Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (Falcon Guides Best Easy Day Hikes) [Paperback]

I normally would not review a book that already has eight extended commentaries which cover every positive and negative aspect of the author's text, but there is apparently some confusion among either reviewers, Amazon editors, or both as to which book is actually under review. Laurel Scheidt is the author of two books on hiking in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The first is a comprehensive hiking guide to the parks and the second is a guide to short day hikes in the region. For whatever reason, all the reviews posted for the latter, 'Best Easy Day Hikes: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' are actually of the larger comprehensive work. I'm not sure why this occured, but the result is a misleading impression of what 'Best Easy Dayhikes' is all about. (Hopefully my review of 'Dayhikes' will not also be posted under the 'Hiking Sequoia' title as well.) This little book does not talk about the ascent of Mt. Whitney (thank goodness), is not a comprehensive guide to the parks, and the controversy about maps and backpacking routes is simply not applicable to this book at all.

Best Easy Day Hikes lists several hikes in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and the nearby Jennie Lakes Wilderness that are under 6 miles, relatively level (they have less than 2000 feet of elevation gain--there are very few truly "level" hikes in these parks) and are readily accessible to families with children and those who, like myself, are no longer as fit as they once were. Mileage, elevation data, directions to the trailhead, and short sketch maps are for the most part adequate.

Scheidt includes several classic walks in the park: The Congress Trail, General Grant Tree Loop, Mist Falls, and Cresent Meadow. These are all "must do" hikes if you only have a day or so in the parks as happens all too often with our hectic schedules. Other trails listed are a little less well traveled so hikers can find some semblance of solitude in this sometimes hectic portion of the Sierras. The trip to Weaver Lake falls into this category.

This book merits 3 stars for doing what it sets out to do reasonably well. It lists a number of nice short hikes in various parts of the park. I would like to see a little more natural and local history to give it a higher rating. I would also note that this book is hardly exhaustive of all the truly easy and scenic day hikes in the region. As several reviewers (of the other book) including the author have noted, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and in mine the author has left out too many nice hikes (the Manzanita and Azalea loop in Grant Grove and Buena Vista Peak above Redwood Canyon) to give the book a 5 star rating. Still, unless or until Steve Sorenson's guides are updated, this is the best guide to day hikes in the parks currently in print.

I saw this book being written in it's infancy stage and knew I would become addicted to hiking even though I was a beginner the book was clear and concise and gave me the confidence that I sorely needed.
I look forward to more books