| Guidebooks |
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The High Sierra : Peaks, Passes, and Trails by R. J. Secor
An instant classic as soon as it hit the shelves, this guidebook may be the only one you will ever need. If you buy just one guidebook, this is the one to get. |
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The Sierra High Route : Traversing Timberline Country by Steve Roper
Even if you never set foot on The Sierra High Route, you will probably find this book fascinating. The first half of of the book is the best short history of the Sierra Nevada exploration that I have read. Of course if you are thinking of hiking the High Route, this is a must have. |
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Sierra South : 100 Backcountry Trips in California's Sierra Nevada by Thomas Winnett et al
If you are interested in pre-planned hikes or you want to get into cross-country hiking in or near Sequoia-Kings Canyon, you must have this book. It has been updated numerous times and I have used it to plan several of the trips described on this site. Its companion, Sierra North, is a valuable resource for hikes north of Kings Canyon National Park. |
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Sierra North : 100 Back-Country Trips in California's Sierra Nevada by Thomas Winnett et al
If you are interested in pre-planned hikes or you want to get into cross-country hiking in or near Yosemite, you must have this book. Its companion, Sierra South, has been a valuable resource for planning hikes I have taken in Sequoia-Kings Canyon. |
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Starr's Guide to the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra Region by Walter A. Starr, Jr.
It's been decades since this classic guidebook has seen significant changes. Then again, who cares. There are milages and trail descriptions that are great for trip planning from Sequoia to Yosemite. Starr's Guide is a classic that I use for trip planning every season.
(A Sierra Club Totebook/Fold-Out Map Included) |
| Natural History
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Sierra Nevada Natural History an Illustrated Handbook by Tracy I. Storer and Robert L. Usinger
If you are interested in the plant and animal wildlife of the Sierra Nevada, this is the one volume you can't be without. Most of the wildlife a hiker will encounter is described in this compact volume. |
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Sierra Nevada Wildflowers by Elizabeth L. Horn
The best color pictures of all the wildflower guides. This is easy, jargonless reading full of interesting facts. |
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Sequoia and Kings Canyon
This government pulication has all kinds of information for the beginner as well as the experienced visitor to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks. It is filled with beautiful photos and illustrations. This is an Official National Park Handbook and it's a real bargain. |
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Mountain Lion by Daniel J. Cox (Photographer), Rebecca L. Grambo
After a close encounter with a cougar near Avalanche Pass, I became interested in these magnificent animals. When I first saw this excellent book I knew I had to have it. It's filled with sharp photos and concise descriptions of mountain lions from throughout North America. |
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Geology of the Sierra Nevada by Mary Hill
If you want to know more about Sierran origins and rocks, this book is what you need. If you have a knack for science, this book will lead you to a better understanding of the geology of this fabulous mountain range. |
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Exploring the Highest Sierra by James G. Moore
This is one of the best buys imaginable-lots of photos and stories and information.To fully appreciate it, you probably need a degree in geology but it's worth having in your library even if you're not a geologist. |
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Roadside Geology of Northern and Central California by Donald W. Hyndman, David D. Alt
By now, you may have guessed that I'm a geologist. If you are too, you need to add this book to your collection. It's filled with great maps and references that will aid your further studies. |
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Sierra Trout Guide by Ralph Cutter
Even though I haven't fished for several years, I still enjoy looking for trout in every lake and stream I visit. This is the ultimate study of the trout of the Sierra Nevada. It is richly illustrated and written by someone who clearly loves his subject. |
