News
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Sign up for Email Updates
CGF In the News
Press Inquiries
Past Articles
Calendar

Getting outdoors: A reading list

Fall in the Bay Area is a lovely time to explore local natural wonders - the weather is cool, the air clear, and the summer crowds gone. To help you explore the Peninsula, South Bay, and Coast, here are some of CGF's favorite guides to local hikes and adventures. One of these books is brand-new; the others are popular enough to have been revised as many as six times. Happy exploring!

The Bay Area Ridge Trail: Ridgetop Adventures above San Francisco Bay, Second Edition
Jean Rusmore

The official guide to the ever-growing multi-use Bay Area Ridge Trail, a proposed 500-mile route that circles the ridgeline of the San Francisco Bay and crosses nine counties. Covers 225 completed miles of the Ridge Trail, with maps, scenic highlights and historical information.
Wilderness Press, $15.95.

California Coastal Access Guide, Sixth Edition
California Coastal Commission

Guide to California's 1,110 mile shoreline and beaches, including maps and information on public-access coastal areas, descriptions of campgrounds, trails, recreation areas, transportation, and parking. Also includes information on coastal environmental issues.
University of California Press, $22.50.

101 Great Hikes of the San Francisco Bay Area, Second Edition
Ann Marie Brown

Reviews of trails throughout the greater Bay Area, from the Peninsula and South Bay to the East Bay, Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties. Describes where to see wildlife, wildflowers, and waterfalls; includes hikes at various levels with distances, difficulty, and estimated hike times.
Avalon Travel Publishing, $17.95.

South Bay Trails: Outdoor Adventures In & Around Santa Clara Valley, Third Edition
Jean Rusmore, Betsy Crowder, and Frances Spangle

Describes more than 100 hikes on public open space from San Jose to Mt. Hamilton to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Photos and maps.
Wilderness Press, $16.95.

Peninsula Tales & Trails: Commemorating the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, First Edition
David Weintraub

A guidebook specific to the 25 open space preserves of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District with information about the preserves' history, natural resources and trails. Features 38 routes, includes preserve maps and directions; sidebars on wildlife, history and management.
Graphics Arts Books, $19.95.

Peninsula Trails: Hiking and Biking Trails on the San Francisco Peninsula, Fourth Edition
Jean Rusmore, Betsy Crowder, Frances Spangle, and Sue LaTourrette

A guide to every park and preserve on the peninsula, from Fort Funston and San Bruno Mountain south to Saratoga Gap, and from the Bay west to the ocean. Describes more than 150 hikes on 500+ miles of trails; includes photos, maps and a trips-by-theme appendix.
Wilderness Press, $17.95.