Hiking and Exploring Utah's San Rafael Swell

Rating:
Summary: Using Kelsey's work as reference material.
Review: As a student of geography and land use planning, Kelsey's book has provided further references for deeper research.

Rating:
Summary: New hikes in this edition
Review: I've done several hikes based on the 2nd edition of this book (and other Utah hiking books by Kelsey), and I've learned that for the simple hikes, he offers plenty of good help. For the longer or more complicated hikes, I will always consult both Kelsey and Steve Allen's canyoneering books and several maps. I've also learned that Kelsey walks much faster than I do. Once you figure that kind of thing out, it's a pretty helpful guide. This edition has added some new hikes that look pretty interesting (that are not in Steve Allen). If you're planning hikes in the San Rafael Swell, you don't have much choice besides Kelsey and Allen. I say buy them both.

Rating:
Summary: A great guide for all skill levels
Review: I've used this books for years, and Kelsey's descriptions and maps are fairly well done. Sometimes he underestimates the difficulties of hikes, but if you're going to the Swell, this is the book you want.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting History, Passable Hiking Info
Review: The Swell is a great place for exploring interesting slot canyons difficult and easy. This guide has a very good history section, but is a little weak on the hiking info. Why do I say this? Because Kelsey's information is not always accurate - he often makes a few guesses, underestimates difficulties or distances, and sometimes just gets things a little confused. Steve Allen's 'Canyoneering' is a much better primary source, and this makes a good secondary source.