Boasting a mild climate, incredible diversity, and thousands of miles of hiking trails, Southern California offers a gem for every hiker. Hiking Southern California is your ticket to rewarding adventures in the backcountry of the southern third of the Golden State, including Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, the San Gabriel Mountains, and Joshua Tree National Park. This new edition of the classic guidebook features detailed descriptions of more than 50 classic hikes, with accurate and up-to-date trail maps and all the information you need for planning enjoyable outings year-round. This book describes short, leisurely strolls and demanding excursions of several days. The hikes follow routes varying from gentle, well-graded trails to rugged, cross-country scrambles, including old favorites known to many and obscure routes known only to a few. Surveying the most awe-inspiring scenery in the region, Hiking Southern California will satisfy both beginning and veteran hikers.

Roddy Scheer is a writer and photographer specializing in nature, the outdoors, environmental issues and travel. His writing has appeared regularly in publications including Seattle Magazine, Northwest Travel and E/The Environmental Magazine, and he has co-authored the books Mt. St. Helens: The Continuing Story (KC Publications, 2005) and Earthtalk: Questions & Answers About Our Environment (Plume, 2009). Meanwhile, his stock photography collection of iconic nature and wildlife subjects includes more than 10,000 images. For more information, check out www.roddyscheer.com.