Hidden Southwest: Including Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Utah, and Southwest Colorado

This is an excellent resource to find off the beaten path places and learn more about popular places, too. I followed this guide to Toroweap near the Grand Canyon. It said that it was so remote no one else would be at the primitive campsite (said no toilets). It needs updating. I found the campsite full of people in April after hazarding it down a long, dusty, and rocky road, and they had good toilets. I did meet some very nice people there, and it's a knock your socks off beautiful place. Glad I went.

Very personal writing style and detailed recommendations make this a great read and a great guide. This book covers the major sights in more detail than most compact guidebooks. The maps are easier to read than most guidebooks due to higher contrast. I loved the suggested iteneraries and "hidden" travel suggestions you may not find in other guidebooks. This is a thick book, maybe a bit bulky for travel. I do recommend it. It has been a great guide to help me plan a trip.

I purchased this book in order to plan a 6 week trip to New Mexico and Arizona. If you want a book that will clearly and intelligently tell you about everything in these two states, this is a good option. Unfortunately, this book isn't very helpful in prioritizing sites. For example, I'm sure every single indian pueblo is listed, but it's difficult to tell which ones are worth allocating time to. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent book, but, if this is your first visit to the area, you will need a more opinionated book to help you sift though the many, many sightseeing options.

I had earlier editions of this book and just loved them. We found the best places to stay, motels and bed and breakfasts that are really special, at a great price. I used this book for planning many trips to the Southwest, for myself and friends, and it was always a great experience. It is the best reference books on places to eat and to stay, phone numbers of attractions etc. You can find every place in the Southwest. However, I would still use another travel guide for more detailed information about e.g. national parks and monuments or specific hiking tips.