spectacular geological showcase cradled between two faults at the Devil’s Punchbowl. Find the ruins of a once grand Malibu mansion...

Explore 259 Memorable Hikes Near Los Angeles, CaliforniaFrom short nature trails to challenging peak climbs and breathtaking canyon treks, Los Angeles County is a hiker’s paradise. Experience the best of it with this updated edition of the classic hiking guidebook. Local author and hiking expert David Harris and Southland hiking guru Jerry Schad lead you along 259 trips in 33 regions, from the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains to Malibu and on out to Catalina ...

Since 1986, Jerry Schad's Afoot and Afield: San Diego County has been the premier trail guide for hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. It describes routes ranging from brief, family-friendly hikes to multiple-day overnight trips in remote regions of the backcountry, providing equal weight to the scenic and recreational value of each trip. Each route features at least one or more significant botanical, cultural, or geological highlight with detailed information about what make...

50 Best Short Hikes San Diego highlights enough diverse routes in Southern California's showpiece city for a year of weekly hikes. From sidewalk strolls and historic neighborhoods, to wildflowers and waterfalls, pleasant pastimes and panoramic vistas unfold in this handy guidebook. As the title says, these routes are "short." They range from less than 1 mile to nearly 8 miles, with an average of 5 miles, each, over all 50 of the hikes. And all lie within 30 miles of San Diego's ce...

The Pacific Crest Trail was designated as one of the first National Scenic Trails way back in 1968. As it traverses the "high road" from Mexico to Canada, incredible views are not only commonplace but also uniquely diverse, because the trail connects six of North America's seven eco-zones. The PCT's familiar, well-worn path is a special place for hikers from all walks of life on walks of all lengths and for all reasons.Instead of guiding you through the arduous task of hiking the e...

National Geographic's flagship, best-selling guide covers all 59 national parks in the U.S. for nature and outdoor lovers everywhere. Intensive on-the-ground research, 300 photos and 80 colorful maps complete the extraordinary package. Practical and comprehensive coverage includes engaging, individual park descriptions and brief history, travel planning tips, itineraries and directions, activities, park lodges and hotels, visitor center contact information, and camping information. Well-kn...

This book begins where basic trail guides and maps leave off. For each section of the trail, the authors describe the route in detail and recommend the best day hikes and short backpacks from each trailhead. They describe the plants and animals hikers will see, tell stories about local history, explain plate tectonics, and in a thousand other ways enrich your experience of the journey.For many people, the Pacific Crest Trail is the ultimate long-distance hiking tra...

Details of all the state and national parks. This describes them all, from the vast national parks to little-visited wilderness preserves. Facilities, hiking trails, fees, campgrounds, fishing, canoeing, history, nearby attractions, directions - everything you need. Park maps show what to find and where to find it. Filled with contact numbers and addresses. Photos throughout. The guide describes 43 different state parks of New Mexico, with contact info, how to get there, and what to see & ...

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) traces a 2,650-mile route from the California-Mexico border north to the border of Washington and Canada. While many hikers attempt a “thru-hike” every year, beginning in Campo, California and connecting their footsteps all the way to Manning Park, B.C., even more people enjoy “section hiking” – tackling the trail in bits and pieces.This guidebook serves as a road map to section hiking the Southern California portion of the PCT, beginni...

"California's magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range packs a punch when it comes to adventuring. Join local author Wilbur Morrison as he walks you along the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail, through King's Canyon, up to the top of Mount Whitney, and swimming in Lake Tahoe. Offering tips on exploring this fantastic area alone, Morrison also lists local outfitters who can help you plan a horseback riding trip, a hike, a biking excursion or an overnight trek." - Amazon review. Th...

Explore nature in and around Orange County via more than 100 hiking trails.When you think of Orange County in Southern California, you might imagine large cities like Anaheim, Irvine, and Santa Ana. However, just beyond the urban sprawl, the natural world lies within reach. The ocean rolls against jagged cliffs, raptors soar above foothill country, and mammals roam within the region’s mountains and canyons. All told, parks, preserves, designated open spaces, and pu...

Updated and expanded in 2021! An opinionated guide to the best hikes in one of Colorado's best hiking areas, the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado around the towns of Ouray, Telluride, Silverton and Lake City, Colorado. The hikes in this guide appeal to day hikers who like to go high and hike between 6 to 12.5 miles a day. Trails gain between 500-ft. to 3,500-ft. in elevation. Many of the hikes offer great intermediate turnaround points for those seeking a shorter day. All are re...