Books published by Wilderness Press

Explore 259 Memorable Hikes Near Los Angeles, CaliforniaFrom short nature trails to challenging peak climbs and breathtaking canyon treks, Los Angeles County is a hiker's paradise. Experience the best of it with this updated edition of the classic hiking guidebook. Local author and hiking expert David Harris and Southland hiking guru Jerry Schad lead you along 259 trips in 33 regions, from the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains to Malibu and on out to Catalina Island. That's virtually every hike worth taking within an hour's drive of the city. Afoot & Afield: Los Angeles County offers a comprehensive collection of hiking adventures for everyone from families with small children to experienced mountaineers seeking the ultimate challenge. The guide encompasses almost all public lands within the county, including Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills, the San Gabriel Wilderness, Crystal Lake Recreation Area, and numerous county and city parks. At-a-glance essential information, including distance, hiking time, elevation gain, and ratings for difficulty, help you to choose the perfect trail. Complete descriptions and driving directions are paired with easy-to-read maps with GPS waypoints to give you the in-depth details you need. So whether you seek solace from the crowds, a cardiovascular workout, or a new perspective of the natural world, Afoot & Afield: Los Angeles County will get you going.

This comprehensive guide presents 58 featured one- or two-night backpacking trips, plus more than 40 bonus trips, within three hours of Portland, Oregon

Backpacking California presents 74 carefully crafted backpacking trips to some of the most magnificent landscapes in the state.

Now completely updated for a second edition, Backpacking Washington remains the only comprehensive guide to all of the Evergreen State's best extended backpacking trips. Ranging from three days to two weeks, these 28 adventures visit every corner of the state, including the wild beaches of the Olympic Peninsula, the vast interior of the Pasayten Wilderness, Mt. Rainier's famous Wonderland Trail, the volcanic wasteland around Mt. St. Helens, and the little-known Salmo-Priest Wilderness, where hikers may glimpse grizzly bears.

Europe is renowned for romantic inn-to-inn vacation opportunities on paths worn by centuries of travelers. Modern-day trekkers can hike the Alps or Southern France, explore the British Isles at three miles an hour, or pilgrimage through Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, stopping each night at a hostel or inn. Now adventurers in California are creating a new tradition of multi-day treks from inn to inn in the U.S.Walkabout Northern California: Hiking Inn to Inn describes twelve walks (or "e;walkabouts"e;) along the wild Pacific Coast, through the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the Cascades and through the parklands around the San Francisco Bay.Each walkabout, organized by individual chapters, contains all the information to create a memorable and invigorating vacation, with a sketch map, recommendations for optional maps, mile-by-mile details of the route, and logistical tips on places to stay and eat. Many trips contain variations for different lengths of time and budgets. With a light daypack and a few reservations, hikers can travel for days on California's breathtaking coastline or in mountain ranges.Each day on a walkabout ends with a comfortable bed, a glass of wine, a good meal and maybe even a hot tub. Some of the hikes can take a week, but many can be enjoyed in a weekend. Some are challenging, but the majority are perfect for the casual hiker. The accommodations for the walkabouts include a B&B perched on the cliffs above the Pacific, a resort on the shore of a Sierra lake, a historic hotel in a coastal village, a hostel in a national park, and a retreat center that soothes the soul.

From the Gold Rush to the Summer of Love to the dotcom days, San Francisco has been a city of distinct neighborhoods. This savvy, entertaining guide explores the best of the city "e;on the ground"e; in tours that traverse its length and breadth. The 33 urban treks are a great way to soak up the history, culture, and vibe of the City by the Bay. The walk's commentary includes trivia about architecture, local culture, and neighborhood history, plus tips on where to dine, have a drink, or shop. Each tour includes a clear neighborhood map and vital public transportation and parking information. Route summaries make each walk easy to follow, and a Points of Interest section lists each walk's highlights. Walking San Francisco provides the perfect path for a weekend adventure, an after-work ramble, or a sociable pub crawl.

Featuring 33 self-guided walking tours, Walking Portland leads readers through the city's interesting, scenic, and historic places.

A virtually undiscovered backpacking paradise, Idaho has numerous wilderness areas of mind-boggling size. Backpackers can find complete solitude, wildlife, and some of North America's most outstanding scenery. Idaho's mountains also boast great weather--fewer thunderstorms than the central Rockies, less rain than Oregon and Washington, and cooler summer temperatures than California.Backpacking Idaho takes you to what author Doug Lorain calls a "e;Shangri-la"e; for backpackers. In the craggy Selkirk Mountains you'll find lush forests, small cirque lakes, and jagged granite peaks. Watch for ospreys, river otters, and belted kingfishers in the swift Selway River. Explore hundreds of miles of trails in the gently rolling forested hills in north-central Idaho, or head to Hell's Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, where you'll find both alpine tundra and cactus-studded desert.

The Inland Empire-the vast region east of Los Angeles encompassing Riverside and San Bernardino Counties-brims with an immense range of environments, from cactus-studded deserts to snow-capped summits, from shady forests and sparkling lakes to lush palm oases. It's truly a hiker's paradise.

