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.

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2007 KJ Limited 4x4

29G, Tow pkg, full skids, bun warmers, moon roof
Amsoil Air Filter, CB, custom cargo box
OME / Rancho Lift / Rockcrusher rear Diff Cover / Super Skink Sliders (not installed yet)
245/75R16 GY MT/R's with Crager 16 x 8 x 5" BS wheels
L.O.S.T. # 005465

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

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2005 CRD , Moab Rims, 245/75/16 Goodyear M/T
RL rear bumper, TMJ Front bumper, Frankenlinft,
*TOTALED*

1985 Mitsubishi Pickup SP 2.3 Turbo Diesel Watercooled turbo,4D56 ported head,
12" Suspension Lift with JK Rubicon axles, Elockers, 5.13's, Fox coilovers, Atlas 5.0, Rock Lizard supersliders

1996 Lexus LX450 -locked and lifted-

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

Terry

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2011 Ford F-150 XLT 4X4

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.

_________________
2007 KJ Limited 4x4

29G, Tow pkg, full skids, bun warmers, moon roof
Amsoil Air Filter, CB, custom cargo box
OME / Rancho Lift / Rockcrusher rear Diff Cover / Super Skink Sliders (not installed yet)
245/75R16 GY MT/R's with Crager 16 x 8 x 5" BS wheels
L.O.S.T. # 005465

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

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...

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Kevin
AD5VG
Just another red Jeep in the world...
L.O.S.T. #KB051963

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.

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

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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New KJ Gear - Desert Armor Flak

2004 Renegade Light Khaki - 4" JBA Lift - Rock Lizard Products: Komodo Dragon Rear Bumper, Prototype Winch-mount Front Bumper, Super Skink Sliders - All J's Super Tranny Skid II - 31" Firestone Destination AT's on Moab wheels - Cobra 75W CB w/ stock Antenna mod

[b]Retired, US Military