Customer Reviews

Backcountry Roads--Idaho

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For the past thirty years, hikers, climbers, and motorized explorers of Idaho's backcountry have had a steadily increasing number of guides from which to choose. Some of these include a few photographs and all describe, in lesser or greater detail, routes, distances, difficulty, etc., of trails. Today, I received my copy of "Backcountry Roads-Idaho," and I have to say there is not a guide that even comes close to this peerless publication. The Howard's have set a standard that perhaps will never be surpassed. Lynna's prose gently guides you by the hand, and Leland's photography literally puts your mind in these locations. Even armchair travelers or those just wanting to take a scenic drive will love this book. I cannot imagine someone buying this book and not taking one or more of these excursions. If you do, buy two books: one to accompany you and the other to take its rightful place among other coffee table books in your living room, study, or library, for this book is a wonderful blend of history, geography, geology, and, of course, travel adventure. If I could rate this book as 10 stars, it would not be enough.

Some travel guides are merely compiled collections of demographic information. Others are more coffee-table picture books meant more for recreational browsing than serious itinerary planning. Knowledgeably written by Lynna Howard and impressively illustrated with the photography of Leland Howard, "Backcountry Roads: Idaho" is a superbly crafted travel guide that combines detailed information with stunningly beautiful photos of what the travel can expect to encounter while traveling along the lesser road systems and off the 'beaten trails' of Idaho. Arranged along geographic lines, "Backcountry Roads: Idaho" covers Idaho's North Panhandle; North-Central Idaho; West-Central Idaho; Southwest Idaho; South-Central Idaho; East-Central Idaho; Eastern Idaho; and Southeast Idaho. Each individual destination is provided with a succinct description that includes maps, approach routes, land administration organizations and websites, total milage and road ratings, and expedition directions with GPS instructions. Anyone planning a trip for business or for pleasure would be well advanced to begin planning their travel itinerary by browsing through the information packed pages of Lynna and Leland Howard's "Backcountry Roads: Idaho"!

First, I wish Amazon would allow half stars for input ratings. I'd give this a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. But they don't. Alas...

The talents of the brother/sister team Leland and Lynna have once again meshed together to create a visually stunning and read interesting book about the Idaho wilderness for you to explore. This time by vehicle, instead of foot.

This tome is chock full of absolutely fantastic Leland photos (in my opinion, alone worth the price) and Lynna's writing prose really puts that personalized touch on everything. The book is also *packed* with information, both trail and trivia (how many of you know where the name "Idaho" came from? it was eye-opening for me :) ).

The opening stages of the book are great to read. Even in here you will probably learn something you didn't know before about Idaho, without even having looked at the main section of the book.

In the "meat" part of the book, laced with photos, the chapters/sections ("expeditions") are broken down into "When We Were There" (like a mini trip report), Approach Route options, a Maps list (plus an overview road map), Land Administration info, Total Miles and Road Ratings, and Expedition Directions, which have the journey broken down into mileage points combined with GPS coordinates (WGS84 datum) personally gathered and verified by the Howards. Each expedition also has "Before You Go" and "Other Nearby Excursions..." sidebars. All in full detail.

The only "gripe" I would have about the book is that it presents itself as a coffee table book (in size, handling, and volume of photos), but has detailed information you would hope and expect to find in a trail guide. Others have suggested you get two copies of the book, one for home and one for the road. My only concern is that the "for the road" copy will prove a little unwieldy while driving, being that it is so wide. Plus, do you *really* want to beat up such a nice book??

Stuffed with practical information, gorgeous pictures, history and story, this book will get you inspired to try some backcountry road adventuring. The carefully detailed text and maps, along with difficulty grading, provide trips for drivers and vehicles with different capabilities. The author's descriptions of what it is like to really be there make for great armchair reading, but if you follow this book's lead, you'll get to see some beautiful country that few humans ever get to. An amazing and unique resource for travel in Idaho.

Fantastic book for anyone that wants to see the real Idaho! Breath taking pictures and driving instuctions to see the Idaho outback! 5 stars!!

Backcountry Roads - Idaho is a fantastic book. As a coffee table or guide book, it hits the mark. From stunning photographs, to easy to read passages that make you feel like you are there with the writer, this is a guide book not to be missed. The details for GPS coordinates, directions and elevations make sure that you will find each and every hidden spot. My only wish is for more Backcountry Roads for other states, like mine, Washington.

This book will quickly earn a prominent place in your armchair browsing library, but you may want to buy two copies. One to showcase and another to use and abuse while exploring. Stunning photography pulls you in, and then, you find more - much more. Explicit directions guide the adventurous to experience well chosen remote destinations with confidence. Background information covering history, geography and geology provides an intellectual foundation that can transform a quickly forgotten weekend road trip into a cherished memory. Highly recommended.

Gives you a glimpse of backcountry Idaho. Untouched and uninhabited areas. Go prepared...water, full tank of gas and some times four wheel drive. Always be aware of the weather too! Beautiful photos. We loved it!