Backroads of Southern California: Your Guide to Southern California's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures [Paperback]

David M. Wyman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Backroads of ... | Publication Date: May 30, 2005

Highest, lowest, largest, oldest: Southern California is a land of superlatives, from the alpine summit of Mount Whitney (14,495 feet above sea level) in the Sierra Nevada range, to the salty pool at Badwater (282 feet below sea level) in the depths of Death Valley; from groves of giant sequoia trees standing more than 250 feet tall, to desert plants more than four thousand years old. To help you explore these sites and dozens more, "Backroads of Southern California"—written and photographed by a local expert and tour guide—features spectacularly varied and vibrantly seductive backroads and showcases the compelling scenery and colorful history in the lower half of the Golden State. Whether you’re planning a day trip, looking for unusual destinations, or simply want to learn more about the region, "Backroads of Southern California" will lead you deep into the soul of the southern part of the state—beyond the bustling cities and common tourist attractions. About the Author/Photographer: Dave Wyman is a professional photographer and freelance writer based in Los Angeles. The author/photographer of Voyageur Press’s "Backroads of Northern California," he has published articles and photographs in such publications as "Backpacker," "Outdoor Photographer," "Outside," and "Sierra." Wyman also owns and operates Image Quest, a natural history and photography tour company.

Editorial Reviews

Review

American Reference Books Annual, March 2006 (circ. unavailable)

“This is a very well-illustrated and well-researched regional travel guide aimed at Southern California residents and visitors from out of the area who are looking for something off the beaten track.  Recommended for larger public libraries.”

Bookwatch, October 2005 (circ.: 80,000)

“This is a ‘must’ for any Southern California visitor who would explore the backroads.”

From the Publisher

Dave Wyman is a professional photographer and freelance writer based in Los Angeles. The author/photographer of Voyageur Press’s "Backroads of Northern California," he has published articles and photographs in such publications as "Backpacker," "Outdoor Photographer," "Outside," and "Sierra." Wyman also owns and operates Image Quest, a natural history and photography tour company.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press (May 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089658058X
• ISBN-13: 978-0896580589
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #645,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must' for any Southern California visitor who would explore the back roads, October 6, 2005

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backroads of Southern California: Your Guide to Southern California's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures (Paperback)

David M. Wyman is a professional photographer and freelance writer based in Los Angeles, and has published articles and photos about his local area in many places: his Backroads Of Southern California: Your Guide To Southern California's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures blends color photos with maps and insights into Southern California scenes not normally featured in competing, more mainstream travel guides. From the railroad legacy of the Tehachapi Mountains to a little-taken exit to the lovely, less urban See Canyon Road, this is a 'must' for any Southern California visitor who would explore the back roads.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discover Where Only the Native Californians Know to Go, February 25, 2006

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Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Backroads of Southern California: Your Guide to Southern California's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures (Paperback)

I grew up on Southern California. My family was always more attracted to the twisting two lane roads that wound through the hillsides, mountains and deserts than to the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the freeways.

Most people who visit Southern California will figure out that they can visit Disneyland, Hollywood, the San Diego Zoo and the many great beaches. But few will make it to the Rim of the World in the San Bernardino mountains, Morro Bay, San Simeon, Carrizo Plain, Elk Hills, Sequoia National Monument, Mount Whitney or Death Valley. Visit any of these lesser known sights, and you may have a life-changing experience.

David Wyman has a good sense of the land and its people. I liked the way that he combined images of natural majesty with rusting junk left over from the 1950s. Both are integral parts of Southern California's back roads. The historical photos lend depth to the book that would otherwise be stuck in one time dimension . . . the last 50 years. The book's many maps will also make it easier for you to find the route you need to follow. The essays do a good job of giving you a flavor for what you'll see and experience. I have been everywhere described in this book and would consider it a pleasure to revisit any of them.

If you haven't been to any of these places, plan a long weekend and have a ball!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wyman shares his knowledge and photos, October 6, 2005

By 

scrabble (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backroads of Southern California: Your Guide to Southern California's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures (Paperback)

Dave Wyman knows California's backroads as well as Huell Howser! I've driven many of these roads, and am amazed at the research Dave has done to make their history, and their present, come alive in interesting, readable prose. His photography is colorful, easy to look at, and makes you want to be there. If you're headed to the backroads, or just want to travel by armchair, this book is for you!