"Trail Runner's Guide: San Francisco Bay Area covers the best trail runs in the region's parklands and open spaces. This informative guide provides the detailed routes with descriptions of terrain, views, and vegetation from a runner's perspective. 50 featured routes, from 2 to 22 miles, plus alternative routes from every trailhead.Includes topographic maps with easy directions on facing pages, elevation profiles, and at-a-glance trail conditions and regulations for each run, plus equipment, safety, and running tips.

"Trail Runner's Guide: San Francisco Bay Area covers the best trail runs in the region's parklands and open spaces. This informative guide provides the detailed routes with descriptions of terrain, views, and vegetation from a runner's perspective. 50 featured routes, from 2 to 22 miles, plus alternative routes from every trailhead.Includes topographic maps with easy directions on facing pages, elevation profiles, and at-a-glance trail conditions and regulations for each run, plus equipment, safety, and running tips.

" With nearly a million acres of beautiful parklands, countless breathtaking mountain and canyon trails, spectacular cityscapes around every corner, and hundreds of miles of gorgeous coastline, the toughest part of running in San Francisco may be deciding on a route to explore first. San Francisco Running Guide was written to help make the difficult decision of where to run in the Bay Area an easy one. The book introduces local and visiting runners alike to 35 of the best running routes, plus it gives complete course information about the top 10 races-from 5Ks to marathons-held annually in the Bay Area. For each running route included, the book provides: - an explanation of why it was selected; - a detailed map showing roads and trails to follow on the route; - an icon key that shows route distance, scenery, terrain, hill ratings, and available facilities; - access information that tells how to get to the starting point; - course information that describes every step of the run; and - ""Foot Notes"" that provide additional information to make the run more enjoyable. Author Bob Cooper-a former Running Times executive editor, a competitive runner, and a longtime Bay Area resident-scouted each route himself so runners don't have to waste their own time exploring unsuitable or less-than-enjoyable routes. Visitors running the routes will get to experience the unique beauty of San Francisco and the Bay Area firsthand, while resident runners will discover routes they never knew existed. "

The sport of trail running is booming as more runners seek more adventurous routes and a deeper connection with nature. Not only are runners taking to the trail, but a growing number are challenging themselves to go past the conventional 26.2-mile marathon point. The time is right for a book that covers everything a runner needs to safely and successfully run and race trails, from 5Ks to ultra distances. Like a trusted coach, The Trail Runner’s Companion offers an inspiring, practical, and goal-oriented approach to trail running and racing. Whether readers are looking to up their distance or tackle new terrain, they’ll find sophisticated, yet clear advice that boosts performance and enhances well-being. Along the way, they’ll learn: Trail-specific techniques and must-have gear What to eat, drink, and think—before, during, and after any trail run How to develop mental tenacity and troubleshoot challenges on longer trail adventures Colorful commentary on the characters and culture that make the sport special With an engaging, encouraging voice, including tips and anecdotes from well-known names in the sport, The Trail Runner's Companion is the ultimate guide to achieving peak performance—and happiness— out on the trails. "Sarah Lavender Smith has long been one of trail running’s finest and most insightful writers, and her first book, The Trail Runner’s Companion, ties everything together for all trail runners, from newbies to veterans and all abilities in between. She expertly and empathetically describes how one should train, eat, drink, and think while becoming a trail runner. But perhaps most importantly of all, she tells us what it means to be a trail runner—why this journey, in her words, 'all the way up to the summit and back down,' is worth the effort. If you already are a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become a better trail runner. If you aren’t yet a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become one.” - John Trent, longtime ultrarunner, race director, Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run board member, and award-winning sportswriter "The Trail Runner's Companion is a must-have for all trail runners, both new and experienced. It brings a wealth of knowledge and entertaining stories to keep you engaged in the valuable content of the book. If only I had The Trail Runner's Companion to read before my first trail race, I could have avoided so many mistakes! I highly recommend it.” - Kaci Lickteig, 2016 UltraRunning Magazine UltraRunner of the Year and Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run champion

This title in the acclaimed Afoot & Afield series contains more than 100 carefully described trips in the nine-county region. Included are all the well-known favorites: Mt. Tamalpais, Point Reyes National Seashore, Henry W. Coe and Mt. Diablo state parks, and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. The book also features more remote parks and preserves, from the rugged Sonoma coast to hidden canyons south of San Jose, as well as regional open spaces and country parks from the East Bay hills to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Longtime San Francisco residents and intrepid hikers David Weintraub and Ben Pease have selected 44 "must-do" trips for hiking, running, and bicycling. Trails range from easy strolls to all-day treks, from 2 to 12 miles, covering the most scenic parks and preserves between Santa Rosa and San Jose. The second edition features new hikes in Muir Woods and the Presidio, more elevation profiles, and at-a-glance information helps you find the best wildflowers, fall color, bird-watching, camping, historic sites, and cool hikes for hot days.