Day Hiker's Guide to Southern California [Paperback]

John McKinney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

The classic Southern California hiking guidebook. Includes 150 best hikes throughout the Southland, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, Santa Monica to Palm Springs. Mountain, coastline, island and desert hikes for hikers of all abilities--from easy family nature walks to daylong challenges. An essential volume for exploring the natural side of Southern California.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A Southern California classic. -- Los Angeles Times

Good directions, clear maps, colorful histories and descriptions. -- Sunset Magazine

Those unfamiliar with the wild landscapes just a short ride from the metropolitan area are in for some surprises. -- Pasadena Star News

About the Author

John McKinney is the longtime hiking columnist for the Los Angeles Times and author of a number of guidebooks. He frequently contributes to several national publications, and serves as a consultant to the fast-growing walking industry, including The Wayfarers, a British-based walking vacation company.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Olympus Press; Revised edition (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934161151
• ISBN-13: 978-0934161152
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #420,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great day hiker's guide..., March 5, 2001

By 

Jon F (Glendale, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Day Hiker's Guide to Southern California (Paperback)

John McKinney has assembled a great collection of day hikes in this excellent guide. Each (in typical hiking guide fashion) includes a well done map, background on the area the hike covers, directions to the trailhead, and a technical description of the hike itself. The key here is variety... from one mile to ten mile hikes, easy to strenuous, seashore to high mountains to desert. Coverage ranges from north of Santa Barbara south to San Diego, east to the San Bernardino Mtns., Palm Springs area and Mojave Desert (including Joshua Tree). No matter what your hiking preference, you'll find something to like in this book. Black and white photos (both historical and present day) are included for many of the hikes and the historical sections are fascinating.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For beginners only, February 28, 2004

By 

Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Day Hiker's Guide to Southern California (Paperback)

If you're just getting into hiking, are not in excellent shape and have a little trepidation about venturing into the "wilderness," then I highly recommend this book. It has good descriptions of each trail and driving tips to the particulae trailhead. It also gives essential basic information about hiking gear, equipment and style that novices will need.

However, if you're an experienced hiker, this is not your book. Opt for the John Robinson guides, because the treks here are not strenuous. It's inconceivable that any guide purporting to be about Southern California omits the three greatest hikes of the region: Mount Baldy, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto. But again, this book is for beginners and it goes a good job for them. I just don't want someone looking for long, strenuous hikes being disappointed with this purpose. Happy hiking to all!

4 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Where's the pet info?, September 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Day Hiker's Guide to Southern California (Paperback)

A very useful guide; would be better if he added information on which hiking trails permit dogs.