Good Trail Guide Books/Maps?

[BlackWorksInc]

So I have been meaning to buy a trail book/guide and/or maps for a while now, been really lazy about it embarrassingly enough (most of the time I rely on someone in our group to have one). Since I'm already in the money spending mood shopping for gifts for the holidays I was wondering what you guys would suggest?

I'm primarily wheeling in the Norther California & occasionally in Central Oregon areas. All I seem to find is books by Charles A. Wells, which a lot of people seem to find hit or miss. Either the new copy has a lot less trails and they don't seem well mapped/rated, or the old books are a bit outdated and pricey.

I'd like to have some hardcopies to keep in the 4Runner, but I can't seem to find anything other than that Author's books. What do you guys suggest?

 

[KidVermicious]

I have Charles Wells books for Utah and Colorado and love the hell out of them. I'm surprised to hear that his California books aren't well received.

Check out the series of trail books by Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson. I have a couple books by them for Utah and like them a lot. Also check out the National Geographic Trails Illustrated series of maps for whatever area you're going into, you'll find lots of roads you didn't know existed.

 

[JB.]

As far as maps, get a/some Benchmark Atlas(s) and keep it/them under the seat(s). If you're like me, you'll want duplicates for the house.

As for trail books, I have a ton of them, dominated by the Massey series which I guess I would say I like best.

I don't use them nearly as much as I used to, mostly for general overview purposes. I've found I'm not overly fond of following trail directions by rote.

 

[Drunner97]

Get a/some Benchmark Atlas(s) and keep it/them under the seat(s). If you're like me, you'll want duplicates for the house.

I have a ton of trail books but rarely use them anymore except for general overview purposes. I've found I'm not overly fond of following trail directions by rote.

^ +1 I bought a California Atlas and then I have a trail book. I'll look at the trail book for a general idea, then I'll research it on the net and double check the atlas. Problem with the trail books is that they only tend to concentrate on the most popular routes but there are so many out there that don't get covered.

 

[boyfester]

I've got a bunch of different ones. I use them as a guide only and then scour the internet or other 4WD forums to find other trails and find stuff that my rig is capable of doing.

 

[Cheers!]

I have this one. I have only gone on two of the trails recommended with my stock 4runner limited.

Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: Charles A. Wells, Matt Peterson, Shelley Mayer: 9781934838075: Amazon.com: Books

excellent book. Very easy to follow along. I also do internet searches to cover all angles and make sure I don't miss any details before going out.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

I have Charles Wells books for Utah and Colorado and love the hell out of them. I'm surprised to hear that his California books aren't well received.

Check out the series of trail books by Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson. I have a couple books by them for Utah and like them a lot. Also check out the National Geographic Trails Illustrated series of maps for whatever area you're going into, you'll find lots of roads you didn't know existed.

:iagree: with the Kid, I bought a Nor Cal edition from Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson from COSTCO for $12.00. Great books but pricey. You may also want to check out any used book stores and Barns & Noble.

 

[Woz1976-MT]

A bit late to this thread, but does anyone have any recommendations for western Montana and Idaho?

I've been search all over the place and haven't found any guides/maps.