[.ca] Backpacking California (ISBN 0899972861)

Selective, but superb:
This book is a detailed survey of a good number of excellent hikes in California. While there are other books which contain many, many more locations, this book stands out because of its level of detail and vastly superior maps. Each trail description is headed up by important information, like number of days, type of route (one way, out and back, loop), elevation gain/loss (very nice), etc. The trail descriptions are written with a bent towards useful information rather than mere description. This is the only place for example, where I have seen warnings about old industrial sites with possible water pollution issues for the Lost Coast trail. It would be nice if these types of books would include an index by number of days required, so that weekend trips could be easily located. Highly recommended book for anyone interested in overnight backpacking trips in California.

Maps, trailheads, elevation and campsite information:
Backpacking California is a "user friendly" compenium of tips from experts gather over thirty years of backpacking experience under one cover, with seventeen authors providing keys to over sixty backpacking routes in California. Maps, trailheads, elevation and campsite information pack a guide which will prove essential for any planning a backpacking journey.

Great book!!!:
I've always been a fan of Wilderness Press books and this one won't disappoint! I used this book to help plan a trip to Lost Coast (Oct '02), but had to change plans at last minute when I got to Calif. We did the Lassen Loop also described in the book and it was great. Highly recommend this book.