dlockeretz's Full Review: David Money Harris and Jennifer Money Harris - Afo...
This is a book I had been waiting for. Southern California's Inland Empire, while sometimes mocked by locals, is an area rich with hiking, ranging from easy strolls in urban parks to 10,000-foot plus mountains.
"Afoot and Afield in the Inland Empire" covers over 200 trails in the areas near Mt. Baldy, Big Bear, Joshua Tree, Idyllwild and many other areas east of Los Angeles. Well known hikes such as the trek to Icehouse Canyon, Tahquitz Peak and San Gorgonio are covered, as well as more obscure trips (have you ever heard of "Bong Rock?" Neither did I until I picked up this book.)
As with other books in the Afoot and Afield series, this one gives statistics for each hike, including distance, elevation gain, difficulty level, best times of year and required permit information. I have found that the statistics aren't 100% reliable, although that is often the case (books frequently disagree with each other about specs for the same hike).
One feature of "Inland Empire" that I have not seen in other "Afoot and Afield" volumes is the inclusion of longitude and latitude coordinates for each trailhead and destination. Several of the treks in this book are cross-country, and the book suggests using a GPS system when attempting them.
I have found that in general, it's best to consult a site such as http://www.localhikes.com, or the homepages for areas such as Joshua Tree National Park or the Angeles National Forest for updated information. However, a good guidebook can be an inspiring and valuable tool for hikers, and "Afoot and Afield in the Inland Empire" has quickly become one of my favorites.
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