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.

The Grand Canyon, a timeless marvel, has long inspired adventurers with its breathtaking vistas and enigmatic terrain. However, for those ill-prepared, it can swiftly transform from a dream to a daunting challenge. A Walk in the Park chronicles the gripping tale of one such expedition, unfolding a dramatic story of human resilience and unforeseeable twists that test the limits of endurance and courage.

This riveting account blends suspense, humor, and raw emotion, capturing the soul of an adventure that went spectacularly awry amidst the majestic, yet unforgiving landscapes of the Grand Canyon.

Exploration of human resilience amid unpredictable challenges creates a compelling narrative adventure. The blend of humor and tension crafts an engaging and relatable adventure tale. The profound relationship between nature and human spirit is vividly depicted offering deep inspiration.

A Walk in the Park unveils the enthralling true story of a Grand Canyon expedition gone awry. What began as a simple hike quickly spiraled into an unpredictable odyssey, testing the limits of survival and human spirit. Readers are transported into the heart of one of nature's greatest wonders while confronting its inherent dangers.

The narrative is woven from a rich tapestry of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments. Each twist and turn on the treacherous trails delivers unexpected surprises, underscoring the delicate balance between man and nature. The vivid depictions of the canyon's vast and imposing beauty are matched only by the resilience and determination of those confronting its challenges.

This compelling tale captures the essence of adventure and the unpredictable nature of life. It dives deep into the characters' psyche, revealing their fears, hopes, and the camaraderie developed under dire circumstances. The story is a testament not only to the human will to survive but also to the rewards and lessons learned from embracing the unknown.

Through engaging prose and evocative imagery, the book explores both the physical and emotional journeys of its protagonists. It highlights the transformative power of nature, where the serene and the perilous coexist, shaping an unforgettable misadventure that leaves a lasting impact on readers' hearts and minds.

A Walk in the Park shines through its masterful blend of suspense and humor delivering a multifaceted narrative that leaves readers simultaneously on edge and entertained The engaging and authentic writing style breathes life into each moment of suspense and laughter The book's vivid depiction of the Grand Canyon offers a breathtaking backdrop to an extraordinary tale evoking a sense of awe and respect for the world's natural wonders The intricate balance of peril and beauty imbues the narrative with depth and realism The exploration of human nature in the face of adversity adds a profound layer to the story It captures the universal themes of resilience friendship and the relentless pursuit of understanding oneself through nature setting this book apart as an inspiring literary voyage.