Best Hikes of Colorado: An Altitude SuperGuide

If your planning on doing some hiking in the Southern rockies of Colorado this is a great resource. The author has listed some rxcellent hikes in different regions throughout the state. The hikes include complete descriptions and maps so that you can get a look at the area. In addition there are thorough descriptions of how to access the trailheads. Of course if you obtain a USFS or NPS map of the area you could find these trailheads without turn by turn descriptions. Another plus are the numerous sections describing local plant life, animal life, and historical places. The only problem I had is that it left out a lot of hikes in the areas it covers. I would highly recommend this book, I just wish there was more of it.

Having used this book to take just over half of the hikes it discusses, I highly recommend it to someone new to Colorado. I'm in the military and I have only 2-3 years in each duty location. So, when I saw this book, I bought it and have used it extensively so far. I have only a couple of minor points to make about it, however. The author never reveals how she "grades" her hikes, and I strenuously disagree with 3 of the grades she doled out to particular hikes. The Pitkin Lake hike (near Vail) is by no means an "easy" hike--at best it's a high-moderate to low-strenuous! Also, the Rock Creek (also near Vail) hike is by no means one of the 40 best hikes Colorado has to offer. In fact, I'm baffled when trying to think why she might've included it in her book. Finally, the Three Island Lakes hike (near Steamboat Springs) is by no means a strenuous hike. At worst, it's a moderate. Still, the book has led me to THE most spectacular scenery I've ever seen, and I credit the author for that. I do wish she revealed the time of year she took these hikes, in addition to other hikes she took before coming to her conclusions. However, I will always be grateful to her for providing me with a valuable tool for finding some of the most beautiful places on Earth. I certainly don't regret buying the book, and in fact, I've given it as a gift many times. I've bought 2 copies for myself, having worn the first copy out in just two years. Another note: buy the binder edition. It has removable pages for taking the portion of the book that deals with the hike you want to take, avoiding your having to pack the entire tome around with you. Just slide the two or three applicable pages into the plastic cover (included with the binder edition), and off you go!

The book covers 40 hikes spread throughout the state. However, 15 of these are in Rocky Mountain National Park, and 12 near Aspen and Vail. This only leaves a sprinkling of hikes in a few other areas. That said, this is a wonderfully done, gorgeous book that you can get in a binder (more $) or paperback. The binder allows you to remove pages to take on your hike (with an included transparent page cover). I like the binder because it gives the book a "coffee table book" feeling and the pages open flat.The book is chock full of color pictures and tidbits on everything from critters and flowers to historical information, making it an interesting read. If you want to give someone a feeling for Colorado (I used to live there), this is the book to get them excited. The trails are mostly moderate in difficulty and length - just right for a 1/2 to full day's hiking. The trail descriptions and trailhead locations are excellently detailed.

This book is an excellent guide for hiking in Colorado. First, it has excellent pictures to give the reader an idea of the scenery. Then, it provides directions on how to get to the different parks. Also, it provides maps to the hiking trails and a lot of other useful information on whether dogs are allowed, whether the hike is suitable for family outing, whether there is a fee, phone numbers one can call, etc. The quality of the paper is astonishing. It also provides small paragraphs on bear etiquette, lions etiquette, etc. It provides information on the flaura and fauna expected to be seen on each hike. Very informative, very interesting and very useful book.

This book is a wonderful reference for anyone who wishes to hike in Colorado. It has tons of information, such as types of trees, wildflowers, wildlife, camping information, first aid, trail guides, altitude information, etc. A "must have" for anyone wishing to take beautiful hikes in Colorado.