Hiking Western Death Valley National Park: Panamint, Saline, and Eureka Valleys

It has been over a decade since Digonnet's prior book focusing on the central and southern parts of Death Valley came out and set a standard for hiking/exploring/history guides that has never been matched. Well, he's matched himself with this work. Focusing on the very remote northwestern parts of the park (and actually quite a bit outside the borders of the park) this book is a treasure trove of hikes and explorations that would take the dedicated explorer a decade to exhaust. Like his prior work the attention to detail and the quality of the maps is second to none. Also like his prior work his great passion for the area literally drips off the pages. You simply can't read any part of this book without becoming desperate to explore the region yourself.I have had the opportunity to get a bit of ground truth on some of the hikes, and not surprisingly his guide is spot on as always. One thing to be aware of though is that the areas that this book covers tend to be exceptionally remote and thus roads are rarely maintained. As the author points out repeatedly road conditions can change after just one storm out there, and I have found some spur roads washed out before reaching the trailhead indicated in the book. Also be advised that like his prior book the author is quite willing to take low slung vehicles on scary roads - he notes this in the text but new readers should definitely start out slow and get a feel for his take on vehicles and the roads they can handle. As an example I've been on roads which while they don't need 4WD strictly speaking are so steep they'd be pretty terrifying without a low geared transfer case. Again, the author clearly indicates that each reader should calibrate their expectations and what they are comfortable with and that many will likely want more vehicle on a given road than he uses.I simply can not recommend this book enough, although if you've really never been to Death Valley at all I might recommend his prior book as a better place to start. The hikes in that book are far more accessible and are closer to the more familiar "must see" sights around the national park. That said, if you have even a little bit of desert rat in your blood you simply can not continue living another hour without getting this book.

Just what I needed, thank you very much.

Digonnet's books are the best I have read, for many reasons. First, because they cover trails that no other book covers. Second, because of the extraordinary detail he provides; it is clear that Digonnet himself has hiked these trails. Finally, because of the quality of the GPS maps.I have purchased many other books about Death Valley and have returned some, because they were more expensive, less detailed, and of lower quality printing.The only constructive comment about this book -- especially the section about the Inyo Mountains -- is that the author does not provide GPS trail data. This is important because of the ruggedness of the routes, the lack of posted signs, and the multiplicity of other footpaths and mining roads. Even without full sets of GPS data, it would be nice to have the GPS coordinates of landmarks such as old miner's cabins, trail junctions, and trail summits. Just browsing the section on the Lonesome Miner Trail, I read in several places that "the junction is easy to miss" and "the trail is very faint." No one wants to get lost in such rugged terrain. That problem would be solved quite easily with a GPS coordinate.Nevertheless, I was unable to give the book less than five stars because everything else the author has done is of such high quality. But I will ask Mr Digonnet -- please provide GPS data, I would be willing to pay for the book a second time!

The best guide book to any back-country area I have ever read. The background material on geology, human history, wildlife, plants etc. is detailed and invaluable as are the suggestions of places to stay or camp is this very sparsely populated and poorly serviced area. The descriptions of the numerous hikes and drives (many new in this book and not to be found elsewhere) are precise, detailed, easy to follow and immensely helpful. The maps are invaluable. Very important, the descriptions help hikers of more modest ability (such as me) to say "I think I should avoid this one" while being very grateful that the author, a true nerves-of-steel adventurer, has done it and survived. I love deserts and this book woke my interest in part of the Death Valley area I have driven through in the past while being dimly aware that there is something I' missing. In addition to outstanding factual and directional information the author, French by birth and a research physicist by profession has a compelling and evocative writing style which made me read the book more in the way I would read a novel than a back-county guide. Even if you never follow one of his hikes or drives you will find this book a great read. I look forward to following up on many of his suggestions. A truly great book.

This book is outstanding. It's primarily focused on hiking but is also very use for finding places to visit when off-roading in Panamint and Saline Valleys. I know many places in the out there already but I've already learned a few things new looking through the book. I should have bought this years ago!

Highly specialized book. Only good if you are driving, hiking, or hot springingalong very remote dirt roads in west side of Death Valley NP or nearby BLM areas.Much detail on Inyo Mt's and Racetrack Playa areas.I'd suggest 4x4 or high clearance vehicles with rugged tires be used.

Michel Digonnet writes the most comprehensive hiking books I've encountered. Full of history and physical descriptions, plus it's clear he's hiked up every gulch, canyon and alluvial fan in the Death Valley area. Even if you don't hike, it's a great read - will stoke the adventure in your soul. Also check out his books on Death Valley proper and the Mojave Preserve.

Very comprehesive and hikers-friendly written book for real Death valley enthusiasts! Expect detailed informations even about hidden and not very known canyons and ravines in area.