Customer Reviews:
Stunning black and white masterpiece.......1999-05-22
Published in 1979, Yosemite and the Range of Light is 116 impressive prints demonstrating the mastery of Ansel Adams. The book contains poster classics like "Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite Valley, 1944, Moon and Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, 1960, and Winter Sunrise, Sierra Nevada, from Lone Pine, 1944." Non students of Mr. Adams will discover many "unseen" photographs that are beautiful in their own right but did not have the mass-market appeal of his classics. Too valuable to be a coffee table book, this collection is the archetype for fine art books. My copy is a family treasure.
Book Description
This fully revised and updated guide to hiking in Yosemite National Park will help readers choose and plan a day hike or backpacking trip best suited to their time, energy, experience, and personal preferences. There are fifty-nine classic day hikes and overnight backpacking trips meticulously prepared by backcountry guide Suzanne Swedo.
Customer Reviews:
Very useful book.......2007-02-06
This book is very easy to navigate through & the author gives great topgraphical maps for each hike section. I've been using this book to plan my trip this year & it will let you know what to expect on the terrain mile by mile. Each trail has a difficulty rating, appx. travel time, seasons best to hike, GPS compatible, and some VERY basic info on contacting the park.
I would recommend buying a complete map to Yosemite which will help to plan your entire trip. I've recently purchased National Geographic Destination Map & it will give you all the additional info you need. It gives much more info on campgrounds, how/where to purchase permits for the backcountry, driving distances within the park & other accomodations.
Perfect!.......2006-11-05
This book is just what you need when visiting Yosemite National Park if you do any hiking at all. It is thorough, well written, acurate, and easy to use.
great book for casual hiker.......2006-07-06
I bought several yosemite books before my visit, but this is by far the best book I found for the many hikes now that I am here. Perhaps there are better ones, but this one is quite good. One great feature is that for most hikes it gives a 2D elevation change cutaway map for the entire route so that you can judge for youself the level of difficulty of the hike. Many books seem to disagree on this point. (You can see the big spike at half dome for instance as a comparison.) The maps even have GPS coordinates. The maps do have rough topographical shading as well (though color would be better for this).
hiking book collector.......2004-06-22
I spend all winter planning my hikes for the summer. I own and have used most of the titles for Yosemite. Hiking Yosemite National Park has most of the most popular trails but two other books do a better job: 100 Hikes in Yosemite National Park and Lonely Planet Hiking in the Sierra Nevada.
My main complaint is the incomplete descriptions, too short and too vague. If you get off the trail you'll run the risk of getting lost because there are no "big picture" maps. A topo is absolutely essential if you want to understand your location.
Excellent and concise guide.......2003-09-24
This is an indispensible guidebook for any hiker who loves Yosemite. I use it almost daily during hiking season and it helps in selecting hikes, planning them, reaching the trailhead and gauging whether a hike will be worthwhile. Each hike contains an accurate, though brief, description of the rigors of each trek. Occasionally I quibble with the authors ranking of a given hike, but usually they are on the mark.
A few cautionary notes: there are no detailed maps in the book, except general maps which introduce the hiker to each specific place. Te map for the John Muir trail, for example, is very basic. Don't expect detailed maps for each hike because there are none. The descriptions of how to reach each trailhead are excellent, unless you have little experience with Yosemite.
My favorite part of the book is that the Touloume Meadows High Country area is not neglected. Swedo has various categories and list the hikes they think are best suited to be placed in every league and the valley floor is not the only area of the park that is stressed .If you spend any time hiking in Yosemite, this book is essential!
