New Books from Robert Stone

Robert Stone, a longtime RMOWP member from Red Lodge, Montana, has announced the release of two books. Both are available from Amazon.

2015-LA front coverNow in its 6th edition, Day Hikes Around Los Angeles includes 160 hikes in and around the metropolis, covering all levels of hiking ability, with an emphasis on moderate. In spite of the city’s sprawling presence, thousands of acres of natural, undeveloped land offer countless out-of-the-way hiking trails. Hikes range from boardwalk strolls along the ocean to shady canyon trails leading to overlooks boasting panoramic vistas of the city and coastline on one side to the rugged terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains on the other.

Highlights include year-round waterfalls, wildlife preserves, lighthouses, Griffith Park (one of the country’s largest municipal parks), the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign, plus hikes along the entire length of the Santa Monica Mountains and intriguing metropolitan walks.

Companion guides include Day Hikes Around Ventura County, Day Hikes Around Orange County, Day Hikes On the California Southern Coast, and Day Hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains.

2015-SLO front coverThe greatly expanded third edition of Day Hikes Around San Luis Obispo includes 150 day hikes throughout this coastal county where the white sand beaches of Central California merge with the dramatic Big Sur coastline. Ranging inland from the Pacific Ocean are oak-studded hills, verdant farmland, pristine mountain lakes, and the 5,000-foot Santa Lucia Range of the Los Padres National Forest. The unique geography and a temperate, year-round climate creates an outstanding hiking environment.

Trails follow the scalloped Pacific coastline to secluded coves and tide pools, to rocky promontories along the chain of volcanic morros (peaks), through wetland sanctuaries, across massive sand dunes, and up cool interior canyons. Highlights include waterfalls, bluffs, long stretches of beach, lighthouses, lakes, rivers, swimming holes, extraordinary rock formations, and panoramic views that span from the inland mountains to the ocean. Many hikes are found in or near San Luis Obispo, although most hikes are located in undeveloped tracts of land and along 100 miles of coastline. A range of hikes is included, from easy coastal walks to high elevation climbs.

Statistics, accurate driving and hiking directions, and numerous maps make these hiking adventures stress free. Dog admission information is included as well as an index.

Companion guides include Day Hikes Around Big Sur, Day Hikes Around Monterey & Carmel, Day Hikes Around Santa Barbara, Day Hikes On the California Central Coast, and Day Hikes On the California Southern Coast.

Robert Stone has been writer, photographer, and publisher of Day Hike Books since 1991. He is a Los Angeles Times best-selling author and an award-winning journalist of the Outdoor Writers Association of California, the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association, the Bay Area Travel Writers, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers, and the Outdoor Writers Association of America.