I just bought a new copy after my old one went missing. Now seven years old, this edition is getting slightly out of date, but remains the best guide to San Diego hiking trails around. Very clear and helpful, plus you learn a little natural history about each area. ( )

Jerry Schad has been writing these detailed guides to hiking in San Diego for many years. I have several previous editions, and this one is a welcomed addition to the collection as it covers many areas after the Cedar Fire of 2003. Schad profiles the hikes according to difficulty, provides maps and directions, and writes a step-by-step illustration of the experience of walking on each trail. The book is divided into areas of San Diego County, so that the reader can select a chapter according to which area he/she might choose to travel to that day. Schad also recommends the best season for experiencing each trail. This is a great book for natives of San Diego County who want to get to know their tourist options as walkers, birders, or hikers. It is also a wonderful tool for visitors of San Diego who would be interested in the outdoors. ( )

Jerry Schad has been writing these detailed guides to hiking in San Diego for many years. I have several previous editions, and this one is a welcomed addition to the collection as it covers many areas after the Cedar Fire of 2003. Schad profiles the hikes according to difficulty, provides maps and directions, and writes a step-by-step illustration of the experience of walking on each trail. The book is divided into areas of San Diego County, so that the reader can select a chapter according to which area he/she might choose to travel to that day. Schad also recommends the best season for experiencing each trail. This is a great book for natives of San Diego County who want to get to know their tourist options as walkers, birders, or hikers. It is also a wonderful tool for visitors of San Diego who would be interested in the outdoors. ( )

Hiking has become my latest obsession, and this handy guide, known as the bible of San Diego hiking and trekking, is a big help in making my way around the county! The trips are organized into geographic areas (ex: Mountain, Coastal, Desert), and all pertinent information is provided (distance, time, difficulty, ideal season). Rough maps are shown, and the highlights of each hike are described at length. There is a trip for every type of hiker in this book, from low-key coastal walks to multi-day bushwacking adventures. I've made it a life goal to complete every hike in the book, but time will tell whether or not that is a realistic dream or not, as a handful of the hikes are extremely challenging and require significant backpacking experience. I'm currently using an old version of the book, but I plan to purchase the new version as well, since there are many more hikes to choose from. Also included, as appendices, are lists of "best hikes," recommended reading, and park contact information. I highly recommend this book to all adventuring types, and I plan to check out Schad's Orange County version as well. ( )