Trails of the Angeles: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels [With Map]

I purchased my first copy many years ago, and it introduced me to so many beautiful runs in the San Gabriels. I always take with me a copy of the run description and a copy of the appropriate map--Makes it impossible to get lost. The directions are very precise and clear, and the descriptions are very accurate. I can't thank the author enough.

This book is just filled with great trails. It includes a detailed map, only drawback is the map is not laminated (waterproof) but all inall i never leave home without this

With this, the 8th and (for John Robinson) last edition of 'Trails of the Angeles' Southern California Hikers are given some new features to an old classic. The table of contents now lists all of the hikes individually, and a summary of hikes appears at the end of the book. Readers are also introduced to the new author, Doug Christiansen, who is taking over future updates to the book as Robinson's advancing age is starting to hinder his work. For his part, Christiansen promises to keep the text as close to Robinson's original as possible. So why should you buy this book? Simply put, it is the best hiking guide to the San Gabriel Mountain Range in Southern California. Like all Wilderness Press Books, 'Trails of the Angeles' includes substantial coverage of natural and human history in the area. An excellent topographical map, with numerous details, is also included. But best of all are the 100 hikes that continue to offer challenges to generations of hikers. Readers should note that these are not easy walks of a mile or two. The average walk described in the book is over 8 miles and includes substantial elevation gain. But you will be amply rewarded by getting a genuine wilderness experience within an hour or so drive from LA. This is the big draw of a book that has been continuously in print for 35 years. What a joy to discover that it will continue to be updated for the foreseeable future.

This is an excellent, no nonsense hiking guide. it's the one I use the most often and consult before any hike. John Robinson is one of the gurus of Southern California hiking and his guides are usually dependable, accurate and full of information that will ensure your safety while in the mountains. He provides an adequate history of each hike, driving directions and fairly precise descriptions of where to locate each trailhead. It's important to note that some of his information is outdated; for example, you always must display your Forest Adventure Pass when parking your car in a California National Forest. Robinson doesn't mention this because his guide was written before the Pass became "essential."Another strength of this book is that Robinson usually provides separate descriptions of various ways to summit, as well as three alternate treks to the peak and this is a valuable tool for the experienced hiker. He tells you how to get to mt. Wilson by the standard route and then the alternate routes. He does the same for San Jacinto, perhaps the premiere hike in Southern California (as well as the most arduous!) The guide is tailored towards seasoned hikers and if you're a neophyte, this probably wouldn't be your best choice. But if you love to hike and live in the L.A. area, the Robinson guide provides indispensible information. Highly recommended.

This book was very usefull in getting me started hiking in the local mountains the San Gabriels and I take it with me everytime I go up ! The maps are great and directions are clear and concise.