Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

A truly wonderful review of some of the most beauiful places in the Sierra Nevada!