Frommer's Best Hiking Trips in Northern California

Book excerpt: Frommer’s Best Walking in Northern California is intended for people for whom a good hike is an integral part of their vacation plans. It highlights the "best-of-the-best" of Northern California's many hiking choices, focusing on accessible day hikes for a variety of abilities, plus some of the country's most popular multi-day options. The book will follow Frommer's usual highly organized approach: clear, thorough instructions on how to prepare for their trip; detailed breakdowns of the hikes themselves with easy-to-understand route instructions; star ratings and reasons to go; and lots of maps. In addition, the book will provide accommodation and dining options geared to the outdoor enthusiast; GPS directions for trailheads; and a full-color naturalist’s guide for wildlife identification. In addition to the hikes themselves, each chapter will contain: hike index, trailhead map, 1-2 page write-up on the unique characteristics of the area, and an accommodation and dining guide. The hikes will cover the entire region, including: Day hikes within easy reach of San Francisco, including the Presidio, the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond, and Muir Woods The best walks through wine country, such as Jack London State Park and Sugarloaf Ridge The legendary routes of Yosemite National Park, including the Yosemite Valley Loop, Glacier Point, and Half Dome The finest vantage points on Northern California’s mighty redwoods and lush landscapes, such as Tall Trees Grove, Humboldt Redwoods, and the Mendocino Headlands The hidden gems that dot the spectacular Highway 1 along the coast between San Francisco and Big Sur The best of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, including the John Muir trail and Mt. Whitney The stunning views of the Eastern High Sierras near Lake Tahoe, including the Tahoe Rim Trail, Ellis Peak, and the best of the Pacific Crest Trail.