Average customer rating:
- An emotional glimpse of the Golden Age
- Amazing book
- Living a Passion
|
Glen Denny: Yosemite in the Sixties
Manufacturer: T. Adler Books/ Patagonia
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Similar Items:
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High Infatuation: A Climber's Guide to Love and Gravity
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Camp 4: Recollections of a Yosemite Rockclimber
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Ordeal by Piton: Writings from the Golden Age of Yosemite Climbing
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The High Lonesome: Epic Solo Climbing Stories
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Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite
ASIN: 0979065909
Release Date: 2007-06-01 |
Book Description
The sheer granite walls of Yosemite Valley have drawn a lot of visitors over the years. In the late 1950s and through the 60s, they galvanized a dedicated group of rock climbers, who saw their glacier-polished faces as the purest challenge. When those climbers first made their way up Half Dome and El Capitan, they ushered in a new era--over the course of the 60s, they developed techniques, tools and philosophies that would change the sport forever. In the 60s spirit of social exploration, a small group of committed climbers eventually dropped out of the mainstream of work and society to take up residence at Camp 4, perfecting their skills and developing a unique scene. This austere, boulder-strewn campground became the epicenter of the climbing world. In between spectacular feats carried out on the walls, it served both as a launching pad for further adventures and a refuge from them. Here, plans were made, teams were formed and life was lived. The significance of Camp 4 was recently recognized in its placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Photographer and filmmaker Glen Denny was among its denizens, and captured his fellow climbers' personalities and parties, aspirations and preparations, loves and dreams in absolutely stunning, and sometimes death-defying, black-and-white. This majestic visual record of Yosemite in the 60s includes a foreword by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, an introduction by Rick Ridgeway, whom Rolling Stone has called "the real Indiana Jones," and a wealth of previously unpublished photographs.
Customer Reviews:
An emotional glimpse of the Golden Age.......2007-09-17
I learned to climb in 1970, so I missed these golden years of rock climbing. And I've never been to Yosemite. BUT, I can say that these climbers were giants of their time who influenced most of my climbing since those times.
Now at the age of 56 I'm still climbing (okay, not so hard of routes), and looking at this book made me realize I'm still a product of their energy and passion.
A great book with heart and soul.
Amazing book.......2007-06-26
All I can offer is that Glen Denny is the Salgado of Yosemite photography. He really is that good. Buy the book!
Living a Passion.......2007-06-15
Yosemite in the Sixties tells a story of men who develop and live their passion. For those willing to invest a couple of hours to see and feel this experience, Yosemite in the Sixties is a must.
Glen Denny is a tall quiet man. He expresses much in few words. His book is of his pictures. They speak more than many could say. His pictures show faces: "...a rock wall or a human being," Chouinard writes. Glen's pictures show people who define themselves by their passion for climbing rock walls.
I read this book three times. The story Glen tells truly is "A Movable Feast."
Book Description
Sampling twenty-four of the most scenic and least physically challenging trails within the park, this guide features spectacular hikes accessible by paved road, and all are easy to find. This indispensable guide provides accurate hike descriptions, easy-to-follow maps, and concise trail information for the author's favorite trails. With hikes varying from half-hour strolls to full-day adventures, it has something for everyone.
Customer Reviews:
Good, but not always accurate.......2007-05-24
This is a handy little book to carry around Yosemite. It's suggested hikes are great.
I did find at least one error. The hike to Sentinel Dome tells you to "continue around the base of the dome on your left (west)" which is virtually impossible. There is no trail there. I finally gave up and hiked back to the trail head and spend the rest of the time down the road at Glacier Point. I found out later that I should have gone right, not left, around the base of the dome.
The hike to Vernal Falls is described well, but the author doesn't mention that from the footbridge at the base of the falls it is 100 yards to the Vernal Falls Viewpoint. I found it out later. If you've gone as far as the footbridge, you might as well enjoy the view slightly further up.
In spite of a few problems, I recommend this book for families and causal hikers.
Good Guide for Our Family.......2007-05-09
This guide was helpful as we planned our family vacation. It gave basic needed info, such as length of hike, type, facilities, etc... with distances and difficiculty easy to understand. A must when doing this with kids who have limited energy. It helped us out!
Mid Week or Off Season Only.......2005-12-13
Visiting Yosemite National Park should top the "to do" list of any outdoor enthusiast in California. It is famous for its scenic wonders: stunning waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and imposing walls of granite. Unfortunately, most of us can only spare a few days for a trip to this grand park. Multiple short day hikes therefore offer the best approach to exploring all Yosemite has to offer and Suzanne Swedo's book is an excellent place to start.
This book describes some of the classic Yosemite Walks including the trails to Vernal Falls, Glacier Point, Lembert Dome and the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias. These walks are classics because they feature world class scenery, and if you do them on a summer weekend you are likely to share the trail with thousands of tourists from all over the world. Fortunately Swedo also includes hikes to lesser known gems like Chilnualna Falls and the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias. Still, if you want to avoid the crowds, these trails are best explored mid-week or during the off season. That said, this book, like the trails it describes, provides a lot of bang for the buck. It is well worth the price if you are planning a visit to Yosemite.
