101 Hikes in Southern California

I grew up in SoCal, and found it easy to get into a rut, always hiking in the same places, only during the summer. This book provides interesting hikes in the coastal foothills for the spring and autumn, hikes in the desert for the winter, and mountain hikes for the summer.

His descriptions of the hikes allow the reader to match their adventure to their level of physical fitness. He includes enough information to determine how much water should be carried and even whether to bring the point-n-shoot camera or the 35mm SLR with a macro lens for wildflowers.

Whether you're new to the area and want a few good hikes, or a long-time native looking to break out of a rut, this book is for you. (I even find it enjoyable armchair reading, the fantasies about being on the trail are fun!)


Schad's book is the bible for the so. cal trekker.   January 6, 1999
35 out of 36 found this review helpful

My wife and I lived in LA for a few years. Along the way we happened upon 101 hikes, and it changed our lives. Schad's (or Jerry as we called him) writing is descriptive, eloquent, and full of excellent advice for the casual and professional hiker. We loved San Jacinto Peak, Mt Baden Powell, and Paradise Cove...be careful of the Pothole...neglect has made this trail nonnegotiable for the average outdoor lover. In our estimation 101 Hikes belongs next to a So. Cal resident's Thomas Guide. (We have 61 left!!!, thanks Jerry)


This is the ultimate hiking book for southern California.   February 4, 1998
25 out of 25 found this review helpful

Jerry Schad knew what he was doing when he wrote this book. He introduces a number of trails that are both well known and some trails that are more hidden. He answers every question you can possibly have about each trail. They are rated and described in detail so any hiker of any level can find the "right" hike. The next best thing to actually hiking the trail is to read about it. His beautiful descriptive review of each trail is capturing and his careful attention to details of each hike is a definite plus. He didn't miss a thing in this book. Read it! It's definitely worth buying!


The best of 'Afoot and Afield.'   December 1, 2002
Fritz R. Ward (Crestline, CA United States)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

Jerry Schad is the author of numerous outdoor recreation guides among which are his popular 'Afoot and Afield' books for Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. This book includes favorite hikes from all three of the previous guides, and a few others from Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

What makes Schad's guides so terrific are the rating system he gives each hike (1-5 stars, based on difficulty) and the nice sketch maps he provides. Tables at the end of the book help one to easily locate a trails with varied physical features. Finally, like all Wilderness Press guides, this one is full of natural history and a fun read.

If this book can be faulted at all, it is that it draws too much material from Schad's previous works. Relatively little space is devoted to the San Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges (5 hikes and 3 hikes respectively). Both of these areas deserve more detailed coverage. Perhaps Schad can be induced to write another book. Until then, this guide gives an excellent survey of some of the best hiking Southern California has to offer.


Great Book for Hikers   April 16, 2009
Gal Meiri (Sherman Oaks, CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Great Book with clear information of how to get to the trails, maps and sites along the trails. I started with #1 trail on the book which turn to be an excellent beginners hike with a 70FT waterfall in the middle. I have tried using other books but they where not as clear or good. This book prepares you for the hikes so good from the type of shoes to wear, if you can bring your dog, if it's suitable for kids or family. it indicates the tree types the time it takes, overall a must book for hikers in southern California.