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- Baja California,
Automobile Club of Southern California
(www.aaa-calif.com).
The AAA tour book for Baja California.
Very useful for driving down the Baja highway,
as well as containing general information on the peninsula. If
you are new to traveling in Baja California, I would strongly
recommend this book as your first priority in printed guides.
It is loaded with useful information at a reasonable price. A
new edition, revised and expanded, has appeared in late 2001.
Many beautiful photos, route descriptions, hotel and campground
listings, and maps of both regions and cities make this an
outstanding value. A new feature in 2001, which I find
especially pleasing, is the section on "Greatest Hits" - some of
these places are not so easy for the short-term traveler to
reach, but the pages are well worth perusing for future ideas.
A few other features of this tour book: highway signs, useful
Spanish words and phrases, lots of travel hints tucked away in sidebars,
highway distances and average temperatures.
This tour book is no longer available free to members, but is sold
at a membership discount ($13.95). It is available to the
general public for $18.95.
Note: A new edition was published in 2004. I haven't seen
this newer edition, but it was built on the excellent edition of 2001.
As a companion to this tour book, the AAA map of Baja California
is the best I've seen. A "must" for those traveling along the
highways of Baja California (free to members and $3.95 for non-members).
Also new in 2001 is a "Greatest Hits" map of the northern
triangle of Baja California. This is a plasticized fold-out with
photos, general maps, suggested places to visit, restaurants and more.
For the week-end visitor to the Tijuana-Ensenada-Tecate triangle
this "map" might prove invaluable. It could serve as the guide
for many week-end visits to the area. The price for AAA members is
$4.95 and for non-members $7.95.
- Baja California Plant Field Guide,
Norman C. Roberts, 1987,
ISBN 0-9603144.
Natural History Publishing Co., P.O. Box 962, La Jolla, CA
92037.
Especially useful when driving through the deserts of Baja
California.
- The Baja Adventure Book, Walt Peterson,
1987, ISBN 0-89997-076-1.
Wilderness Press, 2440 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, (800)443-7227.
An excellent source for the diver, boater,
RV'er, etc..
- Exploring Baja by RV, Walt and Michael
Peterson, 1997, ISBN 0-89997-177-6.
Wilderness Press, 2440 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, (800)443-7227.
I've not yet seen this book, but based on The Baja
Adventure Book, I would expect it is a very useful
addition to
the Baja tourist literature.
- The Magnificent Peninsula, Jack
Williams, 1989, ISBN 0-9616843-4-8.
H. J. Williams Publications.
Lots of details on the highways, cities, etc.. A fun
book!
- Roadside Geology and Biology of Baja
California, John
Minch, Edwin Minch, and Jason Minch, 1998, ISBN 0-9631090-1-4,
JMA Press, P.O. Box 4244,
Mission Viejo, CA 92690-4244
Email: jmainc@earthlink.net
Visit http://johnminchandassociates.com
for more information and an order form. This book of 192 pages
contains 192 photographs, 145 diagrams, glossary and references.
The cover photograph is a spectacular shot of Puerto Balandra
north of La Paz.
-
Geología y Biología de Baja California; Una Guia Para El Camino
,
John Minch, Edwin Minch, Jason Minch, Jorge
Ledesma-Vázquez [UABC],
2003,
JMA Press, P.O. Box 4244,
Mission Viejo, CA 92690-4244
Email: jmainc@earthlink.net
This book is a Spanish-language translation of the above entry,
with some political changes and simplifications. The book is
reported to be available at the end of July, 2003. It is planned to
have some information appear on the website:
http://johnminchandassociates.com
- Baja Handbook, Joe Cummings, 1994,
ISBN 1-56681-052-8,
(2nd Ed.),
Moon Travel Handbooks, Chico CA, (800) 345-5473.
Part of Moon's Mexico guidebook series, with eight different
regional guides to Mexico. A 3rd edition is scheduled
for Spring, 1998.
More information is available at
http://www.moon.com/catalog/baja.html
- Cabo Handbook, Joe Cummings, 1995,
ISBN 1-56691-028-5,
(1st Ed.),
Moon Travel Handbooks, Chico CA, (800) 345-5473.
Another part of Moon's Mexico guidebook series.
More information is available at
http://www.moon.com/catalog/cabo.html
- Under the Sea of Cortez (Early Underwater
Exploration and Spearfishting),
George Tsegeletos, 1998,
ISBN 1-57087-389-5,
Professional Press, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-4371.
