A guide to exploring the natural beauty and historic sites of the Pacific coast via a selection of lesser-known scenic routes throughout California.From sprawling beaches to dramatic cliffs, the landscapes carved out by the mighty Pacific Ocean have been a destination for adventure and discovery since the earliest Spanish explorers arrived in the 1600s. While here and there the coastal wilderness has given way to California's largest and most cosmopolitan cities, th...

A fun, fresh tribute to the Golden State, illustrated with gorgeous color photography, fascinating historical images, and cool memorabilia. Learn anew the legends, landmarks, and lore of historic sites, such as Bodie, Point Reyes, the Knights Ferry Bridge, Mission Santa Barbara, Carson Mansion in Old Town Eureka, Death Valley, Glacier Point, and Alcatraz.Delving into the people, places, and activities that have defined California through the years, this book explores all that makes...

Lee Foster writes about and recommends the best nature/outdoors attractions and the best cultural travel experiences in Northern California. He helps a local or a visitor make informed travel decisions for visiting places as diverse as Yosemite National Park, the intriguing Russian fort at Fort Ross along the Sonoma coast, or the wondrous Big Sur Coast. What are the best travel options to explore when contemplating Northern California? Lee Foster has spent 40 years refining the answers. Le...

In this edition in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the best of the West. With 70 rural, suburban, and urban trails threading through 1,050 miles, Rail-Trails West covers 60 trails in California, eight in Arizona, and two in Nevada. Many rail-trails offer escapes from city life, like the Mount Lowe Railway Trail, high above the buzzing Los Angeles basin on a rail line vacationers once took to a mountaintop resort. Others offer the pure sensory thrill of...

This beautiful hardback takes the reader on 75 of the most amazing adventures on the planet. From the ultimate challenge of climbing Mount Everest to less strenuous but equally inspiring experiences like kayaking with orcas in Canada and cycling Vietnam's backroads, this is the definitive companion to the world's most spectacular adventures.With stunning photographs, sumptuous descriptions and practical information, this inspirational coffee table book will delight armchair explore...

California here we come! Uncle John is taking the plunge into the land of freeways, fun, cable cars, and movie stars.From Hollywood to the redwoods, from Death Valley to Napa Valley, this amazing book is your golden gate to the Golden State! You'll discover obscure history, learn fascinating facts, and meet the unique people who make California a place like no other on Earth! Read about…* The day Fullerton was invaded by Superballs* Vasquez Rocks and...

Join Uncle John as he treks through every one of America’s National Parks!If you like the great outdoors, you’re going to love this book. We’re plunging into every national park, monument, site, and trail (more than 150 in all!) in true Uncle John fashion and uncovering some unique stories behind all of them. You’re sure to find hidden facets of each national park that you never imagined. Read about...* Yosemite’s firefall and why it came to a sudden end

With maps and insider tips, this smart travel guidebook will lead you through the Aloha States most popular gems: Maui, the Valley Isle (and its smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai) and Kauai, the Garden Isle! Heres what to see and do, and where to eat, drink, shop, stay, and playfrom sun-drenched beaches to cloud-covered volcanoes, from posh resorts to wild emerald-green valleys. Includes Top Picks. 10 maps (5 for Maui, 1 each for Moloka'i and Lana'i, and 3 for Kaua'i).

This book begins where basic trail guides and maps leave off. For each section of the trail, the authors describe the route in detail and recommend the best day hikes and short backpacks from each trailhead. They describe the plants and animals hikers will see, tell stories about local history, explain plate tectonics, and in a thousand other ways enrich your experience of the journey.For many people, the Pacific Crest Trail is the ultimate long-distance hiking tra...

Beyond the bright lights of one of the city's fastest growing metropolitan areas is some of the most rugged, beautiful, and remote country around. Popular destinations such as Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley, and Mt. Charles are covered, plus lesser-known areas such as Anniversary Narrows, Arrow Canyon, Bowl of Fire, and the Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness. Each trip showcases the diversity of this region, from the geological wonders and rare life forms surviving in Mojave N...

This easy-to-use book is packed with practical information and enticing facts that make it fun to read: A clean, attractive layout makes it easy to find what you're looking for within each of the book's six sections, whether it be suggestions for finding the best food, lodging, kayaking, fishing, or shopping; even driving directions are included.  After a detailed introduction to Tampa and Florida's West Coast, the guide zeroes in on Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Also included are ...

Details of all the state and national parks. This describes them all, from the vast national parks to little-visited wilderness preserves. Facilities, hiking trails, fees, campgrounds, fishing, canoeing, history, nearby attractions, directions - everything you need. Park maps show what to find and where to find it. Filled with contact numbers and addresses. Photos throughout. The guide describes 43 different state parks of New Mexico, with contact info, how to get there, and what to see & ...