Until John McKinney agreed to take his epic hike, no one had ever walked along the edge of the state to determine if a California Coastal Trail was even possible. Were the beaches passable at low tide? Could the bluffs be traveled without arrest for trespass? Could a trail be found through the rugged coastal mountains?The intrepid trailblazer found the answers to these questions-and to more profound ones that never occurred to him until he was on his challenging journey of discovery.Near and dear to his heart, are theunforgettable people he met along the way, including the founding father of whale-watching, backcountry rangers, nuns praying for mercy for the redwoods, and for us all. A saga, a celebration, a comedy, and a lament, this narrative ranks with the classics of California travel literature. "In spectacular prose both gentle and awe-inspiring, John McKinney tells the grand tale of the California coast like no one before him has done, leaving us on the edge of our seat throughout this entire collection. The stories themselves all end up serving as the first-ever map of the trail, and yet they become something far greater than the sum of the many destinations he describes, however rare and pristine and raw they may be: Hiking on the Edge is written by a true artist, written while wandering along the true edge of existence, exceeding all expectations and preconceived ideas, including his own, while looking into the great unknown." -Thomas Rigler, Executive Producer, City Walk and California Coastal Trail (PBS)

"Experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those lacing-up their boots for their first time: prepare to hike the diverse American landscape. Whether aiming to conquer epic expeditions, or simply complete a day hike to recharge, paths of every size await the intrepid wayfarer in Wanderlust USA, a book that serves as a blueprint for adventurous souls in search of new summits."--Amazon.com

Winner of the 2020 National Outdoor Book Award, this book is a hiker's inspirational bucket list embodied in a lavishly illustrated celebration of our nation's one hundred best mountain trails. America's mountain trails lure us to exquisite heights, from the Atlantic Coast in Maine to the Pacific edge in California and the Northwest. These rugged yet seductive pathways call to all who seek both solace and adventure, whether out for a day hike or an extended backpacking expedition. America's Great Mountain Trails introduces readers to one hundred hikes of a lifetime. The book covers some of our nation's most legendary trails and some that are scarcely known, but all can take us on journeys to remarkable places. Between the ancient Appalachians and the Pacific Coast's uplift lie the Rockies, Desert Range, Sierra Nevadas, Cascade Mountains, Olympics, and more. Beyond are the resoundingly wild terrain of Alaska and the islands of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, which ascend like dreamy visions from the sea. Readers get practical details about the length and difficulty of each hike, along with concise directions to each trailhead, tips about the best seasons to go, advice on permit requirements, and a selection of alternate routes. An appendix offers information about what must be done to protect these special places so they'll remain alluring and rewarding to all the generations ahead. With fascinating text and beautiful photography by Tim Palmer, America's Great Mountain Trails is sure to become the definitive reference book to the most outstanding mountain trails in America.

Special Sections -- Dogs -- Dog Trails -- Human Waste -- Personal Locator Beacons -- If You're Lost -- Bark Beetles -- Wilderness Camping -- Wildfires -- Lightning -- Shuttle Buses -- Trail Crews -- Understanding Search and Rescue (SAR).

Discover the best of San Bernardino National Forest with this authoritative guide to 100 unforgettable hikes. Southern California’s highest and most rugged mountains are in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges, in a unique region where wildly varied naturescapes—desert cactus and pine trees, snowcapped peaks and palm oases—are found in close proximity. With the Pacific Crest Trail weaving its way through the mountains and desert, there are endless opportunities to explore Southern California trails. After more than 50 years in print, San Bernardino Mountain Trails remains the bible for Southern California hikers. This updated guide by veteran hiker and author David Money Harris contains new trips, as well as old favorites. This edition brings John Robinson’s classic guide up to date with the latest trail conditions. Eight old trails, especially in areas that have become overgrown after fire damage, have been replaced with recently built or more heavily used trails. Inside you’ll find: 100 hikes that traverse San Bernardino National Forest, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the San Jacinto Mountains Details about each hike’s features and a description of the trail At-a-glance information about length, difficulty, and more “Overview of Hikes” chart that shows which trips are best suited for kids, dogs, mountain biking, and backpacking San Bernardino Mountain Trails is noted for its comprehensive coverage of the San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and Santa Rosa mountains and its meticulously researched history of the ranges. Get to know the area before you explore it, and find the best trips for your skill level and interests.

"Kevin Grange details nearly everything that possibly could go wrong in a national park and yet still manages to make you more excited than ever to hit the trail." —Conor Knighton, New York Times bestselling author of Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park Wild Rescues is a fast-paced, firsthand glimpse into the exciting lives of paramedics who work with the National Park Service: a unique brand of park rangers who respond to medical and traumatic emergencies in some of the most isolated and rugged parts of America. In 2014, Kevin Grange left his job as a paramedic in Los Angeles to work in a response area with 2.2 million acres: Yellowstone National Park. Seeking a break from city life and urban EMS, he wanted to experience pure nature, fulfill his dream of working for the National Park Service, and take a crash-course in wilderness medicine. Grange's epic journey took him to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Teton National Parks where, among other calls, he battled to save the lives of a heart attack victim at Old Faithful, a hiker who'd fractured his skull below Yosemite Falls, and a snowmobiler who launched into a deep gorge in the shadow of the jagged Tetons. Grange was initially overwhelmed—and out of his element—providing patient care in an extreme environment with limited resources and a two-hour drive to the nearest hospital. But he came to enjoy the challenges and steep learning curve of wilderness medicine. Between calls, Grange reflects upon the democratic ideal of the National Park mission, the beauty of the land, and the many threats facing it. With visitation rising, budgets shrinking, and people loving our parks to death, he realized that—along with the health of his patients—he was also fighting for the life of "America's Best Idea."