Canyon Country Hiking

Hiking from Here to WOW: Utah Canyon Country
Kathy Copeland, Craig Copeland

This is my first book of the WOW series, published by Wilderness Press, but I really enjoyed it. It's a thick book so not one that I'll carry on the trail with me. But it is GREAT for planning hikes I'll want to take—and there are plenty of them! Ninety trails painstakingly researched and well written about. The details, maps and photos provided will help guide hikers in choosing and safely preparing and hiking the Canyon Country the of Utah. Lots of gorgeous photo as well. Highly recommended!

 

Canyoneering: How to Explore the Canyons of the Great Southwest
John Annerino

It's hard to beat the Southwest for the beauty and diversity of its spectacular canyons. Hikers, photographers and climbers alike come in large numbers to enjoy the unique opportunities provided by this wonderful landscape. But these narrow drainages also have inherent dangers and characteristics that you must be aware of to assure your safety and well-being.

Flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the United States, killing about 150 people every year. On August 12, 1997 twelve hikers were caught in a deadly flash flood as a 10 to 30 foot wall of water slammed through narrow Lower Antelope Canyon, taking the hikers with it. The hikers did not recognize the flood danger until it was too late, probably because the storm that caused the flood occurred several miles away. Only one hiker survived!

Only one month later two hikers were killed and one injured by a flash flood as they were crossing Phantom Creek in Grand Canyon. Again, the hikers were caught off guard, probably because the storm that caused the flood occurred several miles north of the flash flood site.

Fortunately flash floods are easy to avoid if you understand the conditions that initiate them. In Canyoneering, John Annerino offers a thorough guide to the fundamentals of safe and well-prepared canyon exploration, as well as conditioning, preparation and equipment to make your trip and joy and success.

But this book isn't all work and no play! Annerino also includes information on the Natural History and earth science of canyon country.

 

Hiking And Exploring The Paria River
Michael R. Kelsey

Paria and Buckskin Gulch host some of the most spectacular slot canyons found anywhere in the world. It is a photographer's paradise, a dream come true. If you've seen photographs of narrow, sensuously curvy red sandstone canyon, chances are they've been taken here or very nearby. The book also includes the story of John D. Lee and the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

Michael Kelsey has hiked much of northern Arizona and southern Utah and written prolifically about his adventures. His books provide very useful information and directions, but be careful of using his time estimates for your own hikes. He hikes very fast and is obviously proud of it. If you really like to get away from it all, this is the book for you too!

 

Hiking Grand Staircase-Escalante and the Glen Canyon Region
Ron Adkison

In case you haven't guessed it yet, I'm partial to Falcon Guides. I find them to be comprehensive and easy to read and understand. This book from Ron Adkison is no different.

Within these pages are detailed descriptions for 59 hikes covering hundreds of miles. You'll find trails that are easy and fun for the casual day hiker and demanding trips for the serious experienced outdoor fanatic.

There is a great section on backcountry safety and hazards. And under Author's Hike Recommendations you'll find specific information on what hikes are appropriate for different abilities and recommended trips for those with children. Be sure to check out this section at the beginning of the book to get an idea of what would be an enjoyable trip for you.

 

Hiking The Escalante
Rudi Lambrechtse

This is one of my favorite hiking books! Mr. Lambrechtse gives clear, understandable descriptions of many trails found in the Escalante area. I find his difficulty rating system reasonable and accurate for the fit backpacker. Nearly fifty hikes are listed here, with plenty of black-and-white photographs depicting the area's fascinating features. In separate chapters, Mr. Lambrechtse also provides information on human history and prehistory, geology, and Natural History of the region. He also includes excellent, precise directions on getting to the trailheads; very valuable information in this remote area!

 

Canyoneering 3
Steve Allen

If you're ready for some serious backpacking in Utah's Escalante area, this is definitely the book for you. Steve Allen certainly knows this country, and his love for it shines through. With over forty hikes described, twenty in the newly designated Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, there are enough hikes here to keep you busy for many years. This is one of the best-written trail guides I have ever seen in my life. Yes, I recommend it!

Not only does Mr. Allen give precise information on everything to make your hike safe and fun, he also includes excellent information on the fascinating local history, geology, and archaeology.He lives in the area, and his knowledge of it is astounding. A must for serious Escalante backpackers!

 

Hiking the Southwest's Canyon Country
Sandra Hinchman

This second edition is a great resource for those wanting to explore some of the best there is in the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. You'll find trips geared towards both hiking and driving tours in Arches, Zion, Bryce, Glen Canyon, Canyonlands, Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, and Chaco Canyon, as well as the area surrounding the parks. Sandra Hinchman highlights some wonderful Indian petroglyphs and pictographs. You'll also find good information on the archaeology, geology, flora and fauna, native people, climate, and how to stay safe in a desert environment.

 

Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Erik Molvar and Tamara Martin

Covering 56 hikes in the two featured parks as well as the surrounding areas-Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt high country, and the Paunsaugunt area, this book allows you to enjoy the wondrous landscape of timbered plateaus, windy precipices, erosion-carved spires, and canyon oases that defy comparison and are haven for many animals and unique plants. Trail descriptions, maps, and photos provide first-hand information for easy day hikes and extended backpack trips.

In addition to interesting Natural History overviews, tips for obtaining park permits and no-trace camping and safety techniques will help you plan and enjoy your trips. Don't forget to pack this book before you head out on your next backcountry adventure.

 

Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau
Michael R. Kelsey

Talk to anyone who has done much hiking in the Colorado Plateau region, and they'll know who Michael Kelsey is. Sometimes that's good, sometimes not so good! I find that people either appreciate the information immensely or they despise the author too much to ever want to pick up another of his books!

Kelsey's books primarily tell you how to get to the trailhead, trail and route conditions, elevations, and the length of each trip. He also has decent information about required maps, water sources, appropriate footwear (remember these are mostly slot canyons with streams that you will be wading through), and what the main attractions are with each trip. There is also the occasional tidbit of information on the history and archaeology of the area, as well as a simple geologic cross-section and diagram of each route.

Check out one of Kelsey's books and you'll find a ton of information in each one. However, don't count on hiking in the times that he does. This man obviously doesn't hike while leisurely enjoying his surroundings. He practically runs everywhere he goes, chalking up his time like a gunslinger notches his gun. If you can ignore his bragging under the "Author's Experience" section included in each description, you'll get a lot of valuable information about trails and areas off of the beaten track.

Just so you know where I stand on Kelsey's books, I own every single one! I just ignore his time estimates, and I recommend that you take them with a grain of salt.

 

Trail Guide to Grand Staircase-Escalante
David Urmann

This is a wonderful book that describes fifty attractions, sites and trails in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A perfect book to keep most people busy for several years of hiking and exploring! One thing I really like about this book is the information on campgrounds, both established and primitive. And the book is filled with black and white photographs that give you a great idea of the area. You'll even get a little background on the geology, history and climate of the Escalante region. It's also small enough to take along!