Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks [Paperback]

Erik Molvar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997 | Series: Regional Hiking Series

Southwestern Utah's towering cliffs and slickrock canyons with colorful spites and natural arches tantalize the senses and evoke a sense of wonder. Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks covers 56 hikes in the two featured parks as well as the surrounding areas-Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt high country, and the Paunsaugunt area. The wondrous landscape of timbered plateaus, windy precipices, erosion-carved spires, and canyon oases defies comparison and is haven for many animals and unique plants. The best way to experience this desert splendor is on foot with Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in hand. Trail descriptions, maps, and photos provide first-hand information for easy day hikes and extended backpack trips. In addition to interesting natural history overviews, tips for obtaining park permits and no-trace camping and safety techniques will help you plan for and enjoy your trips. Don't forget to pack Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks before you head out on your next backcountry adventure.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A good guide provides more than just trail descriptions and a glance at an area's history. Erik Molvar takes that extra step, including sections on "Hiking in Arid Climates," "Following a Faint Trail," and "Avoiding a Narrow Canyon's Flash Flood," important topics considering the canyon land's unique terrain. After preparing his readers for their visit with directions and advice on obtaining park permits, Molvar gives descriptions of 56 hikes through areas such as the Kolob Terrace, Cedar Breaks, and the Markagunt High Country. Molvar's extensive experience is evident, and, given the area's special demands, his advice should prove valuable. --Benjamin Tiffany

From the Back Cover

Covering 56 hikes in the two featured parks as well as the surrounding areas--Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt high country, and the Paunsaugunt area, this book allows you to enjoy the wondrous landscape of timbered plateaus, windy precipices, erosion-carved spires, and canyon oases that defy comparison and are haven for many animals and unique plants. Trail descriptions, maps, and photos provide first-hand information for easy day hikes and extended backpack trips. In addition to interesting natural history overviews, tips for obtaining park permits and no-trace camping and safety techniques will help you plan and enjoy your trips. Don¦t forget to pack this book before you head out on your next backcountry adventure.

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: FalconGuides; 1st edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560445092
• ISBN-13: 978-1560445098
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,113 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Utah

More About the Author

Veteran author and backcountry explorer Erik Molvar discovered backpacking while working on a volunteer trails crew in the North Cascades of Washington. He is the author of more than a dozen FalconGuides for such places as Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Olympic National Park, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park, as well as Hiking Colorado's Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tested and Proven, January 29, 2001

By 

"schutterobrien" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks (Paperback)

I love the Falcon Guides. The Zion and Bryce Canyon edition was the first one I used and now I look for one each time I plan a visit to a national park. My husband and I are avid "day hikers" and we like to find out about the hikes available to us ahead of time so we can make the most out of our trips. This book made it easy. Each hike receives its own detailed description, a clear and easy to use map, an elevation gain/loss chart (so you know just how much up and down you'll be doing and how much land you have to do it in), a snapshot look at points of interest, and more. A nice, brief introduction covers the basics regarding the terrain, weather, and hazards of this region of the country, with all its unique natural features and wildlife. A hiker's checklist at the end is a nifty touch, too. Best of all, hikers of any skill and experience level can use it, as it covers short walks, day hikes, and long backpacking trips as well. We took this book with us and followed it faithfully through each hike we attempted- and had 10 days of wonderful, hassle-free trekking. Highly recommended.