Customer Reviews

Rockhounding Colorado, 2nd

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

 

 

This has been a good reference book for me in my rockhounding in Colorado. I am glad to see the Author is publishing a second edition. I will purchase it when it comes out. My current copy is copyrighted in 1995. Unless I had a burning desire to purchase this book I would wait until the new edition comes out. I like the authors site format including the best season to collect. Colorado seasons and weather should be taken seriously. I would also suggest that you fully read and follow the introduction section. I have given the book three stars based mainly on it's age. If I were to use the current edition for collecting I would try and verify that the desired site (s) were still open with a local rock club. My one wish for both the Falcon guides and the Gem trail guides is that they include GPS coordinates in the directions. At least for the main turn-off and the starting collecting point. It's real handy to have these coordinates for both the field locations and for Mapping software at home to preplan the trip.

I bought this book together with Colorado Rockhounding by Voynick. Together, they offer a lot of information about sites to collect in Colorado. Kappele's book is thinner, but still gives info on 96 sites. Gives a basic map of the area, land type, elevation, season to go, material to be found, what tools to bring, whether you need 4WD, area hotels, attractions, and details on finding the site. Has black and white photos of the specimens found and landscapes. The intro talks about safety, tips, weather, mines, private property, and monuments. Overall pretty good. Would recommend Voynick's book with it for a more rounded understanding of the state and mineral belt areas.

A little dated. Some of the spots open to the public are no longer in operation so be sure to plan and call ahead. Overall, it is a good guide to have.

Very well written. Good directions. We are planning a lot of summer trips for next year!