Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas, Sixth Edition: Walking, Hiking, and Biking Trails for All Ages and Abilities

Book Description

The most comprehensive, map-packed guide available for Texas walkers, hikers, and backpackers.

Customer Reviews:

Barely worth the paper.......2007-03-23

If you're simply looking for a "yellow pages" of trails in Texas, this will probably suit you. But if you want any useful information about a particular trail, or any means of comparing trails to help you choose a destination for that next weekend trip, this book is far from adequate.

The maps are abysmally bad. Most have no scale or other reference of distance. Many have a wide variety of line weights and types, signifying various roads, rivers, or trails, but there is no legend telling you what those lines mean... and the symbols are not even consistent between the maps! Obviously, each map was copied from a different source, and no effort was made to redraw them consistently.

The regional maps are worse, mixing a useless numbering system for the trails with an alphabetical table of contents that makes it a three step process to find your way from the map to the trail description (or the reverse).

Most trail descriptions have less than 400 words, mostly consumed by directions to the trailhead and a few details about park fees and rules. There's hardly anything about the unique features, scenery, wildlife, terrain, etc. And worst of all, there isn't any kind of quick reference for the length of the trail, its difficulty, facilities, or anything else (except the contact information for whatever park manages the trail... a quite candid admission that you're not going to find the information you need HERE!)

But I think the most ridiculous part about the book is the pitiful 8-page section in the middle with a total of 24 mediocre-quality color photographs (yes, 24 photos to describe the entire state of Texas)... it makes you wonder why they even bothered.

60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin (60 Hikes - Menasha Ridge)

Average customer rating:

More Austin than San Antonio
Hiking in Austin

60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin (60 Hikes - Menasha Ridge)
Tom Taylor , and Johnny Molloy
Manufacturer: Menasha Ridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Lonely Planet Austin, San Antonio & the Hill Country

Accessories:

Rayovac SPHLTLED 3-in-1 LED Head-Lite

ASIN: 0897325338

Book Description

Packed with valuable tips and information, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Austin and San Antonio gives you everything you need to get started. First, learn about the area's hiking possibilities and the author's opinions about the best places to go. Then, consult the author's recommendations for special interest hikes--wildlife hikes, historic hikes, hikes for families, and more. Each hike profile provides essential details on length, hiking time, difficulty, solitude, and more. The author also includes personal notes on the hike, a detailed hike map, and clear directions to the trailhead.

Customer Reviews:

More Austin than San Antonio.......2006-10-09

Excellent book, very descriptive but there are more Austin trails than SA trails. Some of the trails in this book have become our faves and we would never have found them without the book.

Hiking in Austin.......2005-10-19

This is a good basic book for finding the public hiking trails that are on the beaten path. It is very useful to find what is publically available. It isn't for finding those paths that are hard to find.

I do recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Down the Road
Interesting, but frustrating.
Note on publication date
Parent's 'Texas' is bigger than life!
Texas Places of the Heart

Hiking Texas
Laurence Parent
Manufacturer: Falcon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Walking | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas (Hiking & Backpacking)
60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Antonio and Austin (60 Hikes - Menasha Ridge)
Official Guide to Texas State Parks (Learn About Texas)
Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas, Sixth Edition: Walking, Hiking, and Biking Trails for All Ages and Abilities
Camper's Guide to Texas Parks, Lakes, and Forests, 5th Edition: Where to Go and How to Get There (Camper's Guide to Texas: Parks, Lakes, & Forests; Where to Go & How)

ASIN: 1560443839

Book Description

Hikes that suit all abilities and interests. Many hikes lie within the boundaries of the state's two national parks, and many others can be found in the impressive Texas state parks.

Download Description

As the first guidebook to the entire state, you will find hikes that suit all abilities and interests. Many hikes lie within the boundaries of the state's two national parks, and many others can be found in the impressive Texas state parks. The book contains accurate, up-to-date trail information, complemented by detailed maps, and many features of the landscape are captured in black-and-white photos. The book also contains a foreword by former Texas Governor Ann Richards and sections on hi

Customer Reviews:

Down the Road.......2007-03-11

I guess this review could be about how great hiking is or how beautiful the state of Texas is. However the reader may just be getting into hiking. Or the reader may have quite a bit of experience. Regardless the reader would find Parent's book useful in that it presents evaluations of the 75 Texas hiking trails.

