Customer Reviews

55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a MUST HAVE book for any visitor or Alaska resident who wants to get out and about and enjoy the outdoors in this part of Alaska. Those of us who have lived in Alaska for many years still use this book every summer for our day trip or weekend adventure planning, as well as for longer trips. I give this book as a gift to both summer visitors and people who have just moved here. It is accurate, clearly written, has good maps, easy directions to the trail heads and has the necessary safety information for folks not used to things like mosquitos, bears, and stream crossings. I get the latest edition every time it comes out to check out the most up to date trail information.

South Central Alaska holds most of the population and recieves many of the visitors to Alaska. It also includes those parts of the Alaskan wilderness most accessible to the average hiker. This guidebook is designed to provide both residents and visitors with a selection of hiking possibilities spread across the Anchorage Bowl, the Kenai Peninsula, the Matanuska Valley on the way to Denali, and the Copper River Basin on the way to the port of Valdez. The hikes range in challenge from those suitable for the merely fit to those intended for the extremely fit.

The book is broken down first by general geographic area and then further into a description of each hike. Information provided includes distances, estimated travel time, elevation change and a difficulty rating. Descriptions include how to get to the appropriate trailhead and sketch maps for the actual route. The book has a good selection of photographs that provide a sense of scale for the terrain. An introductory chapter discusses the hazards of hiking in Alaska, including the weather and the wildlife.

This guidebook is highly recommended to the resident and to the visitor for an informed choice on where to hike in South Central Alaska.

55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska

Awesome guide book for hikes in South Central Alaska. I have been to the area five times over the last ten years and enjoy hiking and exploring new trails. I have two editions of this book. It has been a wonderful resource in selecting hikes that were appropriate for various traveling companions. Very detailed with all the necessary information to help you get the most out of your Alaskan outdoor adventures.

excellent, well researched with plenty of insight. Covers the idea of traveling with children or a highly technical trip. great book, but VERY specialized for the area.

Once you are up here you will realize there is only so much you can adapt for an area 1/3rd the size of the continental US.

out of all the trips there are 20 I am considering doing in the near future.

Excellent book and updated on a regular basis.
Great insight as to what to bring on all trips.