Guide books are the modern day porn of backcountry adventurers. Where should I go? How do I get there? How much rope do I need to get past the dryfalls? These are all questions that any respectable guide book should address. No doubt many a book has been written about the playground that is Utah, a few of which are probably stacked on your shelves right now. How many of those tomes rehash the same trails in the National Parks of the Beehive State? Not to say they aren’t worth hiking, but what about those of us who want something a little more out of the way? Enter Lynna Howard and her excellent Utah’s Wilderness Areas: The Complete Guide
Howard has gone to great lengths to bring you beta on every single wilderness area in Utah. It’s not an easy achievement, but it is pulled off almost flawlessly by the adventurous Howard.
Let’s start with the obvious: layout. The book begins with a map featuring the locations and borders of every wilderness area in the state. Howard includes a synopsis of what wilderness areas really are, some history and geology, and a breakdown of how to navigate the pages that follow. You even get a few snippets from her trail journal written during her travels.
Howard breaks the book down into 10 sections based on geographic location in the state (think “North Central Utah, Southwest Utah,” etc.). This makes it easy for those of you looking for a specific area to explore, and helps out quick referencing. Each section begins with a few significant facts about the region and mentions the outstanding features each offers. Further into the chapters readers will find a write up on each individual wilderness area (some are grouped together for convenience). Included are suggestions for day hikes and overnights as well as maps of the area. You wouldn’t want to navigate Robbers Roost Canyon based on the map in the book, but it sure is a helpful place to start.
Driving directions, landmarks and suggestions for overcoming the obstacles that each area offers are all found in the book. Heading into the west desert and wondering where you can stop for gas and supplies? Howard has you covered.
The real beauty of this book is that the hours of painstaking research and miles of hiking spent in each area shine through in every chapter. Howard took no shortcuts; she truly hiked every trail and drove every lonely backroad that she presents to the reader. Obviously every guide book should be written in this style, but as we all know there have been more than a few authors who may have taken some liberties in their research.
Lynna Howard didn’t tackle the project alone. Her brother, Leland Howard, came along on the journey. Leland also lugged along his camera and tripod, and for me his pictures may be reason enough to have a copy of the book. Beautiful full color, full page shots accompany every chapter of the book. Ever wonder what Grosvenor Arch in Escalante looks like? Page 156 shows it in all its splendor, and damn if that picture doesn’t make me want to jump in the truck and go see it for myself. Leland draws out every tone of red, orange and yellow from canyon country in his photos; the mountain shots capture the scale that my point and shoot just can’t achieve. We’re talking shots from every corner of Utah, and they are all stunning in their own right.
Utah newbies and seasoned adventurers will both find this a worthwhile read. Our National Parks are amazing here, but when I want to beat the crowds I grab this book and start turning the pages until I find my next destination. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite hike somewhere between the covers.
You can purchase Utah’s Wilderness Areas: The Complete Guide at numerous outdoor retail stores, and online as well. For those cheapskates out there (me), there are several copies in good condition at the city library… just don’t check out my copy!
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