Is this Trail Guide Book worth buying for a newbie?

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Mar 24, 2011 02:01 PM #1

A friend told me about this book. "Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails".

http://www.funtreks.com/arizona-books/guide-to-arizona-backroads-4-wheel-drive-trails

Has anyone seen this? Is it worth getting?

I found it for $15.99 delivered at TheBookDepository.Com

Mar 24, 2011 02:09 PM #2

i have and use it a lot. a little outdated but it has some good trips in it from easy to hardcore. great for planning family outings also

Mar 24, 2011 02:15 PM #3

Does it show drive routes, or just general information?

Mar 24, 2011 02:16 PM #4

That's the book that got me started. I still keep it in the rig. I also bought the Moab version while we were up there and love it. Definately recommend getting it.

Mar 24, 2011 02:18 PM #5

it has routes to the trail, gps waypoints, trail info and maps. i have not had a problem with it.
i can let you see mine if you want to preview it. i am at 75th and cactus

Mar 24, 2011 03:56 PM #6

I can let you see my Wells books here at work too, you know should you ever stop by ;)
I got AZ, UT, and (thanks Bob) CO.

Apr 13, 2011 04:35 PM #7

Has anyone run every trail in the Wells book, like as an adventure project with trip reports and website? Might be fun to try and run every trail in the book in a year.

Just dreaming...

Apr 13, 2011 04:40 PM #8

alanzona wrote:Has anyone run every trail in the Wells book, like as an adventure project with trip reports and website? Might be fun to try and run every trail in the book in a year.

Just dreaming...

ive only heard of one guy doing it before

his name was charles a wells

he even wrote a book about it

Apr 13, 2011 04:58 PM #9

Thanks Chris. You are so.... um.... helpful. Yeah. I'll go with "helpful".

Apr 13, 2011 05:25 PM #10

I dislike the Wells books. Poorly written and difficult to follow.

I've found the Backcountry Adventures books better detailed and easier to follow in AZ, UT, and CO.
http://www.4x4books.com/az4wd.htm

Apr 13, 2011 05:31 PM #11

Very cool, V. I had not looked at that one in much detail.

Apr 13, 2011 08:16 PM #12

alanzona wrote:Very cool, V. I had not looked at that one in much detail.

They have the big versions that cover the entire states or you can buy the smaller versions that are each region. For example, the Moab one I have is just that area. Same for the San Juan area of Colorado. I have the small version. For AZ, I have the book linked above. Better trail descriptions, GPS points, and maps. I don't get lost on the trails like the Wells books do. Have I mentioned that I hate the Wells books?

Apr 13, 2011 08:30 PM #13

Yes. Duly noted.

Apr 13, 2011 09:47 PM #14

Speaking of, I have this book for SW CO if anyone wanted to borrow it.
http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Trails-Southwest-Region-Massey/dp/1930193076