The Must-Have Book for Hiking in San Diego
I grew up about an hour and a half to the north of San Diego, in Orange County. I can't remember when, but I purchased the book Afoot and Afield in Orange County. This book led me all over the county to waterfalls and mountain peaks, to canyons and streams. Many of the hikes were shared with the person who is now my wife. Moving to San Diego in 2000, I immediately went out and purchased the San Diego version of the book and then purchased the current edition when it came out.
If you have any interest at all in hiking in San Diego, you should get this book. It contains hikes in nearly all of the regions and parks in San Diego. From Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, to the mountains of Cuyamaca, this book really is comprehensive.
The book provides directions to the trailhead, mileage, elevation changes, trail difficulty, and excellent maps.
One of the strengths of this book is also one of its weaknesses. The author describes in great detail the area and history surrounding each trail, which makes for great armchair reading.
However, if you are trying to get an overall idea of the trail with landmarks and turns, it is difficult to scan the dense prose for directions and mileage cues. You will have to take notes and bring them with you.
Which is always a good idea, anyway.
Regardless, this book is a must-have if you have any inkling of hiking in San Diego. It truly is the "bible of San Diego hiking," as the Los Angeles Times opined.
And, as always, be prepared with a topographical map of the area wherever you are hiking and know how to read it!
