Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Best Colorado Hiking Books
Are you looking for the best hiking books for Colorado? Check out this comprehensive guide to the state’s most beautiful and challenging trails.
Colorado is a must-visit destination if you’re an avid hiker or just love exploring the great outdoors. With its breathtaking mountain ranges, serene forests, and pristine lakes, the state is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country.
But with so many trails to choose from, it can take time to figure out where to start. That’s where the best Colorado hiking books come in. This article will explore the top books to help you plan your next hike and discover the state’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Top 5 Best Colorado Hiking Books:
| Book | Rating | Price |
Colorado’s Fourteeners |
8.6
|
$25.49
|
Best Summit Hikes in Colorado |
9.2
|
$18.95
|
Colorado’s Best Wildflower Hikes |
9.8
|
$15.05
|
Hiking Colorado |
9.2
|
$24.95
|
The Colorado Trail |
9.6
|
$11.66
|
Price may change anytime. Last update date – 20th Feb 2023
Colorado’s Fourteeners
Colorado’s fourteeners is a comprehensive guidebook for climbers and hikers of the fourteen thousand-foot peaks in Colorado. It has been updated for its 30th-anniversary edition with features such as GPS coordinates, updated topographic maps, detailed route descriptions, and updated trail access information. The guidebook includes information on both standard and alternative technical routes.
Available Formats – Paperback
Customer Reviews – Over 30 global reviews and More than 80% mark them as 4 and 5 stars.
Best Summit Hikes in Colorado
Best Summit Hikes in Colorado is a guidebook that features the best summit hikes in Colorado. Author James Dziezynski has carefully selected the 50 top peaks in the state ranging from 8,144 to 14,433 feet in elevation, and provides a detailed description of each hike.
The guidebook inspires outdoor enthusiasts and offers insight into why these hikes are considered the best in Colorado. It includes some of the most famous peaks (Longs), some of the most challenging (Storm King), and some of the most remote (Lone Cone).
Customer Reviews – Over 100 global reviews and around 90% mark them as 4 and 5 stars.
Colorado’s Best Wildflower Hikes
This guidebook provides information on over 60 wildflower hikes in the Front Range region of Colorado, with maps, photos, and trail descriptions.
It is ideal for wildflower enthusiasts and nature lovers and includes information on the best times to visit each hike to see the most vibrant displays of wildflowers.
Available Formats – Paperback
Customer Reviews – More than 95% of users rate them as 4 and 5 stars.
Hiking Colorado
Hiking Colorado is a comprehensive guide to the various hikes in Colorado. The guidebook features updated maps and photography and is revised by Sandy Heise.
It includes GPS coordinates and detailed maps of each route, making it the most complete and accessible hiking guide available in the market. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, “Hiking Colorado, Fourth Edition” is an excellent resource for discovering Colorado’s exciting outdoor adventures.
Available Formats – Paperback
Customer Reviews – More than 90% of users rate them as 4 and 5 stars.
The Colorado Trail
The Colorado Trail is a comprehensive guidebook for the Colorado Trail, designed for thru-hikers, day hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, XC skiers, and horseback riders.
It features 120 color pictures, 28 segment maps, elevation profiles, GPS waypoints, town maps, and mountain bike detours around Wilderness areas. With over 50,000 copies sold, it is a popular and essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the Colorado Trail.
Customer Reviews – More than 90% of users rate them as 4 and 5 stars.
How To Choose The Best Colorado Hiking Books?
Choosing the best Colorado hiking book for your needs can be a challenge, but by considering the following factors, you can ensure you select the best book for your next hiking adventure:
- Publication date: Make sure the book you choose is up to date, as trial conditions can change over time.
- Level of detail: Consider the level of detail you need, as some books provide more information than others. For example, if you’re a more experienced hiker, you may want a book that provides more in-depth trail descriptions and recommendations.
- Trail selection: Make sure the book covers the hiking trails you’re interested in. Some books may only cover a specific region of Colorado, while others cover the entire state.
- Maps and directions: Consider the type of maps and directions provided in the book and their clarity and detail.
- Portability: Make sure the book you choose is small, lightweight, and easy to carry on the trail.
- Price: Consider the Book’s cost and any additional features or resources it may come with, such as maps or access to online updates.
By considering these factors, you can ensure you select the best Colorado hiking book for your next adventure in the state.
The Benefit Of Best Colorado Hiking Books
The benefits of using the best Colorado hiking books when planning a hike in the state include the following:
- Detailed trail information: The best Colorado hiking books provide comprehensive information on each trail, including the difficulty level, distance, elevation gain, and trail conditions. This makes it easy to plan a hike that fits your fitness level and preferences.
- Maps and directions: Many of the best Colorado hiking books have maps and clear directions to help you find your way on the trail. This is especially helpful for those unfamiliar with the area or who want to ensure they stay aware of it.
- Trail recommendations: The authors of the best Colorado hiking books have personally hiked many of the trails they recommend, and they often provide tips and insights on what to expect and what to look out for. This allows you to make an informed decision on which trails to tackle.
- Background information: Many of the best Colorado hiking books include exciting and informative background information on the state’s history, geology, and wildlife, which adds to the overall hiking experience.
- Convenient and portable: The best Colorado hiking books are small, lightweight, and easy to carry on the trail. This makes it easy to refer them for information or guidance without relying on an electronic device.
Overall, the best Colorado hiking books are an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to explore the state’s trails and make the most of their hiking experience.
FAQ about Best Colorado Hiking Books
Do I need a Colorado hiking book if I have a GPS device?
While a GPS device can be a helpful tool when hiking, a Colorado hiking book can still be an essential resource. A book can provide valuable information and guidance on the trail, even if you have a GPS device. Additionally, electronic devices can run out of battery or malfunction, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup source of information.
Are there any free Colorado hiking books available online?
Some free Colorado hiking resources, such as trail descriptions or maps, are available online. However, it’s important to remember that these resources may not be as comprehensive or reliable as a dedicated Colorado hiking book. Additionally, free online resources may not be updated as frequently as printed books.
What kind of information do these books provide?
These books provide information on the best hiking trails in Colorado, including trail descriptions, maps, photos, and tips for hiking in the state. Some books also provide information on hiking with kids or exploring specific state regions.
Are these books suitable for all levels of hikers?
These books offer a range of hiking options for all levels of ability, from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting, you’ll find a hike suitable in these books.
Can these books be used for multi-day backpacking trips?
Some of these books, such as “Hiking Colorado: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures,” include information on multi-day backpacking trips, making them an excellent resource for anyone exploring the Rockies for an extended period.
Conclusion:
The best Colorado hiking books are essential for any hiker or outdoor enthusiast exploring the state’s stunning trails. Whether a beginner or an experienced hiker, these books offer a wealth of information and guidance on everything from the best trails to the best gear.
So pack your backpack, grab a copy of one of these books, and get ready to experience the beauty and wonder of Colorado’s great outdoors.