Customer Reviews

Point Reyes National Seashore: A Hiking and Nature Guide

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is probably the best all-around guide to the Point Reyes National Seashore for any outdoor enthusiast. It features wonderful in-depth trail maps and descriptions for 37 hikes in the area, arranged by trailhead. In addition to very specific trail descriptions and maps, detailed information is presented on the difficulty, terrain type, and seasonal recommendations for each trail described.

But there's more! The book is packed with information about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area, including black-and-white illustrations. Sections on exploring tidepools, precautions and general area information make this a very complete guide that would be very helpful to any visitor to the area. It's small enough to take along on your travels, but don't let that fool you - this guide covers just about everything you'd need.

This review speaks only for the book's format and NOT for the accuracy of its information.
Good Points
· Complete for the title area. If it's west of Highway 1, it's included.
· Clear narrative. Text gives mileposts and includes highlights and cautions
· Rating scheme with best season for the trail. The scenic quality is numerically rated and trail difficulty factors are provided to include seasonal changes in the trail. Provides Pt. Reyes microclimate info by season that may lead to choosing one trail over another given the month or local weather
· 3-D trail maps. NOT topo maps, but some may find that these maps are easier to read
· "Best Trails" summary. Assists the hiker with limited time in the area for making trail selection based on eight criteria
· Naturalist section. Almost half the book has black-and-white plant and animal identifier illustrations and other naturalist info
Weak Points
· Currency of info. Publishing date is 1997. Trail conditions have changed.

· Lack of precise topo info. So, what do you need? Easy-to-read 3-D slanted terrain maps or overhead topo maps with elevation lines and numbers?
· No GPS waypoint info. Many of us now have handheld GPS receivers and want waypoints for trailheads, trail intersections, and scenic points as a minimum requirement
Summary: With the exception of lacking topo and GPS info, this book would be the only resource one would need for Pt. Reyes.

This is a book that I love but have lost. Was able to get it quickly and at a great price.