The southern High Sierra, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the surrounding John Muir, Jennie Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses, is one of the most magnificent natural areas in the world. Blessed with the largest trees on Earth (giant sequoias), one of the deepest canyons in North America (Kings Canyon), and the highest mountain in the continental U.S. (Mt. Whitney), the greater Sequoia-Kings Canyon region offers unparalleled mountain majesty. Along with such superlatives, hundreds of miles of trails provides access to a boundless number of high mountain lakes, wildflower-covered meadows, cascading streams, deep forests, and craggy peaks. Mike White's Top Trails: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks guide presents the best curated selection of trips suitable for varied skill-level to this portion of John Muir's Range of Light.

Now, for the first time, Arizona visitors and residents will be able to set out on any part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail with a "e;bible"e; of the trail's twists and turns, its flora and fauna, and its geology.In an easy-to-use format, the book serves up the 800-mile trail section by section (43 altogether) so that day-hikers as well as thru-hikers can feel confident about the route and inspired by the magnificence of the scenery, wildlife, and diversity of terrain.Botany fans will relish the comprehensive descriptions of plant life among the trail's 13 microclimates from the South start at the Mexico/Arizona border to the North end, at the Arizona/Utah border.Geology aficionados will take note of the equally detailed descriptions of rock and the ground beneath their feet (or beneath their mountain bike wheels or their horses' hooves).Especially helpful are the descriptions of the 22 "e;gateway communities"e; that provide easy trail access and supplies along the trail's route from South to North.Overall, this new book will become a personal guide and irreplaceable source for any hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian heading for the Arizona National Scenic Trail--whether they intend to do a part of one section, or a weekend of two or three sections, or hike the entire trail over a period of weeks.

In its heyday, Colorado had more than 175 ski areas operating on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, and while many of those resorts have shut down, their runs still shelter secret stashes of snow. Pristine slopes await backcountry powder hounds out to discover these chutes and steeps, bunny hills and bumps. Chronicling the history of more than 36 of these "e;lost resorts,"e; Powder Ghost Towns provides the beta for how to ski and board these classic runs today, with comprehensive information on trailheads, where to skin up, and the best descents. Coverage ranges from southern Wyoming's Medicine Bow Mountains to the Colorado-New Mexico border, including famous old resorts like Hidden Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Featuring 35 self-guided walking tours in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Walking Twin Cities leads readers through interesting, scenic, and historic places.

Each year, at least 1,200 tornadoes batter the United States. While most occur in Tornado Alley--a vast, weather-beaten swath of middle America-in truth, tornadoes can occur almost anywhere. And where there are tornadoes, there are storm chasers. They come in all shapes and sizes, from hobbyists to researchers to professional chasers. There is one, however, who stands well above the rest: Roger Hill.Hunting Nature's Fury tells the story of Roger Hill and his love affair with storm chasing, taking you on a suspenseful and dramatic ride across the Great Plains, into the Deep South, even into the eyes of such recent hurricanes as Katrina. You'll accompany Hill as he braves close calls, makes history, and gains insight into the science of severe weather. This is a story of a storm chaser obsessed with the storms that almost killed him; of resiliency in the face of disaster; and of humility in the presence of the awesome power of nature. Includes eight color pages of jaw-dropping photos taken by Hill showing many of the storms chronicled in the book.

In April 2004, Barbara Egbert and Gary Chambers and their precocious 10-year-old daughter Mary embarked on a 2,650-mile hike from Mexico to Canada along the famed Pacific Crest Trail. This the well-told tale of their epic adventure, which required love, perseverance, and the careful rationing of toilet paper. Six months later, Mary would become the youngest person ever to successfully walk the entire trail.The trio weathered the heat of the Mojave, the jagged peaks of the Sierra, the rain of Oregon, and the final cold stretch through the Northern Cascades. They discovered which family values, from love and equality to thrift and cleanliness, could withstand a long, narrow trail and 137 nights together in a 6-by-8-foot tent. Filled with tidbits of wisdom, practical advice, and humor, this story will both entertain and inspire readers to dream about and plan their own epic journey.

Near Sacramento, numerous trails access the Central Valley's wildlife-filled wetlands and traverse riverside forests and grasslands. In the Coast Range and Sierra foothills, trails lead to scenic waterfalls, wildflower-studded meadows, and high mountain lakes. Longtime Sacramento resident and intrepid hiker Steve Evans has selected the 43 "e;must-do"e; hikes, the majority of which are within two hours of the city. Whether you're looking for a scenic stroll, a full-day adventure, or even a spectacular alpine peak-bagging trip, you'll find it here.Trails range from 1 to 10 miles and sea level to 9000 feet, and each trip includes elevation profiles, detailed maps, driving directions, and "e;don't get lost"e; trail milestones.