Right after I bought this book I decided to check out the accuracy of Parent's book by comparing it with a nearby hike. The map of the hike was on target save for a finger of land which extended into the lake. Parent showed the trail as going down the center whereas it went closer to the shoreline. To me that would not be far off target.

The description of the hike's strenuousness was accurate. I decided to check out the descriptions of other hikes on the Internet. In each case Parent's description was about the same as the website description and in some cases, the website had decided to use Parent's description of its hiking trail.

Though Parent does not divide his 75 hiking trails into regions, he does provide a very useful map just after the Foreword at the beginning of the book. Just a little study will show the reader that e.g. hiking trails 1 to 13 are clustered in the Big Bend area whereas hikes 71 to 75 are clustered just north of Beaumont. One will have no trouble finding the location of any of the hiking trails except that the map shows two 62's, one of which is hike 59. This is just a typo.

Texas is not the only state in which I have hiked. I have found great beauty in each of the states in which I have traveled and lived. We have a beautiful country. However if one is looking for a hike in Texas, Parent shows the way for a hike which is ... just down the road.

Interesting, but frustrating........2004-10-19

To all of the worthwhile qualities of this book mentioned by other reviewers, I wish to add a deep, perplexing deficiency that will leave most any reader scratching his or her head.
The book has absolutely no chapter or regional designations for the hikes. They are merely numbered from Hike 1 to Hike 75 with no regional geographic categorization. This is a huge disservice to any purchaser, especially new hikers who may be interested in attempting some endeavor near them. Yes, the hike descriptions list a "general location" in the subtext of each entry, but how in the world does one choose an area of interest without pawing through a bunch of places identified only by number and name?
This book has no chapters. None. Simply "The Hikes" - one after another after another after another. If you wish to get out sticky notes or marker or razor knife to separate this thing into useable regions or chapters, by all means, have at it. This is the book for you.
As a hiker new to Texas, I am left frustrated and disappointed by this book and its lack of common sense organization and bookmaking courtesy.

Note on publication date.......2004-10-03

The copyright (and only) date listed in the Globe Pequot reprint edition of this book is 1992. The 1996 date listed above is presumably the date that Globe Pequot reprinted the original Falcon edition.

Parent's 'Texas' is bigger than life!.......2001-02-28

An impressive pictorial tome--for sure. "Texas" by Laurence Parent is an impressive pictograph of the Lone Star State. Parent is an acclaimed and accomplished photographer whose lenses have found some rather enchanting shots. With an impressive--and dramatic--essay by Elmer Kelton, the book is more than just "coffee table" subject matter. This volume shows National Geographic and Architectural Digest quality reproduction of its photos. A real treat. Thematically, however, Parent doesn't seem to have a real pattern for his photos, rather they appear as they strike his fancy. But no matter. Each picture is worth far more than a thousand words! (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

Texas Places of the Heart.......2000-11-21

This book is a visual stunner, published by a graphics company that took pains to get the colors right. Whether he's pointing his lens at wildlife or city life, buildings or byways, Parent turns an artists eye on the places in Texans' hearts.

Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas (Hiking & Backpacking)

Average customer rating:

Useful , though it mirrors much of the info on TPWD's site
Full of concise, helpful info for the Texas backpacker.

Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas (Hiking & Backpacking)
Mickey Little
Manufacturer: Gulf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Walking | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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General | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Texas Off the Beaten Path, 6th (Off the Beaten Path Series)

ASIN: 0884153258

Book Description

This book offers two parts- the main guide and the backpack guide. The main guide divides the state into four regions and lists hiking and nature trails within each region. You can quickly check the trail's within each region. Detailed maps, featuring some topographical maps, show you the trails, facilities, actual distances, and points of scenic and historical interest.

Customer Reviews:

Useful , though it mirrors much of the info on TPWD's site.......2002-12-02

Hiking & Backpacking Trails is a useful complement to your outdoor reference library. The guide is best suited to families seeking multi-use trails and recreation options who don't have a lot of time to research trips online. Couple this book with Laurence Parent's "Hiking Texas" , and you've got everything you need to plan your outdoor adventures on the trails of Texas.

Best features of this book -- copies of facilities maps are included, helping you plan ahead the route(s) you may wish to take, and each park is accompanied by a small map of Texas showing the park's location relative to the rest of the state.