Customer Reviews:
Very useful and a great value.......2007-09-27
I used this for my first visit to Yosemite. It was very accurate and a great guide even if you're not a photographer. You should use it in conjunction with the free trail guide for the off road hikes. The trail guide has difficulty ratings for the hikes. We went to the top of Vernal falls and it was more difficult than the impression I got from the book. That was my fault not the author's. Great photos in the book too.
A necessity in Yosemite!.......2007-08-02
This book is great, and we were so glad that we purchased this book before arriving in the park. We read it before our trip, and marked down the hikes we wanted to do, and found great spots to drive to as well! We went to almost ever spot in this book, and got wonderful pictures! Even the rainbow in the waterfall picture came out perfect. We were so glad we found this book, because it made finding everything much easier! Definitely purchase this book!
Great Book.......2007-07-03
This was a great book for our recent trip to Yosemite and I highly recommend it. It sent us to the perfect viewpoints at the perfect times so the light was just right. It saved us a lot of time because we didn't have to try to figure it all out on our own. Even if you're not interested in taking photos, it's a great resource to help you figure out the best times to see the sights in Yosemite, and it contains beautiful photographs. It made us want to return to the park in the winter. Every book store and gift shop had stacks of this book, so it's obviously very popular. We thought it was great and kept it handy the entire trip.
Great book not only for photographers.......2007-05-13
This is very useful book - not only if you a serious photographer.It will take you to many amazing places in Yosemite - no matter whether you wanna go there to take your best pictures or just admire the view. It is small enough to have it fit in your backpack when hiking, and very rich in Yosemite info. I love it and it's highly recommended.
A mandatory photo-guide.......2007-03-29
I go to Yosemite evey 2nd year or so to shoot landscapes for a week. I saw this guide on my first trip. The author lived in the park for years, and has shot it in all seasons and weather conditions. I think there is literally no aspect of photgraphy in Yosemite which is not clearly addressed. If you want to shoot good pictures in and around Yosemete, this book will cut down planning and running around to minimum and guide you to some of the best photos you've ever taken. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Book Description
For sixty years, Ansel Adams photographed among the great peaks of Yosemite National Park and the High Sierra range:the "range of light." Inspired by their grandeur, their wildness, and their primeval mystery, he made photographs that were to become the icons of America's national park ethic. His reverence for these places#151;the same reverence that fueled his commitment to environmental activism#151;illuminates each image. Yosemite Falls, the brooding majesty of Half Dome#151;we can no longer experience these "holy places" without seeing them through Ansel Adams' eyes. During his lifetime Adams published seven books of images from this region; this new book bringstogether in a single volume the finest photographs from this vast body of work. Alive with anecdote and insight, his writings serve as backdrop for the images, and John Szarkowski's introduction provides testimony to the enduring impact of Adams' Yosemite vision.
Customer Reviews:
Saint Ansel, Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name.......2007-09-25
Ansel Adams is SO, like, awesome!!!
These photographs are simply breathtaking! Ansel Adams had this uncanny knack for taking the beautiful mountains, trees, clouds and waterways of the High Sierras, and making them look beautiful. It's so amazing contemplating an Ansel Adams photograph: How he took something only visually stunning and transforming it into something so visually stunning is simply astounding!
How DID he do that?
Exceeded my Expextations.......2006-07-22
This is a beautiful book. I suspect the pints are as high in quality as Ansel would have wished them.
I'm glad I bought this book and will enjoy the pictures contained within it for many years.
Excellent, uncompromised beauty.......1999-07-22
Really great photos of mounatin scapes in and about Yosimite. Waterfalls, forests, mountains and sky. Typical Ansel, most flawless.
Book Description
Brilliant Waters combines Elizabeth Carmel's stunning landscape photography with a wonderful selection of moving poetry. Robert Redford contributes engaging insights and commentary in his beautifully written foreword. This collection of remarkable photographs captures both the intimate details and grand panoramas that exist exclusively in the Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and the High Sierra regions of California and Nevada. This exceptional book is like no other in its subject, scope, and artistry.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing.......2007-07-06
I bought this book on the strength of the sample photos. Unfortunately, they were the best of the book. The rest were disappointing. Although the book is 94 pages, there are only 44 photos. Most of the pages contain just a title or a silly poem. I'm not sure why this was done, but the word 'padding' comes to mind. Very few of the photos are truly inspiring. As another reviewer said, they are kind of boring.