Choose from more than 150 trips on over 500 miles of trails with this comprehensive guide to every park and preserve on the San Francisco Peninsula. From Fort Funston and San Bruno Mountain south to Saratoga Gap, and from the Bay west to the Pacific Ocean, the peninsula offers something for everyone. This edition includes 18 new trips covering newly acquired public lands. Also includes maps and a trips-by-theme appendix.

From enchanted Hanelei Bay to the rainbows of Waimea Canyon, from Wailua Falls to the sculptured NaPali Coast, Kaua'i has an unmatchable landscape and miles of trails for hikers and backpackers. This new edition details 59 hikes: you'll walk along steep cliffs above turquoise water, relax next to immense waterfalls, drink in the sweet scent of Kaua'i hibiscus, and stroll on beaches at sunrise.

With this book in hand, hikers can spend their days wandering in wildflower meadows, hiking to cragged peaks, or swimming in cobalt-blue lakes in the Sierra Nevada, and then settle into a deck chair at sunset to enjoy the alpenglow. Hot Showers, Soft Beds, & Dayhikes in the Sierra describes 112 carefully chosen dayhikes in Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Desolation, and Emigrant wilderness areas, and more. Many hikes have easy-through-strenuous options, and every hike listed is in close proximity to one or more quality accommodations (over 80 cabins, B&Bs, motels, lodges, guest ranches, and resorts are described).

Pele's magical haunt, the big island of Hawai'I encompasses spectacular and diverse landscapes, from shimmering bays to exhilarating 14,000-foot volcanoes. In this thoroughly updated new edition, choose from 58 hikes that explore Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Kaumana Caves, and Mauna Kea State Park, among other fabulous places. Discover black sand beaches, sea turtle coves, lava lanes, and rainforest valleys.

The only guide dedicated entirely to hiking San Francisco's East Bay has been revised and updated, and features 3 new trips in Contra Costa County. Includes 56 trips for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding on oak-studded hills, grassy ridges, rocky peaks, forested valleys, and salt-marsh shoreline. East Bay Trails is the most complete and up-to-date trail guide for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. While the route descriptions pertain to hiking most of all, other outdoor enthusiasts-fitness walkers, joggers, equestrians, and bicyclists-will also find them useful.

Learn the basics of family camping from longtime outdoorswoman Goldie Silverman and the legion of experienced kid and parent campers that lent their voices to this authoritative, yet fun and whimsical book. Novice and experienced campers alike will find the tips in Camping with Kids invaluable. Whether car, tent, or RV-camping, you will find everything you need to know from preparing your family for a camping trip, to setting up camp, to what to do if things should go awry. It also tells you how to step beyond car camping into backpacking, canoe touring, and other extended adventures.

With thousands of lakes and streams, over 1200 miles of canoe routes, 160 miles of portage trails, and 2000 campsites, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a true paddler's paradise. Extending nearly 150 miles in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border, the wilderness area encompasses more than 1 million acres. This Western Region edition of the classic two-volume guide has been fully updated by area journalist Louis Dzierzak, with full coverage of 50-plus entry points and routes. Trip descriptions include day-by-day paddling distances, portage tips, and difficulty ratings, and identify the appropriate water-resistant, topographic maps W.A. Fisher maps for each trip. Together, these books deliver everything a visitor needs for the experience of a lifetime.

With thousands of lakes and streams, over 1200 miles of canoe routes, 160 miles of portage trails, and 2000 campsites, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a true paddler's paradise. Extending nearly 150 miles in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border, the wilderness area encompasses more than 1 million acres. This Eastern Region edition of the classic two-volume guide has been fully updated by area journalist Louis Dzierzak, with full coverage of 50-plus entry points and routes. Trip descriptions include day-by-day paddling distances, portage tips, and difficulty ratings, and identify the appropriate water-resistant, topographic maps W.A. Fisher maps for each trip. Together, these books deliver everything a visitor needs for the experience of a lifetime.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offer the ultimate in natural and geothermal wonders: backcountry lakes, panoramic summits, glacier-carved canyons, steaming geyser basins, and vast meadows teeming with wildlife. Top Trails: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks by experienced outdoors authors Andrew Nystrom and Bradley Mayhew contains 46 "e;must-do"e; trips, from Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful, from the Absarokas to the Gallatin Range, and from Jackson Hole to the Teton Crest Trail. In keeping with the tradition of the Top Trails series, this updated guide will maximize readers' time and enjoyment of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Trail Running Bend and Central Oregon is an extensive guide to the best trail running in one of the country's top outdoor destinations. Author and trail runner Lucas Alberg provides detailed descriptions of the area's best loop runs, including several new trails added within recent years. From classic high desert runs to the east in the Badlands, to mountain escapes and high alpine scenery to the west in the Cascades, the guide highlights the unique and diverse geography that Central Oregon has to offer.Unlike other guidebooks, Trail Running Bend and Central Oregon is organized by season, so runners can know when to hit the right trails at the right times throughout the year. The 50 routes described in the book are all located within 65 miles of Bend, which means that trail runners will spend more time doing what they love to do, instead of spending time behind the windshield in anticipation.