seems to be never ending."I mentioned that I purchased the book because it looked like it had trails which could be ridden by ATVs as well as the SUVs that author Roger Mitchell talks about.
Additionally, it is one of the only books about the Great Basin's geology and history…
and has some of the most extensive descriptions and background of probably any on the market. [For a free Google Earth offroad trail map of this route see: SUV-ATV Trails Near Boulder City]
As prolific a writer as Mitchell is, he remains a bit of an enigma. From his book prefaces, he clearly has little use for "gadgetry" such as GPS; and, he seems as knowledgeable about the geology of the planet as any college professor I've ever met. However, neither his web site nor his books reveal his formal training or credentials which would establish his credibility.
The books need to stand on their own, and they seem to do so very well. He and his co-author wife are currently in a project to publish rides all over the Great Basin and now have 3 volumes.
Education: that which reveals to the wise, and conceals from the stupid, the vast limits of their knowledge.”The only fault that exasperates me (probably because I'm doing these maps) is his faulty attitude about giving directions. His books rely almost entirely on driving distances from a given marker, (often more than 20 miles) with inaccuracies up to half a mile from the occasional GPS waypoint that he gives.
Well, that's why I'm doing what I'm doing. I intend to take some of these trails and don't want any issues with directions or turn-offs. And I don't want to miss any landmarks after driving all that way simply because my rig doesn't measure mileage like his does. That's why God gave us GPS and Google Earth!
The four trails out of Boulder City Nevada lead through some of the most picturesque landscape in the country. And, as you can see from the map, contain not only lakes and the Colorado River, but could be one of the most complete tours through mining history available anywhere.
Well, this is only volume one. One can hope that the duo repents and takes a more enlightened view of GPS coordinates in the future volumes; however, the best of both worlds would be to take both the book and these maps along on your ride. Follow the map, watch for the waypoints and stop to read his detailed descriptions all along the way.
Nevada Readers: Hey we really need your verification of these trails. Send me an email describing your ride and attach your GPS trail!
Next: Trails out of Searchlight, Laughlin, Pahrump and Beaty.
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The Great Basin SUV Trails
book by Roger and Loris Mitchell is an incredibly informative and useful book for use on the trail. It is to geology and history what Native Plants Of Southern Nevada
by David Rhode is to botany and Native American lore. Both have the ability to enhance any ride through the Great Basin and Mojave Desert. If you are planning to purchase either one, I would appreciate it if you would do so through clicking these links. It will not cost you any more for doing so but I will receive a few cents advertising fee, which can help keep the web and blog operating and free. Thanks!
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