In the same shipment I received Working the Light by Joe Cornish, full of really stunning photos from various photographers. Highly recommended.
Pretty but Boring; Nothing New.......2007-06-28
Historically, most photographers have printed their own material. Not always, but most. W. Eugene Smith was one who was obsessive about printing his pictures to achieve exatly what it was he wanted. Other photographers did not print their own pictures, but their images shone due to the strength of their new and unique visions and compositions. This is not the case with this book or this photographer.
I found nothing new in these pictures. They are functional, but they are also prosaic and plain, and, unfortunately, reexamine tired themes and compositions previously exhausted. Clearly the photographer has strong Photoshop and printing skills, but there is no authentic or new photographic vision here. The photos look as if she spent more time on the computer than in front of the camera or even looking closely at her subjects. When she photographs a tree branch with the blurred, flowing water behind it, it has been done. Repeatedly. There is a picture on her website taken in Monument Valley that is nearly identical to one oc Ansel Adams's taken in color at least 50 years ago. The picture does not pay homeage nor does it pay respect. It does not rise above the level of mimicry.
The compositions of the photographs are also stale and freshman. The look complacent and convienent. It does not look like much effort was place into their conception or capture. There is another picture of the author on her website phbotographing in the cold and snow. This is not the suffering for one's art that the old masters, I believe, had in mind. I see more emphasis on understanding layers in CS2 than being placed on working to find a different point of view from which to photograph.
I would resists buying this book. The artist's vision and composition skills have not yet exceeded her grasp, and as a result, nothing is any different here. She does not or is not able to connect with her subjects like Weston or Sexton or others. I have no doubt that she will make a lot of money using her pictures for stock photography sales, but I do not recommend this book. It should arrive at your local library soon enough.
A contrarian point of view.......2007-03-29
This book has some very nice and perhaps unique photographic compositions, and it's perhaps worth buying the book for that alone. But I couldn't get past the almost phony or Thomas-Kincade-like appearance of many (certainly not all) of the photos.
If I want to look at paintings I'd rather buy the work of the painter or a book of reproductions. When I buy a photo book of landscapes, where it is being represented that the photos are real representations of actual places and times, that's what I want to see, not cotton-candied, smoothed over prettied-up versions. I suspect that a little too much balancing light and dark areas or messing with contrast values in Photoshop is the culprit, or perhaps something in the chain between the photo digital file and the book printer. A prime example is the cover photo.
However, I suppose that the way the photos look in the book is what the photographer intended, and represents her vision of what her artistic goals are, and that certainly is valid, but just not my taste. I suspect most people will not agree with my opinion, and that is fine, but like I titled this review - it's a contrarian opinion.
A gorgeous book.......2007-03-12
This book is beautiful - the photographs are stunning, and have a strong sense of personal creative vision. I own many landscape photography books, and this instantly became one of my favorites, its images are serene but powerful and take you to a distant place. They go far beyond simply documenting a location, and clearly show the artist's vision and love for these places. If you enjoy landscape or these places, this book shoulds not be missed!
Enveloping photos.......2007-03-09
I really enjoyed the photos, and consider them worthy of study and reflection. They were certainly evocative, and to my eye original.
Average customer rating:
- The Other Reviews Are Not About The Book
- People should really learn Yosemite Native American history
- A thrilling excursion into the heart of the West
- Savage Dreams
- No romanticism here
|
Savage Dreams: A Journey into the Landscape Wars of the American West
Rebecca Solnit
Manufacturer: University of California Press
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0520220668 |
Book Description
In 1851, a war began in what would become Yosemite National Park, a war against the indigenous inhabitants that has yet to come to a real conclusion. A century later--1951--and about a hundred and fifty miles away, another war began when the U. S. government started setting off nuclear bombs at the Nevada Test Site, in what was called a nuclear testing program but functioned as a war against the land and people of the Great Basin. Savage Dreams is an exploration of these two landscapes. Together they serve as our national Eden and Armageddon and offer up a lot of the history of the west, not only in terms of Indian and environmental wars, but in terms of the relationship between culture--the generation of beliefs and views--and its implementation as politics.
