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Any Difference in Trail Books?
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Author:  sandracer [ Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:20 am ]
Post subject:  Any Difference in Trail Books?

I recently checked out the book Guide To Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells from my local library. I have to say I am quite impressed, enough so that I searched for a copy on Amazon.com to purchase.

While on Amazon, I noticed that another author, Peter Massey, also offers a similar book, Backcountry Adventures Arizona: The Ultimate Guide to the Arizona Backcountry for Anyone With a Sport Utility Vehicle. This second book is about $10 more than the other and also received good reviews.

Since both authors have put out guides to various parts of the country including Arizona, California, Colorado & Utah, I'm hoping that someone may own books by both or have compared the two authors. I'm wondering if the Massey book is worth the extra $10.

I hope I got this in the right section of the Forum. :?

Author:  spencevans [ Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any Difference in Trail Books?

sandracer wrote:
I recently checked out the book Guide To Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells from my local library. I have to say I am quite impressed, enough so that I searched for a copy on Amazon.com to purchase.

While on Amazon, I noticed that another author, Peter Massey, also offers a similar book, Backcountry Adventures Arizona: The Ultimate Guide to the Arizona Backcountry for Anyone With a Sport Utility Vehicle. This second book is about $10 more than the other and also received good reviews.

Since both authors have put out guides to various parts of the country including Arizona, California, Colorado & Utah, I'm hoping that someone may own books by both or have compared the two authors. I'm wondering if the Massey book is worth the extra $10.

I hope I got this in the right section of the Forum. :?



Buy the Wells books, he is the best in the business in my opinion.

Author:  Fulltimer [ Sun Aug 19, 2007 12:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

Just wondering, before I search the web, are there other books out there?

Terry

Author:  sandracer [ Sun Aug 19, 2007 4:45 pm ]
Post subject: 

The Number 1 , must have, for any area, in my opinion, is the Delorme Atlas and Gazeteer for your area. Living on the State line, I have two, one for Arizona and another for Southern California.

As for other books, I've always found the local library a good place to start. If you have interests other than pure 4-wheeling, as I do, don't overlook books on minerals, old mines or Ghost Towns. Many will have maps and good area descriptions. I've also found quite a few trail maps just cruising around on the web. Most relate to old mines. Even if your're not interested in old mines or rockhounding, the guides will usually get you into some very scenic country.

I don't know how things are in your neck of the woods but, out here, BLM maps cover many of the trails and side routes, as well. Unfortunately, they don't rate the difficulty of the trail as some of the books do.

I was just looking over Wells' website, www.funtreks.com , and noticed that you can order the books through him. While his prices are a bit higher than Amazon's, for an extra $3 you can get the books spiral bound. He also shows updated trail information on the site.

Author:  Signcutter21 [ Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:47 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sandracer,
thanks for the link for the direct line from Wells. I heard about the spiral bound version, but couldn't find it. Seen a few of the softbound books fall apart after good use.

mike

Author:  corwyyn [ Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:50 am ]
Post subject: 

The Wells book for AZ is pretty nice, we've run several of the trails he has in it. Haven't heard of the other one before, may be time to go hit Bookmans or Half-Price Books to see if they have a copy...

Author:  JJsTJ [ Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:51 am ]
Post subject: 

PAY THE EXTRA MONEY AND BUY THE SPIRAL BOUND VERSIONS!!

Ask me how I know? My Moab book is falling apart at the seams. I will be ordering a few Wells books online so I can get them spiral bound. :wink:

Author:  Tokyojoe [ Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:25 am ]
Post subject: 

The "Guide" books are great but I feel that he overestimates the trails.

When we do the trails he calls "hard," many aren't hard at all. Some "Medium" trails are very easy. Perhaps I'm tainted as having my first off-road experience as being in Moab for LOST `05 and anything else is easier.

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