Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon (Travel Guide)

This is the definitive guidebook for Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The book is clearly organized and has all the information you could need—camping, hiking/fishing/climbing/etc, directions, restaurant info (including price range, atmosphere, even formality of attire), and so much more. One of the things I liked best was the inclusion of some history, geology, and wildlife of the areas. The size of the guidebook is a bonus as well, fits easily into day pack. Beautiful color photos and clear maps. The writing is conversational and lively. It’s fun to read before, during, and after the trip!

Unfortunately the font is too tiny for a printed book. Smaller than Lonely Planet guides even. I have 20/20 vision but do not enjoy squinting to read a book. Renders it useless as a research tool. Returning it.

Why not make the book a larger format? Or break it into 2 books - #1 Yosemite and #2 Sequoia with the rest of the Sierra Nevada mountains?

As an avid hiker all over the Sierra, I know how important an accurate, well-written guide can be. So it' a real pleasure to enjoy a this outstanding guide to Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon--two huge parks that can be almost overwhelming. Not when you have this guide on hand. Whether it’s best trails for wildflowers or waterfalls, perfect places to pitch your tent, alpine lakes filled with trout, or fun things to do with your kids—plus about a million other insider tips and must-see destinations—this is the all-in-one paperback to help you plan your trip to these iconic national parks.

Author and Sierra Nevada expert Ann Marie Brown clearly knows the territory—she hikes all the trails herself before she writes about them, and keeps information up to date and informative—important in an area where Mother Nature can unexpectedly alter the landscape. It’s also easy to find routes that suit your interests and activity level, ranging from easy, family-friendly jaunts to multi-day adventures. Detailed trail maps also make sure you know where you’re going, and what to look for along the way. While I love to camp, I also like a good bed along the way--and somebody else doing the cooking--so I really appreciate that the author includes lots of information on lodging options, both in the parks and in nearby towns and natural areas.

While Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon have enough things to do to keep anyone busy, I also appreciate how the author features places worth a visit adjacent to the parks—such as fascinating Mono Lake and its towering tufa towers, and the soaring volcanic columns of Devils Postpile. I also like how the author doesn’t forget that sometimes it’s the little things that need attention too—like where to find a good espresso in Yosemite.

I highly recommend this compact, easy-to-use, informative, and entertaining book for anyone planning a visit to California’s Sierra Nevada parklands.

This book is small enough to carry with you and very well organized. It gives great information on anything from the usual hiking and biking to things like horseback riding and rafting. It is a great book to have with you for ideas when a change of plan is called for. It includes recommendations for places to stay and eat also. It is organized by area so you can look to see options for where you are or where you are heading to. This is a great guide to use on a trip or in the planning stages. This book is clearly written by someone who knows and loves this area and all the activities available.

So much helpful info assembled in this book. Unless you are a hardcore backpacker or serious rock climber, this book has everything you need to plan and enjoy your trip, and understand and appreciate what you're seeing along the way. I've been exploring the Sierras for 40 years, so I also appreciate this book's accuracy and perspective. I wish this book was available when I first started.

When I went to Yosemite NP I did lots of research. We could only be there 2 days so I wanted to do as much as we could. This book was so helpful and so informative. The maps, trails, & overall general information is a must if you need a helping hand. I will buy one for every place we travel to now!

This was so helpful for us as we visited all 3 parks this past week! There is no internet or cell service in the parks so we were grateful to have printed maps and guides. As we visited spots, we read the book information to our kids and it made the sights more interesting and fun. A must have when going to the parks.

Meh...

Yes, only God can be thanked for giving you Nature and the Great Outdoors. But you can thank Ann Marie Brown for explaining how to enjoy it. I’ve been a professional outdoors writer myself for decades, and know whereof I speak. Due to all this experience, I can tell you that following Ann Marie’s mighty calves up a steep trail can be difficult. But reading her instructions about how to find such a trail, then relish all the places it takes you, is exceptionally easy. She’s insightful, she’s accurate, and she’s clear – all at the same time! The new edition of her guidebook to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon is beautifully conceived and logically laid out, with not a single word wasted. But all the words presented are friendly, folksy and kind, and complimented by excellent photos, maps and tables. Whether you’re a trail-pounding peak-bagger or someone who prefers to just drive to spectacular vista points, she’ll take you there… I can’t recommend this guidebook strongly enough. Its virtues are top-notch in the genre.

My husband and son are heading to Yosemite this summer, so we bought this guide, and I'm so glad we did! The author has included the best hikes, ranking them by easiest, moderate to butt kicker. Other things: best waterfalls--who knew there were so many! Suggestions of where to go and what to do if you have small children. And where can you find a decent cup of coffee. They want to get off the beaten track and the guide helps you find the more secluded hikes and camp sights. I particularly like the section about flora and fauna--how to identify a red fir, Jeffrey pine, and Lodgepole pine. Highly recommend this guide!!