California County Summits

Rating:
Summary: This book has gotten me lost Big Time
Review: I found this book to contain numerous examples of poor directions to the trailheads and summits. I have completed summit hikes in 35 counties and have been sent to impossible to find trails in many instances. In two attempts in yolo county I have been unable to find the trailhead. Local conditions can change by season and over time but this book desperately needs to be updated. In fact if the author would contact me I would be willing to help however I can.

Rating:
Summary: Great book, a little dated
Review: This book will really get you hooked on highpointing. It needs a little updating, but the information in it is good.

If Gary Suttle is reading this, hey, why not come out with another issue?

Rating:
Summary: Great book, a little dated
Review: This guide to the 58 California County summits is one of the most accurate guidebooks I have followed. Each route to the trailhead is precisely described. Although he allows the reader to discover many of the terrain features, Suttle traces the recommended route for each climb in enough detail to lead the climber to the summit. He also provides interesting information about each county and about the environment and the view. The book provides hints about camping in the vicinity of each peak (or in some cases "shoulder"). Each peak description is accompanied by a topographic map of the route, a classification of the climb, a prediction of how long the climb will take, and accurate mileage and elevation change information. When writing about summits on private property, he does not give specifics because the owners have denied his entreaties to admit the public. For anyone interested in exploring and climbing California, this will be a very valuable resource.

Rating:
Summary: Well researched and accurately presented.
Review: This guide to the 58 California County summits is one of the most accurate guidebooks I have followed. Each route to the trailhead is precisely described. Although he allows the reader to discover many of the terrain features, Suttle traces the recommended route for each climb in enough detail to lead the climber to the summit. He also provides interesting information about each county and about the environment and the view. The book provides hints about camping in the vicinity of each peak (or in some cases "shoulder"). Each peak description is accompanied by a topographic map of the route, a classification of the climb, a prediction of how long the climb will take, and accurate mileage and elevation change information. When writing about summits on private property, he does not give specifics because the owners have denied his entreaties to admit the public. For anyone interested in exploring and climbing California, this will be a very valuable resource.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Guidebook to Many California Mountains.
Review: Without question one of the better guidebooks in print. I particularly like the maps, which are taken directly from the USGS topographic maps of the areas involved. It should be noted that many major California peaks are covered in this book, including Mount Whitney, White Mountain Peak, North Palisade, Mount Shasta, and the 3 major peaks surrounding the LA basin. (San Gorgonio Mountain, San Jacinto Peak and Mount San Antonio)

This book has proven very helpful to me on hikes to California county high points, and I highly recommend it for anyone contemplating similar expeditions. It is also useful to those simply interested in learning more about the history and topography of the county they reside in.