Big Sur: Books and Maps
Here are some excellent printed publications that have more extensive information about the Big Sur region than I can provide in this small Web site.
Recreation
Hiking & Backpacking Big Sur: A Complete Guide to the Trails of Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, and Silver Peak Wilderness, by Analise Elliot (Wilderness Press, 2005, ISBN 0899973264)
This book provides detailed information about hiking and backpacking the trails of the Big Sur region and the mountains east of the crest of the Santa Lucia range.
Big Sur and Ventana Wilderness Recreation Map (Wilderness Press, 2005, ISBN 0899973655)
This detailed topographical trail map includes the Big Sur coastline from Garrapata State Park to Ragged Point as well as the national forest interior. It also serves as a good road map for most of California Highway 1 in the Big Sur region.
Day Hikes Around Big Sur: 80 Great Hikes, by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books, 2003, ISBN 1573420417)
This book includes a variety of hikes to accommodate different recreation goals and hiking abilities. The description of each hike includes a map, directions, and a summary.
Natural History
The Natural History of Big Sur, by Paul Henson, Donald J. Usner, Valerie A. Kells (Illustrator) (University of California Press, 1996, ISBN 0520205103)
This book is a natural history of the Big Sur region but is also a guide to its extensive public lands. Included are an overview of the area's geology, climate, and native plants and animals, and more in-depth descriptions of selected sites, trails, and features.
Human History / Literary
Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch, by Henry Miller (New Directions Publishing, 1957, ISBN 0811201074)
Author Henry Miller arrived in Big Sur in 1944. This is the story of Miller's life in the Big Sur region.
Big Sur, by Jack Kerouac (Penguin Books, 1992, ISBN 0140168125)
This novel, a classic by Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac, is set in San Francisco and in Big Sur's fictional "Raton Canyon" (said to be modeled after Bixby Canyon) during the summer of 1960 and describes the author's own mental breakdown.
Big Sur — A Complete History and Guide, by Tommie Kay Lussier (Big Sur Publications, 1993-2004, ISBN 0935766278)
This large-format paperback guidebook, written by a Big Sur resident, includes extensive information about Big Sur's history, residents, lifestyle, stories, places, views, and wildlife. It includes maps. The book is supported by the author's Web site.
