Matt Heid

This is my new top reference for backpacking in the bay area. I think the trip descriptions are even better than his previous book, and focus on overnight trips is a great help for our Boy Scout trips. There are plenty of good books about day hikes -- you don't get to a 10th edition without being great (that would be Tom Taber's book).

I really like the ratings, too: scenery, difficulty, and solitude.

This has a few hikes that are new to me, makes me want to pack up and head out.
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There are lots of books about hiking in the bay area, but almost none about backpacking. That's a shame, because we have some great spots so close to home.

This book does more than fill the void -- it is the first book I check when suggesting a hike or backpack trip.

The section on the Ohlone Wilderness Trail is especially welcome. There is very little material published about that trail, and Matt gives it the full guidebook treatment, down to describing the individual campsites.
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A good reference that becomes great in conjunction with the detailed maps that AMC puts out. I used it to plan a hike near Mt. Washinton, NH and it was very useful, as it contained information that didn't make it onto the maps (backcountry camp sites especially). I look forward to trying out more hikes. The difficulty ratings are consistent with the ones given on the maps, don't attempt a strenuous one without significantly scaling back your daily milage expecations from what you can do on a moderate trail.… (más)