Hot Showers, Soft Beds, and Dayhikes in the Sierra: Walks and Strols Near Lodgings

Rating:
Summary: suberb
Review: This is an outstanding guide--the best I've run across--for anyone planning a Sierra vacation that won't be consisting entirely of backpacking. There is somewhat of a greater emphasis on the eastern Sierra, but the whole range is pretty thoroughly covered--in two long chapters on the eastern and western regions and four shorter chapters on the northern Sierra. (Yosemite gets split into two parts, one devoted entirely to hikes off State Road 120--the Tioga Pass road.) The book is written with real warmth, intelligence, and good humor. The trail descriptions, including directions to the trailhead, are lively, detailed and accurate, with good maps, though there's not a great deal of information on the fauna, flora, and geology. The introductory chapters, tables, and appendices are very helpful. There's a good bibliography and detailed reading recommendations for each region. I suppose some readers may quibble about hikes that were omitted, but for the areas I'm familiar with, the author made good choices.
As far as the lodgings go, all the necessary information is provided, including altitude. But while they are divided into two categories, "mountain" and "of interest" (a third category, "other," mentions any nearby town), the resorts are not rated, regrettably. The author says she's easy to please and is happy to be anywhere in the Sierra, but it would be nice if the next edition at least singled out those in particularly attractive settings.
Otherwise this a first-rate trail guide--like having an enthusiastic and knowledgeable companion at your side (or in your daypack).