A powerful, blazingly honest, inspiring memoir: the story of a 1,100 mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe--and built her back up again. At twenty-six, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's devastating death, her family scattered, and her own marriage was soon destroyed. With nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to hike the Pacific Crest trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State--and to do it alone. She had no experience as a long-distance hiker, and the trail was little more than "an idea, vague and outlandish and full of promise." But it was a promise of piecing back together a life that had come undone. Gorgeously told, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild is the vivid story of a young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

A companion book to the Trailside PBS-TV series offers comprehensive information about hiking throughout the U.S., covering equipment and food, hiking skills, choosing a campsite, traveling with kids, and hiking long distances. Original. TV tie-in.

Completely updated and including new trails, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul, 2nd details 60 of the area’s best trails, most of which are within an hour’s drive of the Twin Cities.

Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die is the latest offering in the bestselling Fifty Places series. Chris Santella, along with top expedition leaders, explores the world’s greatest walking adventures. Some, such as the Lunana Snowman Trek in Bhutan and the Kangshung Valley Trek in Tibet, are grueling multiweek adventures at high altitudes. Others, such as Japan’s Nakesando Trail, move leisurely from village to village, allowing walkers to immerse themselves in the local culture. Whether it’s climbing the Rwandan mountains to view mountain gorillas or strolling through bistros along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, there’s a memorable hike at everyone’s level within these 50 chapters. With commentaries from expert trekkers and insider tips that lead the reader off the beaten path, Santella has again captured the special characteristics that make these must-visit destinations.

A cultural commentator and author of such works as Sex Collectors and The Food Chain evaluates walking from a range of disciplines to consider how the activity has inspired sporting events, mystical revelations, and artistic legacies. 17,500 first printing.

Features a guide to the latest developments in backpacking equipment and provides practical information on hiking techniques, clothing, first aid, cooking, and selecting a campsite

Get into Minnesota’s most rugged and scenic wild places. From Duluth to Grand Portage, discover magnificent trails that wind through nine state parks, the Superior National Forest, the Superior Hiking Trail and even into the BWCAW! Naturalist and North Shore expert Andrew Slade has scouted out over 300 miles of trails along inland ridges and Lake Superior shoreline for this indispensable guide. Grab your boots and go! Those new to Minnesota’s North Shore, as well as experienced hikers in Lake Superior country, will find Hiking the North Shore the most comprehensive resource around. Andrew hiked every trail, checked out every overlook and visited every waterfall, so you can plan a perfect day’s hike. Find recommendations for short and easy hikes that will quickly plunge you into a true North Shore experience, as well as longer, more challenging hikes that will take you to the highest points in Minnesota, unusual geological formations and old-growth forests. Hiking the North Shore encourages and inspires hikers of all skill levels to get out and explore these beautiful routes. What are you waiting for? Everything you need is inside this book: Details on day hikes ranging from 2 miles to 12 miles Driving directions Maps of each hike, with mileages and landmarks Time estimates for every hike A full range of hikes?trails perfect for families with young kids, challenges for hard-core adventure seekers and moderate hikes for everyone in between Information on facilities, permit requirements and helpful websites Tips for finding shortcuts and navigating tricky trail crossings Suggestions for timing your hike for spring wildflowers, summer berries or fall colors Tips for planning round trip and shuttle hikes Fascinating lore about flora, fauna, geology and history Recommendations for kicking back after your hike, including nearby restaurants, lodging, campsites and museums Gear up for the best hiking in the Midwest!

Moon Spotlight Tahoe Camping and Hiking is a 180-page compact guide covering Tahoe and the Northern Sierra region of California, perfect for campers and hikers looking for a backcountry campsite or a place to pitch a tent. Each camp listing has at-a-glance icons that indicate nearby hiking or biking trails, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and hot springs. You'll also learn what campsites and trails allow dogs. Hiking descriptions include distance, estimated hiking time, and a rating for difficulty. Easy-to-follow maps and clear driving directions lead campers and hikers to the best of this famous destination. This Spotlight guidebook is excerpted from Moon California Camping and Moon California Hiking.

A portrait of former Capitol Hill speechwriter Guy Waterman follows his decision to leave civilization and live off the land in a Vermont cabin, describing his passionate pursuit of mountain climbing and his controversial suicide. Reprint. 50,000 first printing.