Diving experiences, from 1962 on, aboard the Marisla and
predesessor dive boats.
- The Cave Paintings of Baja California (Discovering
the Great Murals of an Unknown People),
Harry W. Crosby, 1997,
ISBN 0-932653-23-5,
Sunbelt Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 191126, San Diego, CA
92959-1126.
A "coffee table book" with lots of narrative and beautiful
photographs.
- The Forgotten Peninsula; A Naturalist in Baja
California, Joseph
Wood Krutch, 1961.
W. Sloane Associates.
An interesting account of the peninsula before the highway was
completed.
Note: This book was reissued by the University of Arizona
Press in 1986. It should be available through bookstores.
- Woodall's Campground Directory, Woodall
Publishing Co., Lake Forest, IL.
Check either the Western or North American editions for the
section on Baja California.
Contains ratings of RV parks and campgrounds.
- The People's Guide to Mexico, Carl
Franz, ISBN 0-912528-15-X.
John Muir Publications, P.O. Box 613, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
A highly recommended book on traveling in Mexico. Fun to read
and lots of great illustrations. Frequently updated editions.
- Into A Desert Place, Graham Mackintosh,
1988. Published by Graham Mackintosh, P.O. Box 1982,
Lemon Grove, CA 91946 (hardcover) or W. W. Norton (paperback).
ISBN 0-9626109-0-9.
The story of Graham Mackintosh's walk around the Baja Peninsula.
- Journey with a Baja Burro, Graham Mackintosh,
2001. Sunbelt Publications, San Diego, CA.
ISBN 0-932653-41-3.
This time Graham describes his walk down the center of the
peninsula, from Tecate to Loreto, with a burro. I've not read the
book, but I did hear Graham talk about the trip, and I would
expect the book to be both humerous and informative.
-
Nearer My Dog to Thee, Graham Mackintosh,
2003. See www.grahammackintosh.com/.
Graham's back -- this time in the Sierra San Pedro Mártir!
-
Marooned With Very Little Beer, Graham Mackintosh,
2008. See www.grahammackintosh.com/.
Stuck on a deserted island . . . in the Sea of
Cortez? Read about how Graham dealt with the situation!
- Almost an Island: Travels in Baja
California, Bruce Berger, 1998,
The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ,
ISBN 0-8165-1901-3.
Description from the publisher: "A treasure of stories from a land
of opposites: desert and sea, sand and granite, pearls and
swine, old and new."
An often witty view of Baja California - history, travel and
stories of people and places. I would rate this as an excellent read!
- The Baja Catch: A Fishing, Travel & Remote
Camping Manual for Baja California, 3rd Edition,
Neil Kelly and Gene Kira, 1997.
Apples & Oranges Publishers, P.O. Box 2296, Valley Center, CA 92082.
ISBN 0-929637-05-4.
Available at
bajadestinations.com. 293 pages softcover - $26.95.
"The classic Baja fishing guide. 60 large scale maps, 14 fishing
calendars, how & where to fish, lures, rods, reels, launching,
camping, driving down Mex 1, remote dirt roads, fish I.D., insurance &
regulations, fishing Spanish, trip checklist."
- Spas & Hot Springs of Mexico,
2nd Edition, "Mexico" Mike Nelson, 1998.
Roads Scholar Press, 11424 Killion St., Suite 7, N. Hollywood, CA 91601-2650.
ISBN 1-889-48904-2.
220 pages, 5½ by 8½ format - $16.95.
While this book covers all of Mexico, there is a chapter
covering Baja California. More information at the website:
http://www.mexicomike.com.
- Live Better South of the Border,
"Mexico" Mike Nelson, 1997.
Roads Scholar Press, 300 Zapata St., Rancho Viejo, TX 78520.
ISBN 1-889-48902-6.
168 pages, 5½ by 8½ format - $16.95.
As with the previous book, you'll find more information at the
website:
http://www.mexicomike.com.
- Miraculous Air: Journey of a Thousand Miles Through Baja California, the Other Mexico,
C. M. Mayo, 2002.
ISBN 0-87480-740-9.
Note (June 2007): This book is now available in paperback from
Milkweed Editions.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but, after reading
it in February of 2003, I can say it's the best book I've ever read
about Baja California.
This book is not a travelogue, it is not
a detailed guidebook for tourists . . . it is a
collection of tales told by a superb story teller. Topics range,
in time, from cave paintings to the assassination of Luis Donaldo
Colosio; and, in space, from San José del Cabo to the many
faces of Tijuana.
