This is one of my all-time favorite books to take along on Colorado vacations! The library system only has the 7th edition (1989) so far, whereas the most recent is the 9th edition, but in comparing the 7th and 9th editions, the vast majority of the information is still valid. The Dannens provide detailed descriptions of every hike you might want to take in Rocky Mountain National Park, whether you're starting in the Estes Park area or the Grand Lake area. Beginning by identifying where you can find the trailheads, the descriptions then identify geographic landmarks, good photo spots, flora and fauna likely to be viewed, and distances covered on the many trails that wind through the Colorado Rockies. Detailed topographic maps show the routes of the individual trails, and artwork is included of the various plants and animals you might encounter. The 7th edition of the guide is a nice pocket-size version, whereas the 8th and 9th editions are larger trade paperbacks. The Dannens have also put out an extremely helpful smaller book -- Best Easy Day Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park. Although the library doesn't own this one, it's easily available through our InterLibrary Loan service. I picked it up the last time I was in Estes Park, and found it quite helpful. If you're looking for a couple of great hikes, I recommend the Glacier Gorge trail system, with a breakfast stop at Alberta Falls on the way to Lake Hiayaha. Or, the latest trail system I tried was the Deer Mountain Trail, which boasts some absolutely gorgeous vistas in nearly all directions. Whatever your hiking choice may be, the Dannens' book will educate you on to prepare for. I find it to be indispensable!

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec09-06.htm ( )

This is one of my all-time favorite books to take along on Colorado vacations! The library system only has the 7th edition (1989) so far, whereas the most recent is the 9th edition, but in comparing the 7th and 9th editions, the vast majority of the information is still valid. The Dannens provide detailed descriptions of every hike you might want to take in Rocky Mountain National Park, whether you're starting in the Estes Park area or the Grand Lake area. Beginning by identifying where you can find the trailheads, the descriptions then identify geographic landmarks, good photo spots, flora and fauna likely to be viewed, and distances covered on the many trails that wind through the Colorado Rockies. Detailed topographic maps show the routes of the individual trails, and artwork is included of the various plants and animals you might encounter. The 7th edition of the guide is a nice pocket-size version, whereas the 8th and 9th editions are larger trade paperbacks. The Dannens have also put out an extremely helpful smaller book -- Best Easy Day Hikes: Rocky Mountain National Park. Although the library doesn't own this one, it's easily available through our InterLibrary Loan service. I picked it up the last time I was in Estes Park, and found it quite helpful. If you're looking for a couple of great hikes, I recommend the Glacier Gorge trail system, with a breakfast stop at Alberta Falls on the way to Lake Hiayaha. Or, the latest trail system I tried was the Deer Mountain Trail, which boasts some absolutely gorgeous vistas in nearly all directions. Whatever your hiking choice may be, the Dannens' book will educate you on to prepare for. I find it to be indispensable!

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec09-06.htm ( )