by Kevin Fedarko
Published
May 28, 2024
Pages
512 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Scribner
Kindle
$5.99
Hardcover
$19.89
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
Not found
Two friends, zero preparation, one dream. From the author of the beloved bestseller The Emerald Mile , a rollicking and poignant account of an epic 750-mile odyssey, on foot, through the heart of America’s most magnificent national park and the grandest wilderness on earth. A few years after quitting his job to follow an ill-advised dream of becoming a guide on the Colorado River, Kevin Fedarko was approached by his best friend, the National Geographic photographer Pete McBride, with a vision as bold as it was harebrained.
Together, they would embark on an end-to-end traverse of the Grand Canyon, a journey that, McBride promised, would be “a walk in the park.” Against his better judgment, Fedarko agreed to the scheme, unaware that the small cluster of experts who had completed the crossing billed it as “the toughest hike in the world.” The ensuing ordeal, which lasted more than a year, revealed a place that was deeper, richer, and far more complex than anything the two men had imagined—and came within a hair’s breadth of killing them both. They struggled to make their way through the all but impenetrable reaches of its truest wilderness, a vertical labyrinth of thousand-foot cliffs and crumbling ledges where water is measured out by the teaspoon and every step is fraught with peril—and where, even today, there is still no trail along the length of the country’s best-known and most iconic park. Along the way, veteran long-distance hikers ushered them into secret pockets, invisible to the millions of tourists gathered on the rim, where only a handful of humans have ever laid eyes.
Members of the canyon’s eleven Native American tribes brought them face-to-face with layers of history that forced them to reconsider myths at the center of our national parks—and exposed them to the impinging threats of commercial tourism. Even Fedarko’s dying father, who had first pointed him toward the canyon more than forty years earlier but had never set foot there himself, opened him to a new way of seeing the landscape. And always, there was the great gorge itself: austere and unforgiving but suffused with magic, drenched in wonder, and redeemed by its own transcendent beauty.
A Walk in the Park is a singular portrait of a sublime place, and a deeply moving plea for the preservation of America’s greatest natural treasure.
In a tale where stunning vistas meet unexpected perils, "A Walk in the Park" catapults readers into a gripping adventure set in the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon. The book captures a journey that was meant to be a simple escape into nature but turns into a thrilling test of endurance and spirit. What begins as a leisurely hike quickly spirals into an epic struggle for survival, immersing readers in the awe-inspiring beauty and inherent dangers of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
Choices in nature have unexpected consequences deeply impacting lives and perspectives. The Grand Canyon's beauty hides the untamed wilderness testing human willpower. Ordinary moments can transform into extraordinary adventures of survival and discovery.
A Walk in the Park" recounts the harrowing narrative of a group of hikers whose routine trek takes an unforeseen turn in the depths of the Grand Canyon. Lush descriptions of the canyon\'s breathtaking views contrast sharply with the escalating tension as the group confronts unforeseen obstacles. As the wilderness unfolds in its unpredictable glory readers are drawn into a world where the landscape demands respect.
\nThe author masterfully weaves personal reflections with vivid storytelling creating a compelling mosaic of adventure friendship and resilience. This thrilling chronicle delves into the human spirit\'s boundless capacity to adapt and survive in the face of adversity where every decision could mean life or death. The book captures both the sublime beauty and the formidable challenges posed by one of America's treasured natural landscapes.
As the hikers navigate treacherous paths readers are invited to explore the delicate balance between awe and fear in the face of nature's grandeur. \nThroughout this gripping narrative themes of camaraderie perseverance and personal growth emerge as the hikers come to terms with their misadventure. The book offers not just an exciting escape but a poignant reflection on life's unpredictability and the relentless pursuit of overcoming challenges against the untamed backdrop of the Grand Canyon.
