Now, for the first time, Arizona visitors and residents will be able to set out on any part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail with a "bible" of the trail's twists and turns, its flora and fauna, and its geology.

In an easy-to-use format, the book serves up the 800-mile trail section by section (43 altogether) so that day-hikers as well as thru-hikers can feel confident about the route and inspired by the magnificence of the scenery, wildlife, and diversity of terrain.

Botany fans will relish the comprehensive descriptions of plant life among the trail's 13 microclimates from the South start at the Mexico/Arizona border to the North end, at the Arizona/Utah border.

Geology aficionados will take note of the equally detailed descriptions of rock and the ground beneath their feet (or beneath their mountain bike wheels or their horses' hooves).

Especially helpful are the descriptions of the 22 "gateway communities" that provide easy trail access and supplies along the trail's route from South to North.

Overall, this new book will become a personal guide and irreplaceable source for any hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian heading for the Arizona National Scenic Trail--whether they intend to do a part of one section, or a weekend of two or three sections, or hike the entire trail over a period of weeks.