Customer Reviews:
The Other Reviews Are Not About The Book.......2007-03-02
Wow, take a moment to read the other reviews of this book.
I picked this book up off a bargain table, and months later happened to take it with me when I was visiting Yosemite without knowing 1/2 the book was about Yosemite. That was kind of a thrill.
Solnit's historical and writing skills, her ability to build a world stage of activity and its interconnectedness with her narrative are extraordinary.
As a landscape artist and photographer, I find this book to be a great resource. Understanding the history of Yosemite is frankly consciousness shifting.
As the other reviewer says, nuclear weapons are our oyster.
Indians, big bangs, Central Park, Fremont and the Heart of Darkness. How about that.
People should really learn Yosemite Native American history.......2007-01-10
If people would really read the TRUE history of Yosemite Indians they would find something interesting. First the Miwoks in the area were friends and workers for James Savage and Charles Webber, the founder of Stockton. The Miwoks had a working relationship with both white men and they dug gold for them. The real Indians of Yosemite were Mono Paiutes who tried to fight off the invasion, and not Miwoks. They were allied with the white invaders and they called James Savage "White father". I am a descendent of the original Indians of Yosemite and there is a problem. The defintion "Some of them are killers" for Yosemite was fabricated in 1978 and is not the original meaning of Yosemite. The real meaning was "The Killers" or "The Grizzlies" because the Miwoks were afraid of the Ahwahnees. It was Chief Bautista and Russio, who were helping the Mariposa Battalion, who coined that term "Yosemite" for the Indians in Yosemite Valley which they were afraid to enter. It is because the Miwoks were once enemies of Chief Tenaya and the Ahwahnees. 30 years Yosemite National Park Service hired a person named Craig Bates who was married to a Miwok woman and had a 1/2 Miwok son who created that new defintion. So it is increble that ONE person changed the meaning and defintion of one of the most important and well known parks in the whold world...and no one noticed. The Miwoks were actually the scouts and guides for James Savage and the Mariposa Battalion, but you would not know it because the information was controlled by the "Indian expert" at Yosemite, which causes wrong information to be written...like the actual defintion of Yosemite. For the real story read Lafayette H. Bunnell's Discovery of the Yosemite to find out the truth.
A thrilling excursion into the heart of the West.......2004-05-19
If you have an open and inquisitive mind, no matter what your political outlook, you will enjoy this exploration of western America and our relationship with this unique landscape. Solnit weaves discussions about the settlement of the west by Euro-Americans, native American rights, nuclear testing, and other critical issues, with ruminations about H.D. Thoreau, John Muir, country music, landscape painters, and other intriguing topics. This is an excellent book about an important subject that will delight you if you let it.
Savage Dreams.......2004-01-15
This book is classic eco paganistic 1/2 truths and full tripe. Solnit carries on a dreamy and irresponsible massive 'feel good' opinion piece about the handfull of people harmed by our successfull development of our deffensive nuclear weapons. The author fails to note that our development and limited use of our weapons saved millions of lives.
If you are currently a eco pagan, here is more for your religion. If you want a full account of the history of our deffensive development of nuecs, don't waste your time reading this novel. However, if you want further insight into the basis that drives our planet's new pagan eco religion, then this book will help you to understanding their factualy fictionist journey into politics.
No romanticism here.......2000-02-06
Solnit's juxtaposition of the insidious nuclear poisoning of Nevada to the making of Yosemite National Park (that she shows has been "loved to death" since it was first discovered by whites more than 150 years ago)makes this book a must for all environmentalists. Solnit deals directly with themes of conquest and redemption in historic efforts to both tame and use these lands. Readers gain specific understanding about two places that are, after all, national icons. However, the deeper themes so well-developed in this book are being played out no less dramtically all across the country.
Book Description
One of the USA's most gorgeous natural wonders, Yosemite National Park has something to offer every traveler from vacationing families to hardcore outdoors enthusiasts. From rocky ascents up Half Dome to wildflower walks through Tuolumne Meadows, from the soaring vistas atop Sentinel Dome to the gentle slopes of Badger Pass, this book takes you there.
