Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in the Sierra Nevada: Hikes and Backpacks from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park (Explorer's 50 Hikes) [Paperback]

Julie Smith (Author)

Book Description

Series: Explorer's 50 Hikes | Publication Date: June 1, 2009

50 Hikes in the Sierra Nevada charts the thousands of miles of trails crisscrossing the Sierras’ pine clad slopes and stark, treeless mountaintops, that make this region a hiker’s paradise. Including the perfect mix of classic Sierra treks and lesser-known routes, the author has focused on the most scenic destinations.

The guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step directions for each hike and offers a glimpse into the natural and human history of the area. In addition, each chapter includes an up-to-date topographic map, directions to the trailhead, distance and elevation data, hike difficulty rating, and pertinent contact information. 101 black-and-white photographs and maps throughout

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julie Smith, a California native, has hiked and backpacked extensively throughout the Sierra Nevada from the deep recesses of Kings Canyon to the craggy apex of Mount Whitney. Taking advantage of California’s ample sunshine, she and her husband spend their time hiking and fishing, outdoors more often than not. An environmental planner by trade, she has also authored several articles related to her outdoor exploits. She makes her home in Kelseyville, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Countryman Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881508101
• ISBN-13: 978-0881508109
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #737,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of the Sierra, May 12, 2010

By 

Fritz R. Ward "dayhiker" (Crestline, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in the Sierra Nevada: Hikes and Backpacks from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park (Explorer's 50 Hikes) (Paperback)

There are a lot of books about hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But the range is so vast that no book really covers it all. Julie Smith's contribution to the 50 hikes series, however, comes pretty close. From the neglected foothills in Gold country to the trails in the eastern Sierra and the national parks, this book really does cover some of the best territory in the Sierra. All of the hikes described in the book can be completed in a day with most falling into the 5 to 10 mile range: long enough to give you a good workout and short enough to leave time for driving back to camp.

Ms. Smith correctly notes that choosing just 50 hikes in the Sierra is quite a challenge. There are many spectacular trails, some of which are quite crowded while others are in relative disrepair due to years of neglect. I think the author strikes the right balance here. You will not find the immensely popular Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park for example. The author instead suggests you visit Redwood Mountain near the General Grant portion of Kings Canyon. But you also will not be trudging along unmarked paths (with one exception) or walking cross country sans trail. Of the 21 trails I have hiked in this guide, all are winners. Of course, the book is not comprehensive, but for a "best of" selection to the high sierra, this work by Julie Smith will be hard to top.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get Started Getting Out There, June 22, 2009

By 

R. Richardson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in the Sierra Nevada: Hikes and Backpacks from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park (Explorer's 50 Hikes) (Paperback)

A great book to get you started hiking the Sierra's. By taking away some of the "unknowns", I can get out there with more confidence. Knowing what to expect makes that first step a bit easier to take. It is well written and provides the needed motivation to get moving.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun outside, December 12, 2009

By 

P. Smith (Rosamond, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in the Sierra Nevada: Hikes and Backpacks from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park (Explorer's 50 Hikes) (Paperback)

Fantastic book. If your into outdoors/and/or hiking this is the book you want. Explicate details and the Sierras and Lake Tahoe are perfect to hike or even just to look at.