Emigrant Wilderness and Northwestern Yosemite

The copy I perused had an update for 1999. The book had a Map with trails not on my current US FS map. It showed trails which may be hard to find, but that's the challenge. Trails from old books from the 1960's are often included here, but not in current maps or US FS literature. Again, this is a great resource book for this area. As with any wilderness area, campsites will close due to overuse, restoration, natural changes (flood, earthquake, fire, mudslides, etc). For up to date information, check with the local US Forest Station (Sometimes helpful) and local clubs. Local bulletin boards such as craigslist.org, San Francisco are helpful too. Always obtain a permit for overnight stays. These are still required and free as of this writing for most wilderness areas. If there is a fee write your Senator and Congress person.

This is a very good guide, as far as it goes, but unfortunately, that's often not nearly far enough. Much of the information is badly outdated (most of the campsites described in some areas no longer exist, for example). I've been waiting several years to get an updated edition, because we've used ours so much, it's fallen apart. Now that it's completely disintegrated, into a dozen or more pieces, I gave up and ordered another copy of the same old edition; but if you come out with a new edition, with better information, I'd get that, right away, even now.

I have used this book several times to plan backpacking trips. The Emigrant Wilderness has quickly become my favorite area for getting away from it all. With detailed and accurate directions for finding everything, this book makes me feel like a seasoned mountain man is showing me the way. Definitely, the best trail guide I own.