Trail guidebook?

[Pac8541]

I've heard about the Arizona Backcountry book available at 4 Wheelers but is there one specifically about 4X4 trails in the state? I'm looking for something that would describe the trail, have recommended minimums for being able to complete it (tires, lockers, etc), and maps and directions on how to get to and locate the trailheads. I'm new to the area and would like something like this to not only go through at home but keep in the Jeep for reference.

Thanks,
Pac.

[RokNRich]

Two really good books,

The larger of the two:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YFE4K6PGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Adventures-Arizona-Peter-Massey/dp/0966567501

Product Description
Navigates 2,671 miles of backcountry trails throughout the state. See ghost towns, old mines, old railroads and stage lines along the 157 off-road trails. Directions include GPS coordinates and all trails are rated for difficulty, mileage, driving time, remoteness and more. Descriptions highlight places to camp, hike, mountain bike, fish, and sightsee. Histories recount the days of the Wild West.

And the Wells guide:

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/514RHQSMY7L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

Book Description
A clear, concise guide to Arizona's remote backcountry, including Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona. Book includes detailed directions with GPS waypoints, 86 custom maps and over 300 quality photos. All routes were driven by the author. Sport utility owners will enjoy 50 easy and moderate routes to incredible scenic backcountry locations. Serious 4-wheelers will love our difficult Jeep trails. We promote low impact driving and environmental responsibility.

http://www.funtreks.com/index.php?page=book_4

Now available spiral bound from the publisher:
http://www.funtreks.com/images/spiral1.jpg


Neither one is perfect, but have a pretty good selection of easy to moderately hard trails to explore.

[CarolinaRubi]

Ive got "AZ backcoutry & 4wd trails". It seems pretty good but i found an indian that has been guiding me on some trails. Hes pretty good but a little strange when he gets out and taste dirt. I think that meens hes lost or checking direction. Since i dont know where im going its hard to tell. Answers to Brad or *****.

[Washington_XJ]

The Wells book rides in the backseat all the time. Its been read through several times- very informative and I think the ratings are about right on. The other book, (I think its called Back country?) is larger and contains more information regarding GPS waypoints if Im not mistaken. I remember I didnt like the layout of it very well...

[AZG23]

Ive got "AZ backcoutry & 4wd trails". It seems pretty good but i found an indian that has been guiding me on some trails. Hes pretty good but a little strange when he gets out and taste dirt. I think that meens hes lost or checking direction. Since i dont know where im going its hard to tell. Answers to Brad or *****.


Ive got GPS now dangit!! :D

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

I have both books, the first of the two is good for a stock to mild jeep..mostly scenic runs! The Wells book is the best and of coarse there are plenty of AZ trails that are a big SECRET....Shhhhhhh Don't tell anyone that I said that!

Jason

[amber.hodge]

I do NOT suggest Arizona Backcountry Adventure. We had it...paid almost 50 bucks for it....It didn't give you any idea whether you were on BLM or State Trust Lands....it would say BLM on almost every trail...was outdated as far as trail conditions and obstacles.....not worth the money.

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

Thats the wells book your refering to????? Its been great for me!!!! How did you pay $50??????? Barnes and noble was $24.95!!!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?ATH=charles+a+wells&z=y

Jason

[Washington_XJ]

I think he means the other larger one. I also didnt like it.

[Sedona Jeep School]

The larger one is by Paul Massey. The smaller one is Charles Wells.

What I found odd about the Massey book is that his choice of trails is not necessarily the most scenic and/or fun trails available in a given area. His publications are numerous and confusing, as he keeps changing the regional coverage and "updating" his books.

The trail write-ups in Charles Wells books are well organized, and he tends to select the "best" trails in a given area. We choose to sell the Wells books only.

As with any book, trail conditions may change rapidly and some of the directions and conditions are out of date. Check with local land use managers and clubs before making concrete plans.

[amber.hodge]

Thats the wells book your refering to????? Its been great for me!!!! How did you pay $50??????? Barnes and noble was $24.95!!!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?ATH=charles+a+wells&z=y

Jason

No, I WISH I got the Wells book! It is the larger book - the college textbook size.....Like sedona cowgirl said - he doesn't even do write ups on the best trails and his trail rating system is all messed up.

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

No, I WISH I got the Wells book! It is the larger book - the college textbook size.....Like sedona cowgirl said - he doesn't even do write ups on the best trails and his trail rating system is all messed up.

I have that book too..probably still packed away some where....yeah that book is worthless and confusing;)


Jason

[amber.hodge]

I have that book too..probably still packed away some where....yeah that book is worthless and confusing;)


Jason

makes good fire kindeling.....that's about it...Well, it did have EXCELLENT state history in it - but state history is a far cry from jeep trails.

[lancetkenyon]

Wells book is good for the beginner, but for more advanced wheeling, join a group of experienced wheelers and tag along.