Excellent overview of the best hiking (ranging from easy beach walks to excrutiating treks) in all of S. CA. The only hiking guide I'm aware of with a description of the hike that's even more difficult than doing Mt. Whitney in one day -- hiking from Palm Springs all the way to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto (10,000 ft. vertical climb, the first two-thirds of which traverses exceptionally steep desert terrain on an unmaintained, unmarked, and at times difficult to follow trail which the US forest service officially recommends you not use). The book is worth buying merely for including this incredible hike.

Lots of other fun destinations described too. Schad is always precise in his directions to the trailhead, and even his off trail, cross-country routes are dependable. His knowledge of hiking opportunites in S. CA is unmatched by any other author. ( )