Full of concise, helpful info for the Texas backpacker........1999-05-16

I recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring Texas parks on foot. Parks are arranged by region, and there is a section devoted to parks that offer trails for the backpacker; many facilities are cross-referenced. Sometimes the information is a little brief, but an informative overview of each park is given, along with a contact address and phone number of the respective operating agency, if additional information is desired. I haven't found a more thorough source for backpacking Texas.

Best Hikes With Dogs: Texas Hill Country And Coast (Best Hikes With Dogs)

Average customer rating:

Great resource! Helps insure a great trip.

Best Hikes With Dogs: Texas Hill Country And Coast (Best Hikes With Dogs)
Melissa Gaskill
Manufacturer: Mountaineers Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Travel with Pets | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas (Hiking & Backpacking)

ASIN: 1594850402

Book Description

55 dog-friendly hikes throughout the Lonestar State's Hill Country and Gulf Coast regions

· All trails within driving distance of Austin, San Antonio, Houston
· Terrain that's hazard-free and easy on the paws
· What to pack for your pooch—the Ten Canine Essentials and the Doggy First-Aid Kit

A native Texan, Melissa Gaskill has spent more than 20 years hiking and camping with her dogs all over the Lonestar State. In this new guidebook, she shares her favorite hikes in the Hill Country and Coast areas that are sure to delight both you and your pet. The hikes range from short jaunts to longer, challenging trails. Discover everything from rugged hills with limestone cliffs and rolling terrain, to wide-open areas with brush and cactus, to the coastal plain with its grasslands and pine forests.

For each hike, leash regulations and availability of water are noted, along with any trail concerns pertinent for your dog. Advice is given on topics such as proper canine trail etiquette, wildlife encounters, and weather concerns. There's also a handy Trail Finder chart that lists hikes by length, terrain, difficulty for dogs, and more.

Melissa Gaskill has written for newspapers and magazines for more than 15 years on a variety of topics, including travel, outdoors, parenting, and more. Her two enthusiastic trail companions are Keeper, a Labrador retriever, and Max, a mixed-breed adopted from an animal shelter. She lives in Austin with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

Customer Reviews:

Great resource! Helps insure a great trip........2006-10-28

This is becoming my primary resouce on planning excursions with our dog. I can now be sure that the site will welcome our dog, and we can plan ahead encough to know we are prepared, know where to go, and that we have no surprises.

It includes great planning guides for location, hike distance and duration, elevation change charts, who to call for questions, and unique features in the park.

There is also a good section covering topics which help insure your dog is prepared, and will not experience any ill health effects from the hike.

Hiking Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks

Average customer rating:

Great book
best available resource
Great trip planning resource
Great resource for trip planning

Hiking Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks
Bill Schneider
Manufacturer: Falcon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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100 Hikes in New Mexico (100 Hikes in) 2nd Edition

ASIN: 1560444010

Book Description

As the first and only comprehensive hiking guide to all 130 miles of trails in these two national parks, this book features Carlsbad's improved above-ground hiking trail system as well as routes in the caverns and Guadalupe's wild backcountry. It also includes written trail descriptions, elevation charts, photos, and detailed topographic maps. Hiking Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is packed with all the information you need to plan your next trip in these two uncrowded and remote national parks.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2005-09-12

The descriptions of trails and how to get to them will be an asset to those hiking in these amazing parks.

best available resource.......2005-03-15

Those of us who are old enough to remember the time before hiking guides were written for smaller parks and wild areas and before the internet know what it was like: you went the first time to find out what you could do there and then you went again to do it. OK for places nearby but what about those trips across the continent? This book gave me everything I needed to get the most out of my brief week in the Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks, places I rather suspect I'll never get to again.
The author covers all the maintained trails (and some that aren't, really) that I've heard of, with fairly good detail and guidance as to difficulty. He is clearly a champion hiker himself but no need to fear that you'll be dragged along by hiker machismo: he over-, rather than underrates the difficulty of these trails. But he also gives you all the information you'll need to go bounding out on your own over-demanding marches. For example, I took his day hike out of Dog Canyon up to Lost Peak, then continued along the McKittrick Ridge Trail out to the "snout", just before the plunge down to McKittrick Canyon. Not something he recommended, but I had all the data I needed to make my own decision.
The maps are photocopies of the National Geographic maps of these parks, available at their website for about 10 bucks as well as the visitor centers in Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains NP's. Aesthetically, they are perhaps a bit lacking but I found them perfectly readable for the purpose of trail use. You might want to supplement them for bushwhacking, though.
I used this book in October of 2004 and found no pressing need for revision, though of course I didn't hike all the trails, just a lot of them.
I mentioned the Internet at the outset. This wonderful area does not excite the interest, as measured by internet postings, that such places as the Grand Canyon do. There is a Yahoo group, but there is just not much activity on it. So this book appears to be the only substantial resource out there.

