“60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder” ($17.95, Menasha Ridge Press)
It seems as though there are a million books featuring trails in this area, but I admit it: I’m a sucker every time a new one comes out. Especially if, as is this onea second edition put together by Colorado native Kim Lipker — they are cleanly laid out, well organized and feature a lot of bold, easy-to-read type. (I don’t understand why so many guidebooks, particularly ones you might take out in the glaring sun, are printed on parchment-thin paper using tiny, faint print that rubs off.) “60 Hikes” has everything you need to just start knocking off these great routes — GPS trailhead coordinates, as well as clear directions; concise descriptions; and basic info that includes how popular the hike is, when to go, roughly how long it will take, whether dogs are allowed and must be leashed, and what facilities it offers. The maps are on the simple side but uncluttered, and each hike comes with an elevation profile. Kyle Wagner
