Deborah Wall

This book was useful on a recent (October, 2019) hiking trip in the Las Vegas area. The information on hikes in Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Parks was accurate based on hiking the trail there after reading the book. Also, it's an eyeopener on different trip possibilities from the Vegas area. I was surprised that Great Basin National Park in Eastern Nevada didn't merit a mention. Also, the index could be better. Overall, very useful if you are in the Vegas area and want to explore the outdoors.… (mer)

"Before You Hit the Trail"

I was pleased to find this section at the beginning of the book. With hiking, there are a lot of risks if one goes unprepared. Hiking in the desert is even more deadly. This book very wisely covers the importance of bringing water, and specified just how much each hiker should bring for a day hike. Other warnings include flash flooding, which to the inexperienced hiker may seem silly in the desert. I mean, we'd know it was coming based on the weather, right? Wrong. Flash flood is just that, unexpected. And in the desert, other hazards include hypothermia (when the sun goes down) and rattlesnakes. Plus, it gives a little section on if you're going to hike with children.

Finally, in this section, it encourages "leave no trace", something I've found more and more in national parks, as well as the Boy Scout motto when it comes to hiking and camping. It's a no brainer, but you'd be amazed by how many visitors just dump trash wherever or graffiti on petroglyph and pictorgraph rocks. It's frustrating and sad, the lack of respect show by those that can't be bothered to think of others.

So the book opens with Red Rock Canyon, which I think is probably the biggest pull for the Nevada and, specifically, Las Vegas area. With strikingly red rocks, it's very photogenic. But that isn't the only interesting part. The area of Nevada is rich with American Indian culture and history. While on vacation, we almost went to Red Rock Canyon, that is until I discovered Valley of Fire. Even the name sounds cool.

From falls to canyons, there are so many trails to choose from. And the great thing about this book is that each trail has the following: Best season to go, length, difficulty, elevation loss, trailhead elevations, warnings (such as flash floods, excessive heat, etc), jurisdiction, and directions. I wish we had this book before exploring Valley of Fire. The areas we visited (Atlatl Rock, Mouse's Tank, White Domes) were all covered, included a little explanation, history and tips if you had children with you.

For more details (and pictures) of my time in the Valley of Fire, check out my post: https://theconsultingwriter.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/review-of-base-camp-las-veg...… (mer)

If you’ve only been to Las Vegas but not the surrounding area, you are missing out on some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. This book highlights great hiking destinations that are within hours of Las Vegas.

There are several features that distinguish this particular hiking guide. Most saliently, it includes fantastic photographs and maps. Even if you don’t have much interest in “exercise” per se, this book is worth it for the pictures.

At the beginning of the book there is also useful information about what to wear, what to bring with you, and what to expect. There is also background information, ranging from the possibly unwelcome sights (such as rattlesnakes) to the delightful finds, such as petroglyphs or pictographs (rock writings from the ancient past).

Secondly, for each recommended destination, there is an introduction explaining why the sight has appeal, and an overview of the flora, fauna, and cultural history of the area. Then an “At-A-Glance” section that tells you “Best Season,” “Length,” “Difficulty,” “Elevation Gain,” “Trailhead Elevation,” “Warnings,” “Jurisdiction,” and “Directions.” (Sometimes there are also “Alternate Directions.”)

The hikes do not by any means only involve climbs, and of course for any hikes, you have options as to distance and difficulty. There is also information about taking children along.

One of the most intriguing hikes to me is the one for the Zion Narrows, which is a riverbed through a canyon where you will see “lush hanging gardens, intimate alcoves, and spring-fed cascades falling from the canyon walls in to the river.”

Antelope Canyon, which is a slot canyon, is a spectacular short walk that I’ve taken myself (read: therefore very easy). Valley of Fire State Park, only an hour from Las Vegas, can be even easier (we drove through it).

Evaluation: I can’t say enough positive about the book. Whether you are interested in hiking or not (I myself prefer "hiking" vicariously, from the couch), the background about these scenic areas is interesting and informative, and the pictures of the wonders of the Southwest, taken by the author, are a marvel. If you love national parks, you too will love this book.… (mer)