22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Innovative Guide to the Best of Northern California, April 13, 2009
This review is from: Hooked on Hiking: Northern California: 50 Hiking Adventures (Cards)
One could easily argue that northern California offers the best hiking in the western US. From the redwoods along the central and northern coast, to Yosemite National Park and Lassen Volcanic, there is a lot to explore in the northern section of the Golden State. Numerous guides cover the region, but this work, a collection of hiking "cards" rather than a traditional book, is perhaps the most innovative of the bunch. Written by veteran hiker / outdoor author Ann Marie Brown and including detailed topographical maps, it has instantly become my favorite guide to Big Sur and points north.
There are 3 reasons you should buy this product. The first is convenience. Unlike a traditional book, it is easy to take out and replace one or more cards when planning an outing. Each leaf (the whole group of which are connected by a carabiner) is printed on cardstock with a color topographical map on the front followed by route description and directions to the trailhead on the reverse. Second, this guide is very well organized, with trails fairly evenly distributed throughout the northern section of the state. Yosemite and the Bay Area enjoy a slight preponderance of trails (understandably so) but you will be able to find a nearby hike whereever your travels should take you. Third, and most important, is the hike selection itself. Each hike provides a pleasant day outing. The longest is only 9 miles while the shorter walks start at barely a mile. But every one of the routes described herein is a classic. I have taken nearly 40% of the trips and all are winners. From the Limekiln Trail south of Big Sur to Lassen Peak, Tennessee Valley, Tomales Point, and the Boy Scout Tree Trail, you can hardly go wrong with this book.
In conclusion, if you like day hiking, or even think you might (this collection of cards includes many walks suitable for beginners) this is definitely the guide to get for northern California. And if your path in life should take you to the southern half of the state, you should consider also getting the companion volume to this set,
Hooked on Hiking: Southern California. Together, these two guides cover 100 of the best hikes in the state and are well worth owning.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
My first hiking book thingy, September 7, 2010
This review is from: Hooked on Hiking: Northern California: 50 Hiking Adventures (Cards)
Clever little map/book thing. The cards seem durable. There is a map on one side and a description of the hike on the other. Fairly compact and you can unhook the card you need and leave the rest in the car. Only issue was with the condition I got the cards in. The cards and hook were inside a box. However, the book dealer crammed the box into a small mailing container. The box was smashed - I ordered it for myself, but if I had ordered as a gift, there was no way I could have wrapped and given it as a gift. It was a mess. Luckily the cards where fine, no bends, etc. Shipping didn't take long though. Maybe seven business days.
Totally worth the price. I am planning a hike soon based on one of the cards. Happy ordering.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book, very handy, February 5, 2010
This review is from: Hooked on Hiking: Northern California: 50 Hiking Adventures (Cards)
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a convenient and helpful guide to trails of varying difficulties in Northern California. Great design.
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