The book stands out with its vivid and evocative portrayal of the Grand Canyon immersing readers in a landscape that is as beautiful as it is unforgiving The author's attention to detail and descriptive prowess transport readers directly into the heart of the canyon allowing them to experience the journey alongside the adventurers The integration of personal reflections and thrilling narratives is seamless creating an engaging read that offers more than just a survival story; it is an exploration of human resilience and personal growth amidst adversity This combination offers layers of depth providing both captivating entertainment and profound insights into the delicate dynamics of nature and the human condition.
1501183052
978-1501183058
6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
1.2 pounds
Based on 717 ratings
I got tired just reading about these challenging and dangerous treks through the entire length of the Grand Canyon. As contrasted with books like A Walk in the Woods, which was written mostly for laughs, this book communicates the wonder, beauty and danger of long-distance hiking with just enough humor to keep it light. Though it tends to be overwritten in places, it's a must for hikers everywhere.
This is an extraordinary book, captivating, beautifully written, and impossible to put down right from the start. Kevin Fedarko's journey into the grand Canyon's heart, A Walk in the Park, is an amazing, challenging adventure and an awesome read!
I was super excited to see that Kevin Fedarko wrote a book about his Grand Canyon walk. I don’t usually buy brand new hardcover books, but I was too excited to wait for the paperback. The story, as expected, is captivating and amazing. I highly recommend it. The author tells a great story and blends adventure with natural history very well, just like in The Emerald Mile. The physical book, however, leaves much to be desired. I have never seen such a poorly constructed book in my life. The pages are very thin and many pages are miss cut. They were folded multiple times in the production process and then miss cut. When you unfold them, they stick out beyond the sides of the book. I was very disappointed with the quality of the book itself. At this point, I realize Amazon would return it, but it’s really not worth the hassle. All the words were on the pages. Unfortunately, the pages stuck out beyond the edges of the book. I’m not sure who was in charge of quality control for this. I guess I’ll place the blame on Scribner (the publisher). I added one picture as an example of the miss cut pages. This, unfortunately, occurred many times and really distracted from the quality of the book itself. I still gave the book 5 stars because most people will be looking for reviews about the story not the quality of the physical product. if this is a concern for you, however, you may want to wait for the paperback version. You’ll save money and probably get a better book.
I wasn't going to write a review after finishing the book. There are many intelligently written reviews and my thoughts would've felt weak. But then I watched the National Geographic documentary Into the Grand Canyon, an excellent video guide that covers all the basic elements of the book. Maybe most importantly the people who helped Fedarko and McBride complete their trek. I recommend that this video be viewed before reading the book and watch it again afterwards. A visual picture helps capture the moments more accurately as you read the book, which is an excellent read. My experience in the canyon includes eight backpacking multi-day treks, two trips down the Colorado River and two mule rides when I was a kid. My dna is in that canyon. Fedarko captures the canyon in this book and also in his Emerald Mile book. He is an excellent writer.
Who doesn't love a good story? Even better when it's a true one. The author shares the good and the bad, the exhilaration and the fear and despair of an epic journey. Along the way he recounts history and information about the original inhabitants. He is a powerful voice for the native Americans who were the first to call this magnificent place home and yet he is never preachy or at all self righteous. Quite t the opposite. My only complaint is that there weren't more of his companion's photographs. I wish I could see the footage.
A story of sin and redemption. A good story if you're into the value of friends. Worth reading.
This book is a laugh out loud, make you think, wonderful adventure. I loved the author's previous book. The Emerald Mile and this one is bound to win awards.
Fedarko and his hiking buddy are lucky to share their story. No better prepared than Cheryl Strayed and in many ways in worse environmental conditions. It's a testament to a generous hiking community, luck, stupidity, and perseverance. Then again, what great hiking story isn't? Very readable, well researched, and the attention to the Native American history and connection to the Canyon is admirable. You will laugh and cry. Like the author and his hiking companion, you will hate to reach the end of the journey. Good read for both serious hikers and armchair adventurers.