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Using This Book

TO PREPARE FOR the total Northern California outdoors experience, first carefully read “Safety, Gear, and the Wilderness Ethic”. Because selecting a hike can be an absorbing process, those unfamiliar with the state or unsure about where to visit should consult “Where Should I Go Hiking?”. Those looking for a specific feature should consult the chart or “Hikes by Theme”. Otherwise, just flip through the pages to your desired area and evaluate each hike based on the information provided.

Beginning along the Pacific shore with the Big Sur region, the hikes are organized clockwise around the state: north through the Bay Area, Coast Ranges, and Pacific Coast to the Klamath Mountains; then inland east across the Modoc Plateau; and finally south through the Sierra Nevada to end in southern Sequoia National Park.

Each hike is organized into a standard, easily understood template and includes at-a-glance summary information, detailed driving directions, a detailed hike description, and some additional information about nearby facilities:

Summary Information

Title The specific destination or location visited by the hike.

Highlights The most exciting features of a particular hike.

Distance The total mileage of the hike as described. For point-to-point hikes, the one-way distance is listed.

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Total Elevation Gain/Loss The total amount of climbing and descending on the hike. This can be significantly greater than the difference between the hike’s lowest and highest points.

Hiking Time The total amount of time required for the hike, including time for brief rest stops and a meal break on longer trips. Because this varies markedly depending on your physical fitness and pace, a range of times is usually given. The lower number indicates the amount of time in which a fit hiker can complete the hike, pausing only briefly for short breaks. The higher number is for hikers moving at a more leisurely pace and for anybody who likes to take extended breaks over the course of a journey. Remember that these times are only rough estimates and that hikes can potentially take longer for slower hikers and those with heavy backpacks.

It’s important to be aware of your physical capabilities and limitations when selecting a hike. As a general rule of thumb, a reasonably fit hiker can expect to cover 2–3 miles per hour over level ground and on gradual descents, 1–2 miles per hour on gradual climbs, and only about 1 mile per hour—or 750–1,000 feet of elevation—on the steepest ascents.

Recommended Map(s) The best, most useful trail map for the destination, as well as the appropriate US Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic map. Many of the hikes can be completed using only the maps in the book or those available near the trailhead, but maps that are more detailed and comprehensive generally provide an extra measure of safety and comfort, especially on the more difficult and remote hikes. Most US Forest Service maps are available for purchase online at nationalforestmapstore.com. All USGS maps can be ordered online at store.usgs.gov.

Best Times The best times of year to do the hike. Note that many of the hikes can be done outside of the times listed, but weather or crowds will probably make them much less appealing.

Agency This line identifies the governing agency. Contact information is listed in “Nearest Visitor Center” at the end of each description. If the hike visits a designated wilderness area, it is listed here, followed by the governing agency for the location.

Difficulty This book uses a difficulty rating system of one to five stars. While all factors contributing to the overall challenge of the hike are taken into account, some general criteria for each level are as follows:

EASY: Typically short and level, these hikes can be done by anybody and have less than 500 feet of total elevation gain.

MODERATE: Hikes on good trails with roughly 500–1,000 feet of total elevation gain. Suitable for any reasonably fit hiker.

STRENUOUS: Longer hikes with approximately 1,000–2,000 feet of elevation gain on trails that are often rocky and steep. Good fitness required.

CHALLENGING: A very strenuous hike with roughly 2,000–3,000 feet of elevation gain in often remote regions on challenging trails. Experienced wilderness users only. Many are good overnight trips.

EPIC: An adventure with an elevation gain in excess of 3,000 feet on rough and difficult trails. Cross-country navigation skills are often required. Only the fittest individuals can complete these hikes in a single day. Excellent for overnight trips.

Trip Type Symbols

Out-and-back A hike that returns to the starting trailhead by retracing its route.

Loop or semiloop A hike that retraces little or none of its route to return to the starting trailhead.

Point-to-point A hike that ends at a different trailhead. A second car or a shuttle is required to return to the starting trailhead.

Other Symbols

Backpacking All hikes that can be done as overnight backpacking trips include this symbol. Specific backpacking information is listed at the end of each hike.

Dogs This symbol tells you which locations allow dogs in the backcountry.

Kids Indicates hikes well suited for young children. Such hikes are short and easy, and they often have educational interpretive signs.

Hike Description

The body of the hike is broken down into three main sections:

The Hike Following the introductory material and background information is a brief overview of the hike, discussing seasonal differences, crowds, recommended equipment, special regulations, fishing possibilities, and the availability of water both at the trailhead and along the hike.

To Reach the Trailhead Concise driving directions to the start of the hike. This book assumes that you have a basic highway map of California. Mention is made if access requires a four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle. Entrance fees are also included in this section.

Every vehicle’s odometer is slightly different. Your mileages may vary from those listed here; any discrepancy should be consistent throughout the book.

Description The hike itself. Parenthetical notations such as (10,320') indicate elevation in feet. Parenthetical notations such as (2.7/8,750') are included at important junctions or landmarks. The first number represents the total distance from the trailhead in miles; the second identifies the elevation of the location in feet.

Oh, the seas of possibilities!

Nearby Facilities

Information about nearby facilities is displayed in a shaded box at the end of each hike:

Nearest Visitor Center The closest source of information to the trailhead and the best place to call for general information. Opening hours are included, but be aware that schedules are subject to regular change; these times should only be considered approximate. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume the hours are year-round.

Backpacking Information If the hike can be done as an overnight backpacking trip, this section discusses required permits, fees, quotas, and crowds. Campsite locations may be briefly mentioned, but they are not described in detail or discussed in the main description.

Nearest Campground The closest organized campground to the trailhead. Organized means that there are at least picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets. Water is available unless specifically mentioned otherwise. The total number of sites and camping fees is included as well. Be aware that prices always increase and that those listed should be considered approximate.

Additional Information Recommended websites for obtaining more information.

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