Who was flying that first airplane into San José del
Cabo? And what happened to him? Who was the Tomato King of San
Quintín? What of the lives of the tomato pickers who
come from the mainland? The questions can go on and on, but
you'll find the answers in "Miraculous Air," and all told in
some of the best writing I've ever had the pleasure to read.
The author's website:
www.cmmayo.com.
- Baja Fever: Journeys into Mexico's Intriguing Peninsula,
Greg Niemann, Leila Niemann (Photographer), January 1999.
Mountain N Air Books.
ISBN 1879415194.
352 pages, paperback - $19.50.
From the publisher:
". . . the telling of experiences and lessons learned
by a man, and his family and friends, during their many travels
and stays in Baja California, México. BAJA FEVER - not a
guidebook - is a delightful inlet into the lives and souls of Baja
Californios, and the beautiful peninsula. Greg Niemann is of a
third generation of a family inflicted with the contagious but
benevolent fever. He tells of his experiences in a unique
writing style, in a manner guaranteed to move the readers."
-
Baja Legends: The Historic Characters, Events, and
Locations That Put Baja California on the Map,
Greg Niemann, January 2002.
Sunbelt Cultural Heritage Books.
ISBN 0932653472.
260 pages, paperback - $17.95.
From the publisher:
"Greg Niemann, long-time Baja California journalist and author of
Baja Fever, shares his extensive knowledge of the peninsula--its
colorful past and booming present--in this easy-to-read
reference book.
"Get to know the 'founding fathers' of Baja, the padres, pirates,
and pioneers who scratched a living from the desert and the sea,
plus the world-famous faces and still-famous places that keep
this tiny finger of land in the international spotlight.
"All of the pertinent history and lore, every one of the amazing
Baja stories, fill the pages of Baja Legends to overflowing and
make it a 'must have' for seasoned Bajaphiles as well as those
who are planning their first trip south of the border."
- Best Stories of Baja,
Larry Stanton, October 1998.
Templeton Publishing.
ISBN 0966666402.
173 pages, hardback - $14.00 (Amazon.com).
- Arriba! Baja: More of the Best Stories of Baja,
Larry Stanton, Monica Turner (Illustrator) June 1999.
Templeton Publishing.
ISBN 0966666402.
190 pages, paperback - $14.00 (Amazon.com).
- Mexico - Adventures in Nature,
Ron Mader, 1998, John Muir Publications, P.O. Box 613, Santa Fe, NM.
ISBN 1-56261-340-5.
An ecotourism guide to all of Mexico, with a chapter on Baja
California.
- Long Walk to Mulege, Howard Hale,
1980, Pinkerton Publishing.
ISBN 0964018918,
119 pages, paperback - $9.95 (BarnesAndNoble.com)
A description provided by the author's daughter:
"I am writing regarding a book written by my father, entitled
Long Walk to Mulege, the account of his experiences when he, a
friend and two burros did indeed walk from Ensenada to Mulege in
1921. In his book he describes the terrain, the people, their
habitation, lifestyles, their encounters with some dangeous
characters and much more, very graphically."
- You Decide Travel Guide series for a number of cities
in Baja California,
Brett Wyatt, 2002-2006, Riley Media Group LLC. Visit the website at:
www.youdecidetravelguide.com/catalog/
From the author:
"These comprehensive travel guides will give you all the
information to have the complete baja experience. Luxury hotels
with all the trimmings or camp on the beach, we give you the
information, you decide how you want it - hence the name
You Decide Travel Guide
"Each book contains all the hotels, restaurants,
recreations and services for each town. With real
ratings for all of the hotels, don't be let down by
fake ratings on their homepages!"
- In the Shadow of the Volcano: One Family's Baja Adventure,
Michael Humfreville, 2005, Sunbelt Publications (www.sunbeltpub.com/).
ISBN 0-916251-75-6.
From the publisher:
In the early 1970's, the author and his wife
left their suburban home and jobs and
headed to Baja California's Bahia de los
Angeles. Living in a tiny hut they constructed
on a remote beach, they bonded with each
other and the special place they had found.
In 1985 they did it again, this time taking their
young sons, living in another beachside hut
on the shore of the bay.
- One Hell of a Ride,
Lou Federico, Adventure Publishing.
229 pages with photos - $20 including tax and shipping. Available from:
Adventure Publishing
129 Egloff Circle
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 987-0764
From the author:
"A true story of the building of Punta Chivato in 1965."
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