Base Camp

Situated in the heart of the magnificent Southwest, Las Vegas is surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes. Within easy reach are five national parks, including Zion, Grand Canyon, and Death Valley. Dozens of state parks, regional preserves, recreation areas, and public lands offer amazing variety, from sand dunes and salt flats to alpine meadows, waterfalls, and ancient forests. Unique plant and animal life as well as archaeology, paleontology, and fascinating Wild West history are all waiting to be discovered in this region, making Las Vegas an ideal basecamp: Hikers can enjoy solitude and unspoiled wilderness by day and world-class urban amenities by night. Base Camp Las Vegas includes 101 of the best hiking destinations within hours of Las Vegas. The author has hiked each of the 101 featured routes more than once, and she describes each in detail, including route, elevations, terrain, flora & fauna, and historical details. She notes the best season for enjoying each one, what to wear, and what to take along. She describes any hazards or inconveniences that hikers might encounter and rates the difficulty of each hike from easy to strenuous. She's also included an easy-reference guide to the top five hikes in a variety of categories including birdwatching, stargazing, wildflowers, wetlands, kid and teen favorites, most strenuous, and most remote. Base Camp Las Vegas tells hikers where and when to go--and also how to prepare--to enjoy the best trails this unparalleled region has to offer.

Denver is known the world over as the gateway to Colorado's magnificent Rocky Mountains. Four national forests, a national grassland, scores of regional and city parks and preserves, and Rocky Mountain National Park offer hundreds of hiking and walking trails-all within one to three hours of downtown Denver. Base Camp Denver offers you 101 of the best of these great hiking destinations to choose from. Take a day to explore an alpine meadow, walk to a waterfall, hike through a forest, or stroll suburban parklands. Enjoy a spectacular day of spring wildflowers or fall foliage, and still be home by dinnertime. Scramble to the top of a mountain to enjoy a sunrise and still make it to work by eight. With Pete KJ as your guide and Denver as your base camp, the splendor of Colorado's Front Range is yours to enjoy one day-or even just a few hours-at a time. History, geology, flora, and fauna for each hike Best hikes for each season, and where to enjoy spring wildflowers & fall foliage Ratings from 1 to 5 for trail conditions, difficulty, suitability for children, and more Detailed driving directions to trailheads and info about elevation, hiking time, parking, and restrooms Regional maps showing all trails in each chapter; route map for each hike Best hikes for dogs, kids, and teens Hikes that offer solitude … or plenty of company! Hikes by interest: birdwatching, stargazing, wetlands, wildlife, and more How to prepare & what to take 101 great hikes to choose from!

Ideally positioned between the spectacular peaks and lakes of California's Sierra Nevadas and the vast and varied Great Basin of Nevada, Reno is an unparalleled hub for exploring the natural beauty and grandeur this region offers. The area's four-season climate combined with year-round sun guarantees that every day can be a great day to go exploring. Discover the dramatic scenery and diverse terrain of ten distinct geographical regions with 101 hikes- all within no more than an hour's drive from downtown Reno. Enjoy a trail through snowbanks or amble along a sandy path. Traverse sage-covered hillsides or walk-through meadows of wildflowers. Stroll along peaceful creeks or ascend to craggy cliffs and mountaintops. With Christopher and Elizabeth Barile as your guides and Reno as your base camp, you'll find your perfect adventure, whether you have a few hours to spend or time for an all-day trek. • History, geology, flora, and fauna for each hike • Best hikes for each season, and where to enjoy spring wildflowers, fall foliage, and more • Ratings for trail conditions, difficulty, and suitability for children • Detailed driving directions to trailheads and info about parking • Regional maps showing all trailheads in each chapter, route and elevation map for each hike • Best hikes for kids, teens, and adults with limited ability • Elevation gains, mileage, average hiking times, and even calculated caloric burn! • Hikes by interest: waterfalls, rock scrambling, bird watching, petroglyphs, wild horses, and many more • How to prepare & what to take • 101 great hikes to choose from!