A Walk in the Park
4.6 | 2,684 ratings
Price: 19.68
Last update: 02-02-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- Kindle CustomerA Journey for the SoulThis is a profound narrative. While it is about hiking the length of the Grand Canyon, it's much more. It is about self discovery and realization and how the human spirit can overcome seemingly impossible odds. As the author and his friend initially enter the Canyon they do so with confidence, hubris and some arrogance. But nature has a way of humbling us all and they soon learn that hiking the Grand Canyon is not like any other hike. Its exhilarating, frustrating, almost impossible at some points and it pushes the hiker to limits that hardly seem bearable. The narrative of this book is vivid and well written. You feel the frustrations and challenges that they faced daily. Its a vicarious thrill and a reason I read books like this. I can't even imagine the kind of tenacity and endurance it would take to complete a hike like this. I appreciate that there are people though who do these hikes so I can
read about them and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of not only human nature but these miraculous natural wonders that we are so blessed to have in this country. My admiration for these hikers and this book knows no bounds. - Martha ShidelerA Fascinating adventure story!Kevin Fedarko has written one of the most fascinating books I have ever read—it was so disappointing to come to the end—I wanted the adventure to go on forever.
The book is hard to classify. Yes, it’s a how-to manual—a detailed instruction manual on how to hike the Grand Canyon (more specifically, what NOT to do when hiking)—but it is so much more—a description of river running on the Colorado, a history of hiking the Canyon trails; an account of Native American (specifically Havasupai and Hualapai) influence in the Canyon; an introduction to various branches of science of the Canyon—geology, archaeology, biology, botany, zoology; an explanation of the political history of the Canyon and the Park that was created to protect it.
Author Kevin and photographer Pete McBride assumed that their plan to hike from one end of the Canyon to the other would be an easy, pleasant “walk in the park.” However, they had barely left Lee’s Ferry before they came face-to-face with the reality of what they had undertaken. Kevin had experience as a river runner and felt he knew what he was getting into as they followed in the footsteps of the “godfather of Canyon hiking”—Harvey Butchart—and “the man who walked through time”—Colin Fletcher. They soon discovered the truth of Edward Abbey’s statement: “There are some good things to be said about walking. Not many but some.”
Kevin describes the beauty, the magic, of this place while acknowledging his friend Matthew’s statement that “In addition to its mysteries and its beauty, I think suffering is at the center of what it means to be in the Canyon.”
Kevin gives credit to the many individuals who belong to that select group of hikers who have walked the length of the Canyon from Lee’s Ferry to the Grand Wash Cliffs. He also delves into the history of humans in the Canyon—from the Native American tribes to the river runners to the present day efforts of those who want to develop the Canyon and those who want to protect it. Above all, he gives credit to the pilgrims who visit the Canyon—those “who [have] come to a holy place, a cathedral in the desert, in the hope of standing in the presence of something greater than themselves, something that would enable them to feel profoundly diminished and radically expanded in the same breath. They [are] pilgrims because there is something sacred in the belief that, despite its ugliness and its many depravities, there are still places in our fallen and shattered world where wonder abides.” - BarryOvearall a Great BookAs someone who has hiked on the rim of the Grand Canyon and and down into the canyon many times I found this book really interesting. I have hiked on a lot of different trails but all of them are the more well traveled trails though some of them can be very quiet at times. This book goes to a lot of places that I haven't been and would love to go to, but probably never well.
The reason for the lost of one start is because at the beginning of the book he is so over the top when talking about the Grand Canyon that even though I think it is a unique and awesome place it was just too much. He even says at one point "in some areas even the streams are rendered so tenuous by the heat that their waters recede into the stone by day and emerge only by night". Stream waters do not go in and out of stones and particularly not based on night and day. Also, he has a theme through the book about being totally unprepared and not adequate for a hike through the canyon. He had a lot of experience in the canyon though and must have done a lot of preparation otherwise he wouldn't have survived. He even admits at one point that his hiking partner wasn't happy with the way he talked about this and he said he did it because it made it more interesting or something like that. Besides that it is a great story, has a lot of great information and he shows a lot of consideration for the canyon, the people that work and vist there and the indigenous people that live there. - Gregory F. BohnGreat read!Well written with a little geography... geology.... history ..... a little humor ....and a great adventure.
- SGgrand!A truly remarkable, introspective, inviting walk thru the canyon. Beautifully and thoughtfully written. A story of a canyon most revered.
- JAMJAZZFascinating, informative readA wonderful adventure story of learning and adapting to constantly changing conditions.
This is a marvelous story with historical background that will broaden hour appreciation of the park and the challenge it offers. - MEPrequel for your canyon trip!Great writing about the Grand Canyon. Definitely will make you want to visit.
- Kay HettichUnique, engrossing, serious and funny adventure-taleA phenomenal, engrossing account of a unique adventure! I thought the book would be more like an account of an AT or PCT hike. But the circumstances of the hike, the unpreparedness of the participants, their reliance on real professionals of canyonland-mountaineering, and the exquisite descriptions leave this reader in awe of their journey. I worked one summer in northerm AZ, so I recognize many place names that brought a personal involvement to the narrative. A "must-read" for outdoor enthusiasts and for appreciation of the native populations of the Southwest through the centuries. Thank you to Kevin and all associates for persevering on your journey! Outstanding!