- coverage of the entire park, plus neighboring highlights and worthwhile excursions
- outdoor activities: hiking, biking, rafting, skiing, climbing, canoeing
- in-depth history, geology & ecosystem chapters written by known experts
- 20 maps showing every corner of the park
- special focus on family travel, with short & long-stay itineraries
Customer Reviews:
Great to have along.......2006-11-08
I've lived in California for 3 years and have been to Yosemite at least 5 times. We have gone for backpacking trips, car camping trips, and stayed at Curry Village. We always bring this book with us. You need to have a book like this with you when you are there so you can both plan ahead and do things on the fly. It's a great book that highlights all the must-see spots. Yosemite rarely disappoints.. even if some spots are crowded, once you get there, you can understand why! Lonely Planet books in general area always well organized and have great maps. I like how this book had both short hikes as well as some longer overnight backpacking trips. It also does a good job of detailing all the campgrounds. If you want more detail (or a little different perspective) on hikes and backpacking trips, get "Hiking in the Sierra Nevada" by Lonely Planet.
Good stuff!.......2006-06-03
I thought this was a pretty well-rounded overview of Yosemite with some nice pics to boot. I've been hiking all over Calif but never quite got around to hitting the Big Y. I had seen pics and knew it was great, but I wasn't quite sure what the best approach to schedule a three-day weekend. Well, this baby helped a lot -- reservations, planning hikes, meals and all that a snap. The maps and spotlight-recommendations were great.
Handy guide to Yosemite for first or second time visitor.......2005-12-31
A very well assembled collection of recommendations and facts for planning a trip to Yosemite. If you want to get the most of your trip to the region, planning is essential. Just showing up will severely compromise the options you have available. If you are planning to also visit Sequoia/Kings Canyon, you might want to opt for the Frommer's Guide or Lonely Planet's "Hiking In The Sierra Nevada." Personally, I think this guide has a little more detail and better organization than the Moon guide, with the maps being far better.
Planning: The book does a very nice job giving you phone numbers, camp locations, amenities, and tips on which sites will fill up first. This really is the most important, especially if you want to camp at a popular location or want to do overnight hikes in one of the more popular destinations. If you want to stay in one of the valley hotels think a year in adavance (at least), camping in the valley needs reservations 6-8 months in advance.
Trip descriptions: For the places I visited the descriptions were thorough but not overwhelming in detail. The book has both short trips (1-3 days) as well as longer excursions, but many of these can be abbreviated to suit your needs.
Maps: You will certainly need your own big topo map when on the hike, but the maps here (and in other Lonely Planet guides) are among the best you will find in this sort of guide. First they are topographic, which helps you with overall planning, even if you will eventually make use of a big map later on. Second, the maps are in two colors, which facilitates reading immensely. Finally, the printing is fine and crisp. Some other guides have blurry reproductions of USGS maps that look like they were printed onto a paper towel.
Other: The book is compact and lightweight. If you are an obsessive type you could carry it along on your hike without adding too much weight.
Overall, this is a great guide to aid in planning a trip to the region, especially those on their first couple of excursions to the region. For those who want more details on other trips check out Sierra North and Sierra South, as well as books by Mike White, R. J. Secor, and Steve Roper.
helpful and clear........2005-09-23
I enjoyed this guide for the easy to find information and easy to read maps. It gave good hike descriptions and the list of spotlighted activites was right on target. I do use this regularly to create my plans for the park. This did lack the personal touch that I found in some other references and found myself picking up other guides to go with the maps in this book. The Moon guide was by far my favorite. But do check it out if your going to Yosemite. More information is always better.
useful to plan trip.......2003-10-19
Good book - content useful, maps clear. I use their books a lot, and this one seemed expecially well laid out and clear.
Book Description
Plunging waterfalls, stark granite, alpine lakes, pristine meadows, giant sequoia trees, and raging rivers—you'll find them all in Yosemite National Park. From Yosemite Valley's famous waterfalls—three of which are among the tallest in the world—to the towering granite domes and glistening meadows of Tioga Pass, Yosemite is a place that can only be described in superlatives. Local author Ann Marie Brown helps you have a truly personal experience, with tips on where to go and how to make the most of your time. Suggested travel strategies and lists of must-see sights provide you with real insights so you can decide where you should go, stay, and eat—without hassles or regrets. Suggested travel strategies include: If You Only Have One Day, The Hardcore Hiker, Yosemite for Kids, The Waterfall Lover, and Winter Weekend. Ann Marie details where to trek, climb, mountain bike, and raft near Half Dome or Tuolumne Meadows. Complete with maps, photographs, illustrations, and special emphasis on leading destinations such Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy, the Eastern Sierra, Wawona, Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Moon Handbooks Yosemite has the tools you need to create your own unique trip.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Guide for a Fantastic Park.......2007-09-19
I bought this book based on the opinions of the previous reviewers. They were absolutely right. I spent 2 days at Yosemite and due to the massive size of the park (1,200 square miles) it would have been impossible for me to get a good tour of Yosemite without this guidebook. I found this book quite useful, from reading about the geology/history of the area, lodging to descriptions of the intensity of the hikes. The book also provides some helpful traveling tips as well suggestions for additional reading. It's a very comprehensive guide.
