Review
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Title: Hiking the Wasatch (3rd Edition)
Author: John Vernath
Publisher: University of Utah Press
Genre: Hiking / Guidebooks
Year Published: 2014
Number of Pages: 272
Binding: Paperback & E-Book
ISBN10: n/a
ISBN13: 978-1-60781-325-5
Price: $16.95
Reviewed by Clair Barrus for the Association for Mormon Letters
When I first moved to Salt Lake, a friend told me I *had* to pick up a copy of “Hiking the Wasatch” — he said it was the best local hiking guide around. This was 25 years ago and right now I’m looking at my old, tattered and worn 1st edition — pages warped and dirty — baptized in Wasatch mud and rain. It has been a good book — and has traveled a lot of miles in the bottom of my pack.
John Vernath has just released a 3rd edition of the book. As long-time president of the Wasatch Hiking club, there are few as qualified to put together such a guide — and I’m glad to see an updated version come out.
The author notes how lucky we are living next to the Wasatch, one of the few places in the lower 48 where a major metropolitan area lies next to a “mountain treasure land” that includes not just one, but three wilderness areas!
The guide covers all trails and major off-trail routes from the south end of Davis County, through Salt Lake County, and down to American Fork Canyon in Utah County — over 350 hikes in all. The new edition has a lot of updates – including trail closures and new trails – including the frenzied trailing building along the foothills over the past few years. Hiking advocates and cities have banded together to expand the Bonneville Shoreline trail — and in some areas intersecting networks of additional new trails. The author also discusses the politics surrounding trail expansion, trailhead access and watershed protection. Due to these factors, some trails are now closed, while new trails have opened up.
This guide includes tools to help select the best hike for the occasion, including where to hike in each season, time required for each hike, level of difficulty, and special attractions. It even includes a timetable for wildflower enthusiasts, describing the best times to catch the best wildflower hikes.
*Hiking the Wasatch* caters to every level of hiker — flat, level grades for those with physical limitations, family-friendly hikes, hikes of moderate difficulty, and serious mountaineering routes. Descriptions of the easiest hikes contain the most detailed information — accommodating the novice hiker, while advanced hikes have just enough description for seasoned adventurers to find their way. The author assumes part of the fun for experienced hikers includes route finding, which helps balance the amount of useful info while keeping the guide book to a manageable size.
– Ever wondered what the difference was between scree and talus? Just check the handy glossary of hiking terms.
– Want to make sure you’re prepared for an extended hike? The introductory chapter contains practical advice on being prepared, and what to bring.
– Want a solid introduction to the natural or environmental history of the Wasatch? There are chapters for each of those, plus a nice bibliography pointing to more detailed reading on those and other topics
– Not sure what that curious looking critter is called? Check the Mammal Checklist.
The book is great — but doesn’t have everything. The included maps are useful to see where trails are generally located, but are not intended for route finding. It’s best to purchase several maps to supplement the guide book.
Directions to trailheads often contain driving instructions from both the north and south, although this bi-directional approach was not used for all trailheads.
The “Hike Master List” was a useful addition to this edition, but does not refer to the maps in the book, nor are map page numbers referred to in hiking descriptions. And GPS coordinates may have been useful in some instances, but were not included.
To make up for these minor shortcomings, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the layout and method of the guide book before heading to the trailhead.
The author’s life-long love of hiking and commitment to the great outdoors are apparent as he shares his experience and expertise. For those living along the Wasatch who want take advantage of our wonderful mountain range, “Hiking the Wasatch” is a great resource.