Explore! Big Sur Country: A Guide to Exploring the Coastline, Byways, Mountains, Trails, and Lore (Exploring Series) (Paperback)

~ Barry Parr (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Author Barry Parr describes the region along spectacular Highway One, from the parks, lore, history, and scenic riches, giving strong emphasis to the many day-hikes both from the coast and interior roads, and lesser emphasis on selected backpacking routes mainly in the Ventana Wilderness.

From the Back Cover

From the Carmel River in the north to Hearst Castle in the south and inland through the vast Ventana Wilderness, Big Sur's diverse landscape and breathtaking views offer countless opportunities for fun and adventure. Explore! Big Sur Country is a comprehensive guide for motorists, sightseers, and day hikers alike to scenic Highway 1 and the backcountry byways. Discover picturesque drives through the mountains, hiking trails, places to stay, art galleries to explore, and insider information about the history, nature, and culture of the area. Author Barry Parr guides outdoor travelers to the best destinations throughout the region and shares little-known facts that even locals will love.

For more than twenty-five years, FalconGuides® have set the standard for outdoor guidebooks. Written by top experts, each guide invites you to experience the adventure and beauty of the outdoors.

 

Look inside to find:

 

A foldout color map of Big Sur, complete with trails and activities

 

Scenic drives along Highway 1 and along inland country roads

 

Where to hike, bike, watch wildlife, and go horseback riding

 

Listings of parks, attractions, campgrounds, and lodgings

 

Fascinating facts about the area's history, culture, flora, and fauna

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Falcon; 1st edition (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762735686
• ISBN-13: 978-0762735686
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #259,800 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Auto Tours, Trails and the Lore of Big Sur, July 22, 2007

By	Fritz R. Ward "dayhiker" (Crestline, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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By all accounts, California has some stunningly beautiful coastline. Probably the two most spectacular stretches are the Lost Coast, from Humbolt to Mendocino county, and the Big Sur Coastline, streching south from Carmel to Cambria. The former is accessible only by trail, and one narrow winding road from Humbolt Redwoods to the little community of Shelter Cove. The latter is closely followed by the famous Highway 1, and is the subject of this nice guide by veteran Falcon Guide author Barry Parr. For most people, this is the best place to see California's fine coastline. This guide describes the region well.

This book is broadly divided into driving, hiking, and local lore and history sections. All three are entertaining and worth reading. Parr provides an overview of Hwy 1 and the major stops along the way. He also describes many fine backcountry routes into the Santa Lucia range (the northernmost section of the sprawling Los Padres National Forest). For this reviewer, the many fine hiking trails and routes Parr describes are the main attractions. Based on the trails I have hiked, notably those in the state park system (Limekiln, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Big Sur, and Point Lobos) Parr's descriptions are very accurate. Having read the book, I am now looking forward to exploring the Ventana Wilderness and a few nature trails I had previously missed, most notably at Redwood Gulch, the southern most redwood forest in the state. Parr also shares local lore and legend with readers, including such fanciful new age topics as UFOs, the "Dark Watchers" of the Ventana wilderness, and the lost spirits at Point Lobos.

In all, this is an excellent guide. If you just want to enhance your enjoyment of driving the Pacific Coast Highway, this is a great place to start. You will be guided to the Henry Miller museum, Hearst Castle, and many wonderful overlooks. Those with more time can explore some of the many terrific trails in this region, while animal and bird viewers will find ample material on when and where to see some of the area's wildlife. Barry Parr is one of the best writers with Falcon Press and this volume lives up to its predecessors. Get it and enjoy the best of California's coast.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, April 17, 2009

By	Joan G. Zakrzewski "Joan G. Zakrzewski" (New Hartford, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This book is very informative and interesting. Probably one of the best
books on the Big Sur. Loved reading it and so will you.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read before going to Big Sur, August 30, 2008

By	Susan L. Lathrop "Susan Lathrop" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been to Big Sur many times since the 70's and after reading this book I discovered there are places I missed in past visits. This is a very good overview of Big Sur and is an interesting read. I would recommend this book to anyone that has not been to Big Sur. You will get many insights into this beautiful and magical coastal area. I am traveling to Big Sur in a few weeks and I am very grateful that I read this book before my trip. Thank you Mr. Parr for leading me to new places to visit.