A great resource, guidebook and dreamweaver.......2006-09-09
Moon Travel Books presents a spectacular and thoroughly updated, 256 page, second edition on Yosemite National Park. Beginning with 10 pages of color coded maps of Yosemite and a breathtaking color photo of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite packs a plethora of detailed information into an organized, easily accessible format. The first five chapters cover Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Glacier Point, Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy, and the Eastern Sierra, including Lee Vining, Mono Lake and North, and June Lake and Mammoth Lake. Each of these chapters is divided into sections on exploring and recreation. The final four chapters are about Lodging, Camping, Dining, and Knowing Yosemite. There is a vast list of suggested reading and several pages of internet resources, in addition to tips for travelers, notes on the history of Yosemite and its place names, and much useful and specific information on the flora and fauna of Yosemite National Park. Specific information bytes or special tips are highlighted and blocked to set them off for the eye of the reader. If your plans include a trip to Yosemite, Yosemite is a "must buy" travel guide. Even if you just want to learn more about Yosemite and indulge in some armchair dreaming of travels in Yosemite, this is a great resource, guidebook and dreamweaver.
The best guide to Yosemite I could find.......2006-05-11
Before I visit a national park I go to the library for a pile of books to help me plan my trip. With a visit to Yosemite in mind I did just that and came home with a very nice collection including "100 Hikes...", "The Rough Guide to Yosemite" and Ann Marie Brown's "Yosemite" guide. While all of these books have great content, Ann's was far and away the most approachable and the one I bought to dog ear and write copious notes in without guilt. I'm so glad I did.
The book is well-indexed making it super easy to find what you need, the maps are great and the descriptions of the surrounding area are a bonus. Ann provides readers with well-thought out itineraries geared toward meeting your needs based on how much time you have to visit the park (from a day to a week) and your primary interests (from hiking to bagging waterfall pix). She also supplies solid advice regarding what to do if your on your own or travelling with a family.
Clearly Ann knows what she's writing about. Her first hand experience will help you find the motivation you need to get out of the car (or off of the bus) and on to the trails to drink in the beautiful and wonderful place that is Yosemite.
Review of the Second Edition: All you need for your Trip!.......2006-02-27
I wish I had had this book when I first went to Yosemite a decade ago. It would have saved a lot of time and gotten me and my wife to more of the true highlights in the area. This book covers everything from the best trails to the best dining options in and near the park. It lists all the campgrounds in and around the park and notes which require reservations and which are available on a first come-first served basis. And of course it includes a lot of natural and human history in the park region. The book also features some nice full color maps.
What I particularly like about this guide is the organization. Each section (recreation, lodging, camping, etc) is subdivided into various park regions: Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy, Wawona, Tioga Pass and the Eastern Sierra. As a result, readers have a clearer picture of all that Yosemite National Park has to offer. After reading this book, I will be exploring more of Hetch Hetchy on my next visit in early April. This guide is simply the most comprehensive look at Yosemite and is a must for planning vacations around.
perfect partner.......2005-09-23
This book was one of a few I used to plan and experience Yosemite. Time and time again I pulled this book out over the others as the writeups and descriptions were always correct. The little added extras on each place made the experience even fuller. I love knowing about the history and little fun facts about a hike or a place to eat or stay. I would recommend this to anyone going to Yosemite for the first time or 500 time. Her list of additional references also was handy and I continue to grow my library. I have used her reference guides in the past and was always happy with the information. The waterfalls guide is like a checklist for my weekend activities. The one thing that I did like better in other references was the color maps and highlights, it made it easier to reference things in the book.
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Yosemite
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