The Confluence Winter 2005

Take A Hike! A Guide to Lesser Known and Often More Challenging Trails in the Gold Country by Robert Griffis and Evan Jones
- reviewed by Julie Nencini

The title is both a challenge and a promise of great trails and beautiful scenery. However, the subtitle paints a truer picture of this guide book. The trails themselves are described in somewhat limited detail, but the 4 directions to the trailheads are detailed and concise. I especially liked the occasional "4WD" or "high clearance vehicle necessary" for those of us without SUVs.

Before jumping into the "Hikes" this book offers, the authors provide through basic hiking gear preparation and a very good trail rating key on how to get the most from whichever hike you choose. The Trail Rating key uses a combination of "easy" to "very strenuous" which are accompanied by the appropriate facial expressions. The key to Trail Uses is a great way to decide whether you want to take your mountain bike, horse, or avoid both and look for a hiking only trail with wildflowers. For the "techies" there are GPS coordinates given for each trailhead, which are included on the maps next to each trail description. The maps shown opposite each trail description are helpful, but for practical trail use may need to be blown up in size.

The Trail descriptions for the 33 hikes are divided by what the authors call "Highway to Trail" areas. Only after reading some of the directions to the trailheads do you realize how much driving is included to get to some of these "lesser known and often more challenging trails." Some of the roads should also be keyed "easy" to "very strenuous." So pick your drive and your trail and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Gold Country - whether the Euchre Bar trail (from Alta or Foresthill) or Bogus Thunder (not a trail to the rapid on the North Fork) and Take a Hike!

After reading this book, you will want to gather your gear, get out a map and Take A Hike! Although the authors say the trails are year round, you would probably need your snowshoes for some of them this year. Regardless of the time of year, there are hikes for the mildly adventurous to the extremely adventurous. So take advantage of the research and passion of two local guys and enjoy the benefits of living and hiking in the Gold Country.

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