California Hiking: The Complete Guide

by Michael Hodgson

The most exhaustive resource book for hikers is now available in an all-new, updated, revised, and expanded second edition featuring over 50 percent new material. This book reveals more than 1,000 hikes in California. It includes 100 state parks, 12 national parks, 383 drive-to lakes, and 483 hike-to lakes in remote wildlands such as East Mohave Desert. 60 maps.

Genres: Travel, Reference, Nonfiction, Outdoors

856 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Emily Rooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like Sears catalog of California's hiking trails. No matter where you are in California, you;re sure to find a trail listed in this book. But even at 849 pages and a hefty 1.5 pounds, that means less than a page per bike, so there's not a lot of depth about most of the trails. Still, keep it in your glove compartment so that when the desire to hike strikes, you know where there's a trail.

[Laura Leaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been using this book to jaunt around a bit, and I've found the information, the directions, and the assessment of difficulty fairly accurate. I just got back from the Berry Creek Falls trail south of San Francisco, which was labeled one of the "prettiest falls" in the area. Not having hiked much in the SF area, I can't make comparisons, but I was blown away by the lush beauty and was glad I found it in this book.

Still, the book does not do justice to Southern California. Where, for Pete's sake, is Modjeska Peak? And there is no Mount Wilson listed, either under Mount OR Wilson. Christ. For twenty-five bucks, you'd think the the "Complete Guide to 1,000 of the Best Hikes in the Golden State" would not be missing two major peaks.

I blame myself, mostly, for buying this on-line. This is why going to an actual book store matters - a place where you can skip to a book's index and check its completeness yourself.

[Gordon Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd hiked a bit in Louisiana, so when we moved out to California, we started finding and doing hikes. We used "California Hiking: The Complete Guide to the 1000 Best Hikes in the Golden State" by Stienstra. (BTW: finding hikes was much harder before the intarweb.) We started in and around Davis, California as we started our young family, transitioning the Bay Area and from there to southern California. Once our kids were 5, we started going on short backpacking trips. Those continued as the kids grew up we increased the mileage of both hour hikes and backpack trips. This book is great for getting the cream of the crop of hikes. Choose any of the "10" for scenary, and you are assured of a hike you will never forget. It has a nice variety from short hikes to long-backpack trips, so you can grow. My only caveat would be to ask about finding trailheads. Once you get to a trailhead, sometimes it take a bit to find the actual trail...

[Penny lurkykitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks!
I love the level of detail in this hiking guide from the directions to the difficulty levels. It's also nice that they provide an estimated time to complete the hike. You can also search by location and type of hike. I was very happy to see a Best for Kids list.

[Beth in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for Cali hikers. How far is it; how difficult; how beautiful is the scenery; what is the elevation; how do you get there; what does it cost; what's the best time of year to go or to avoid? Comprehensive publication that probably will do you right.

[Chicken Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hike at least once a week - any weather - and this is an extensive, complete guide of the very best hikes in CA. You don't need to plan a big backpacking trip, either. You can go any time on a daily hike. I do hikes as long as 20 miles in a day.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best hiking book for California. Great rating system, excellent directions and maps.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really want to take a backpacking trip. If you know me, I know it sounds ridiculous, but I've been reading a lot about backpacking and dreaming of taking a trip soon.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference material to pick out a good backpacking trip

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource, well-organized and comprehensive.

[Katrina K]

Goodreads win. Will read and review oncce received. Really excited to see if I discover any new hiking places with this book!!

[Mary Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

From 10 minute walks to a week long trip, to waterfalls and lookouts a great book to take when I am in California.

[Sherryrobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful n choosing hikes. Wish it also provided elevation profiles.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended.