Trekking California (Backpacker Magazine)

I have been hiking in the Sierra for almost 60 years (my father started me early). This book is far and away the best guide I have ever seen. Since I have hiked many of the trails and cross country routes that appear in this book, I can vouch for the accuracy of his descriptions, and I wholeheartedly endorse the comments of previous reviewers. I love the format. He provides so much information very efficiently, and reading about each trek is the next best thing to being on the trail. His choice of trails is varied and . impeccable. I intend to follow this guide for the areas I have not yet visited, as well as returning to some of my favorites. Buy this book--you will not be disappointed.

Trekking California is a beautifully presented book, with amazing photos, enticing descriptions and a selection of some of the finest treks in the Sierras and California. Everything that is said in the other reviews is true. The maps are beautifully rendered in shaded relief and great for planning, but they are inadequate for actual use. Bring a 7.5' topo of the area you are planning to explore. The on-trail segments are great; these trails are popular enough to be well-maintained and well-traveled. Please be cautious about the cross-country sections described in this book. For the most part, descriptions are very accurate, telling you how to circumnavigate cliff-outs and identifying landmarks. Yet, we found some descriptions completely underestimated. For example, in the Minarets area (Trek 10), the drop-down from Lake Catherine to the N. Fork of San Juaquim Riv. is very well described, and adequately labeled as Class 2. However, the hike back up through Ritter Pass was briefly mentioned, with no rating level. We found it to be Class 2 talus that was extremely loose and pretty steep; this can be verfied from TRs around the internet. It's true that other books around provide even less information (i.e. Secor, Moynier), but at least Secor rates it adequately as Class 2. But Richins presents a book that appears approachable to beginners, yet can potentially get you into trouble. I would suggest obtaining more beta for the cross-country sections through other sources from people who have done the trip you are planning via Richins.Regardless, this is an amazing book; filling a niche of selecting some of the best long treks in California. The side-trips, variations to add or subtract mileage, and mountaineering options make this book invaluable to the experienced weekend warrior.

For a long time I thought Paul Richins' Mt. Whitney trail guide was the best contemporary Sierra guide book I had ever used, but along comes the deceptively titled "Trekking California" (also by Paul Richins) that establishes a new high water mark.The title notwithstanding, this 285 page book covers 15 high sierra hikes of 7 days or less and 5 other trips in the Trinity Alps and along the northern coast. The routes cover both established trails (Class 1) and cross country treks (Class 2/3) and many incorporate a combination of the two. The book is organized with the standard "what to expect", "what to take", "what to do, if" type of information that either provides new and insightful tips or just takes up book pages depending on one's experience level; some might consider it superfulous.What isn't superfulous, however are the beutifully rendered maps incorporated throughout the book, really some of the best for trail use (and I mean established trails, not cross country routes) I've seen. Coupled with the outstanding color photography this guide really surpasses the more comprehensive Sierra North/South series which had been the benchmark for years. Most of the trips include interesting side treks that can be mixed and matched to extend the journeys to 10 days or more without making them feel like a walk-in camping trip. I'm familiar with many of the southern sierra trips and have taken them in similar form. To my knowledge the information is accurate, though one must remember that a Class 1 trail route doesn't mean "easy walk"....some of these trips include significant elevation gain (and loss) within single days, so while the trail may be maintained and clear there will still be plenty of huffing and puffing involved; and most are at higher elevation trail heads to begin with. All would be advised to camp at least the first night at the trail head to aclimate to the altitude. While the trail maps included in the book are clear one shouldn't fail to take (and know how to use) appropriate USGS topo maps of the relevant quadrants.The guide covers some of the most spectacular wilderness country still with us and the book is a wonderful intro to many of the most rewarding trips. This is one of those books that I would recommend getting two copies of....one to keep at home and read for planning purposes and another to "tear apart" and carry the relevant maps and information pages in your map case (or plastic freezer bag). Really, it's that good.

Most of the treks are in the High Sierra, a place I am well familiar with. The book is a great list for ideas, saving experienced people the effort of poring over maps to develop tentative plans and make decisions. For novices, the book includes all the standard information and advice: on gear, food, weather, going light, mountain maladies and treatment, lightning and bears.And the pictures! More than just snapshots of the country one would see, they provide a stimulus and motivation to get out there right now. I have traveled on parts or all of 12 of the 20 treks; now I am anxious to do more of them.This book goes on my bookshelf, next to Moynier & Fiddler, Secor, and Croft.

Great book with useful information for those wanting a little more out of their trips in backcountry of CA. Most of the book concentrates on The Sierras, which for me is a good thing. This book gives all the usefull information needed for making you trips a success. The book covers all the basics, but also touches upon going light, and proper nutrition which most guide books don't touch upon. Alot of the treks in this book has cross-country variations as well as side trips that will make your trips more interesting than the average trail type trek. The photos in this book are outstanding, and the easy nature that Paul writes makes the book very enjoyable to read. I will be using this book on many backpacking, oooppsss I mean trekking journeys this summer and many more to come. Buy it!