Great trip planning resource.......2002-09-02

Once of the few places I've found information on the above ground options at Carlsbad.
It's given me many alternatives to the Guadelupe Peak, McKittrick Canyon, caves trip I was planning. There seems to be much more to be explored.
Maps and photos are a bit unclear - could use some work

Great resource for trip planning.......1997-07-29

This book has just the right amount of information about each park, the trails, key features, preparation checklists, and suggestions. I'm planning a trip to Guadalupe and this book is an invaluable resource, since I've never been to the park, and information about the area is hard-to-find and somewhat limited. I particularly liked the trail stats that accompanied each trail description - the stats include distance, elevation change, time estimates, and key points. Also, many mini-maps are provided which help to illustrate the topic

Average customer rating:

Fifty Hikes in Texas
Harry Evans
Manufacturer: Gem Guides Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0935182179

Average customer rating:

The Big Bend is Big
Excellent addition to a Texas hiker/backpacker's library

Hiking Big Bend National Park
Laurence Parent
Manufacturer: Falcon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Big Bend Vistas: A Geological Exploration of the Big Bend

ASIN: 1560442867

Book Description

The scenic wonders of the undeveloped Chihuahuan Desert beckon hikers with seemingly endless miles of trails in Big Bend National Park. The park is the largest tract of public land in Texas, with more than 1,200 square miles sprawled across West Texas along the Rio Grande. Hiking trails wander through deep canyons to spring-fed oases and to the tops of the forested Chisos Mountains. Written with assistance from Big Bend National Park staff, Hiking Big Bend National Park is the only comprehensive hiking guide to the many trials in this unique national park and will guide you to little-known places as well as the popular areas. Three trails in nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park also are featured. This guide includes safety descriptions, elevation charts, black-and-white photos, and up-to-date maps and reference information. Hiking Big Bend National Park is an invaluable resource for planning your next hiking trip in Texas's Big Bend Country.

Customer Reviews:

The Big Bend is Big .......2004-12-26

Big Bend National Park boasts one of the finest hikes in the world: the 12.6 mile loop from the Basin to the South Rim and back again. At the South Rim, elevation 7,300, the views of the Chihuahua desert go on forever with hardly a sign that the species Homo Sapiens exists. At this elevation in the Chisos mountains the vegetation is more reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains than of the desert. There is a thrill too in the signs forbidding children from hiking because of the danger from mountain lions.

This book describes 44 hikes from .2 to 19 miles long in Big Bend National Park and three in neighboring Big Bend Ranch State Park. The two parks are remote and immense, totalling together more than 1,500 square miles. The description of each hike includes a map, directions about how to get to the trail head, elevations, difficulty, and hiking traffic, which is light to non existent for most trails. This is lonely country away from a very few public facilities. Water is not available on most hikes in this desert area.

This is a well-written and illustrated trail guide book which is well worth your investment if you plan to visit and hike Big Bend.

Smallchief

Excellent addition to a Texas hiker/backpacker's library.......2001-12-02

Laurence Parent is a talented and prolific Texas nature photographer whose hiking and camping guides are a staple both on my bookshelf and in my backpack.

In Hiking Big Bend, Parent's keen eye is turned towards one of Texas' largest and most rugged parks, ensuring even the smallest of details, if worthy of note, is shared with readers. A borrowed copy of Hiking Big Bend came with me on a week-long camping trip to the park in October 2001, and upon my return home I purchased my own copy. Though lacking photos, the text serves dual roles as a trail by trail hiking guide and written "memory book", chock full of details about the parks history, geology, wildlife and natural phenomena.

Book Description

Hardy, versatile and reliable, these pocket-sized guides are real wilderness experts. Totebooks "RM" -- the best guides in the field.
-- The Best About Backpacking
-- Fieldbook of Nature Photography
-- Hiker's Guide to the Smokies
-- Hiking the Yellowstone Backcountry
-- Plus other definitive guides to all your favorite hiking and climbing regions

Average customer rating:

50 hikes in Texas
Dick Nelson
Manufacturer: Tecolote Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0915030020

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