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![Paria Canyon, Kanab Map [Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument] (National Geograph](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/914jd9oPzPL._AC_UL200_SR200,200_.jpg)
![Grand Gulch, Cedar Mesa Plateau Map [BLM - Monticello Field Office] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, 706)](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/915h-85TOiL._AC_UL200_SR200,200_.jpg)
Ok first of all, the binding: Seriously, people have mentioned the crappy binding of this book in their previous reviews dating back to 2009 on here, and yet the publisher still uses the same stupid glue 4 years later? The cover is just glued on to the spine, so expect it & possibly a couple of the first pages to come off before you even get to Utah, as was the case with me. Makes the book feel cheap.
Now, the content: I found this book very helpful as I traveled all throughout southern Utah, though there were a couple times when I felt like their descriptions of what to expect could be improved upon. For example, I hike down to Peek-a-boo Gulch and literally all they say about entering it is "Steps carved into sandstone offer assistance on the initial 20-ft (6-m) ascent." Yeah, I was there and those weren't "steps". They were slick curved notches made over time from people barely having enough room to fit the ball of their shoe into the rock and then hoist themselves up with practically no hand-holds either. I wouldn't classify that setup as "steps" and since I was by myself and had no traction on the grit of the sandstone, I couldn't get my butt up into the gulch and therefore never went back into it. Perhaps they could have described this a little differently and I would have planned differently as well.
Sometimes I also thought they spent a little too much time on the history of the area in the book. Obviously I researched the area- that's what made me want to go to southern Utah in the first place, but I would have bought a history book if I wanted a history lesson. Instead I bought a hiking book because that's the part that I wanted someone else's opinion on. Not to mention there's something to be said for discovering the history of an area for yourself once you're actually there. I'd rather see the exhibits of various visitor's centers or talk to a ranger if I want a Mormon story.
Another reviewer mentioned how the authors tell "you what to think, or what to feel when on the trail". I can kind of see this point. The fact that they give you etiquette on not talking to other hikers on a trail for fear of interrupting their "solitude" is kind of self-righteous if you ask me. And unnecessary, considering I didn't buy a book on "how" to hike, but "where" to hike. And don't insult the newbies to canyon country by classifying an introductory hike as "Grand Gulch for dummies". Just because they may not have experience in that area, doesn't make them stupid. Also, don't get political on me and tell me to contact the BLM or visit a website about ATVs destroying canyon country, when I just want info on trail descriptions and such. When they stick to that, it's extremely helpful, but the intro to the book and the first page of each of the trails can usually be glossed over, since there's only so many times you can read how freeing or tranquil or wondrous the area is or when you should admire it. Thanks, but I'll decide that for myself.
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Great Guide to Utah's Canyon Country
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2017
As a Colorado Native who has been hiking mountains for 17 years I have just recently been expanding my excursions into Utah. This book has some excellent suggestions for both places I have already been and places I am now dying to get to. I really enjoyed the writing of the Copelands, it has much more personality than some other guides. At 446 pages covering 90 hikes there is a ton of variety covering all of Southern Utah. Highly recommended. Photo from hike 55 Amasa Back from January 2017.
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2017
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Gerrit Holl
Too much pseudophilosophical bla-bla in-between the useful bits.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 12, 2017NoraL
Great book, especially when planning a trip!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on June 21, 2012Amazon Customer
Fantastic book, clear route instructions
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 12, 2015Sharon M.
Excellent addition for any hikers library
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on December 2, 2016
