Eoin Colfer is best known for his bestselling Artemis Fowl series, which inspires fanatical devotion in its fans. Entertainment Weekly raved: "The...
Continue »
This is the granddaddy of the respected Trailblazer travel book series, which also includes the Golden Gate Trailblazer (San Francisco and Marin County) and five books on the Hawaiian islands (Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer, and No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide). It covers the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains from the Lake Tahoe basin to Yosemite National Park. A great deal of this glorious stretch of high country makes up Alpine County, California. It’s a mountain area second to none as the wonderful black-and-white photography makes clear, and, as with every Trailblazer guide, there are outdoor activities galore. The “Best Of” section helps you zero in on great places to go for wildflowers, fall colors, family strolls, falls and cascades, lakes with a view, and much more. Each walk or hike (they come in all sizes, even as short as a small fraction of a mile) is carefully described, not to mention the excellent directions and maps for getting to the trailhead or starting point. Round-trip hiking distances and elevation gained are provided. Appropriate topographical maps are also recommended. For those who would rather just putter on, there are some wonderfully organized driving tours through this most picturesque part of the northern Sierra Nevada range. Practical information is plentiful, from phone numbers to things to do with the kids, as well as recommended Do’s and Don’ts—all based on decades of careful exploration. Highly recommended. The Alpine Sierra Trailblazer will enhance your mountain experience big time.
As with every guidebook in the respected Trailblazer travel book series (Alpine Sierra Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer, and No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide), the Golden Gate Trailblazer is fun to read, beautiful to look at (the remarkable black-and-white photography provides a wonderful sense of place), and ever so useful. A large number of hikes, walks, jogs, and bike rides are thoughtfully organized not only by location but also by the characteristics that set them apart from each other. The “Best Of” section lists choices for a wide variety of preferences: wildflowers, forested creeks, shorebird watching, coastal bluffs, bay side strolls, gardens, city life, and family rides, to name a few. Each selection is further detailed with carefully crafted directions both for getting to the starting point and for heading down the road or trail (I find the author’s directions more than adequate—they flat out get the job done, but map freaks may feel more comfortable supplementing their guidance with the appropriate map). The Sprouts know the neighborhood like the back of their hand and have walked and hiked this area for many years. Their deep knowledge of their subject enhances the activities they describe—you’ll learn a lot of history along the way, that’s for sure. Practical details are in abundance, from things to do with the kids to cleverly presented advice and opinion based on years of experience. You're unlikely to just bump into many of the activities they've included—the Golden Gate Trailblazer will help you find and enjoy an array of experiences most tourists will forever miss. Even long-time locals will find lots of exciting new ideas they had no idea were in their own backyard. A great resource. Pick up one and enjoy.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(1 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Oahu Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, and Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I've read them all cover to cover) even if you're only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you're not sure where you're headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking—there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent—no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai—meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka—meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(8 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Maui Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, and Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I've read them all cover to cover) even if you're only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you're not sure where you're headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking—there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent—no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai—meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka—meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(4 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, and Maui Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I've read them all cover to cover) even if you're only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you're not sure where you're headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking—there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent—no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai—meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka—meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(9 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and eBooks — here at Powells.com.
Don't Miss
Customer Comments
GregHayes has commented on (6) products.
Alpine Sierra Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Ski, Bike, Fish, Drive from Tahoe to Yosemite by Jerry Sprout
GregHayes, January 26, 2009
This is the granddaddy of the respected Trailblazer travel book series, which also includes the Golden Gate Trailblazer (San Francisco and Marin County) and five books on the Hawaiian islands (Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer, and No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide). It covers the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains from the Lake Tahoe basin to Yosemite National Park. A great deal of this glorious stretch of high country makes up Alpine County, California. It’s a mountain area second to none as the wonderful black-and-white photography makes clear, and, as with every Trailblazer guide, there are outdoor activities galore. The “Best Of” section helps you zero in on great places to go for wildflowers, fall colors, family strolls, falls and cascades, lakes with a view, and much more. Each walk or hike (they come in all sizes, even as short as a small fraction of a mile) is carefully described, not to mention the excellent directions and maps for getting to the trailhead or starting point. Round-trip hiking distances and elevation gained are provided. Appropriate topographical maps are also recommended. For those who would rather just putter on, there are some wonderfully organized driving tours through this most picturesque part of the northern Sierra Nevada range. Practical information is plentiful, from phone numbers to things to do with the kids, as well as recommended Do’s and Don’ts—all based on decades of careful exploration. Highly recommended. The Alpine Sierra Trailblazer will enhance your mountain experience big time.Golden Gate Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Walk and Bike in San Francisco and Marin by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout
GregHayes, January 26, 2009
As with every guidebook in the respected Trailblazer travel book series (Alpine Sierra Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer, and No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide), the Golden Gate Trailblazer is fun to read, beautiful to look at (the remarkable black-and-white photography provides a wonderful sense of place), and ever so useful. A large number of hikes, walks, jogs, and bike rides are thoughtfully organized not only by location but also by the characteristics that set them apart from each other. The “Best Of” section lists choices for a wide variety of preferences: wildflowers, forested creeks, shorebird watching, coastal bluffs, bay side strolls, gardens, city life, and family rides, to name a few. Each selection is further detailed with carefully crafted directions both for getting to the starting point and for heading down the road or trail (I find the author’s directions more than adequate—they flat out get the job done, but map freaks may feel more comfortable supplementing their guidance with the appropriate map). The Sprouts know the neighborhood like the back of their hand and have walked and hiked this area for many years. Their deep knowledge of their subject enhances the activities they describe—you’ll learn a lot of history along the way, that’s for sure. Practical details are in abundance, from things to do with the kids to cleverly presented advice and opinion based on years of experience. You're unlikely to just bump into many of the activities they've included—the Golden Gate Trailblazer will help you find and enjoy an array of experiences most tourists will forever miss. Even long-time locals will find lots of exciting new ideas they had no idea were in their own backyard. A great resource. Pick up one and enjoy.(1 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
Oahu Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, and Surf from Honolulu to the North Shore (Trailblazer) by Janine Sprout and Jerry Sprout
GregHayes, January 26, 2009
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Oahu Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, and Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I've read them all cover to cover) even if you're only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you're not sure where you're headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking—there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent—no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai—meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka—meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.(8 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
Maui Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Paddle, Surf, Drive by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout
GregHayes, January 26, 2009
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Maui Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, and Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I've read them all cover to cover) even if you're only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you're not sure where you're headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking—there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent—no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai—meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka—meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.(4 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
Hawaii: The Big Island Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Surf, Bike, & Drive by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout
GregHayes, January 26, 2009
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer, Kauai Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, and Maui Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I've read them all cover to cover) even if you're only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you're not sure where you're headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking—there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent—no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai—meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka—meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.(9 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
1-5 of 6next