Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology (Hiking Geology) [Paperback]

Lon Abbott (Author), Terri Cook (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hiking Geology | Publication Date: February 6, 2004

The only guide to the Grand Canyon that combines hiking and geology—unlocking the mysteries of the landscape, step by step.

· Newest addition to the popular Hiking Geology series
· Appendices cover additional geologic information for the non-geologist
· Everything needed to plan the trip, including permits, lodging and camping, mule rides, and recommended day trips

Etched on the Grand CanyonÂ’s steep walls are stories of how this majestic landscape came to be: volcanic islands, stark deserts, and tranquil seas come and gone, and histories of plants and animals that have made this place their home. YouÂ’ll read this story up close on the trail with the help of Hiking the Grand CanyonÂ’s Geology. In 18 excursions, thereÂ’s something for everyone: from the most popular rim-to-river trails (Havasu Canyon Trail) to gentle, half-day rim walks (Red Butte Trail) to rugged and remote, multi-day backpack trips (Lava Falls Route).

Editorial Reviews

Review

Abbott and Cook give us a comprehensive understanding of the geology [of Grand Canyon National Park]. -- Southwest BookViews

An excellent resource for curious hikers as they descend into the canyon's depths. -- Salt Lake City Desert News

There may be no better source combining geological history with step-by-step descriptions of [the] trails. --Arizona Republic

About the Author

Geologists LON ABBOTT and TERI COOK both teach at Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona, where they lead hiking trips to study geology in the field.

Product Details

• Paperback: 301 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books; 1 edition (February 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898868955
• ISBN-13: 978-0898868951
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Arizona

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Reference, April 20, 2006

By 

Gary Barnes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology (Hiking Geology) (Paperback)

After many years of hiking and studying the Grand Canyon, this text was a true delight and an eye-opener. The explanations of the geology associated with each step down the different trails really brings to life the geological history of the Canyon. The book provided new insight on trails that I have been over many times before and has added to my appreciation and understanding of the Canyon. Many thanks to the authors!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Intro to Geology--Plus Hiking Info., February 18, 2004

By 

Bob Hockett (Wellesley, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology (Hiking Geology) (Paperback)

I highly recommend this book even if one has no present intention of hiking in the Grand Canyon (though I have to say that, after reading it, I now find it imperative to go there in the very near future). The Introduction and Appendices of this book together comprise the most informative, concise and accessible introduction to a science subject (Geology in this case) I have ever had the pleasure to read. The authors actually make events of the last 4600 million years (!) jump off the page as if they were part of a live action series!

It is rare to find a book which transcends its specific topic as this one does. Even my nine-year old was fascinated by the vivid descriptions of the forming of the major features of the North American landscape, the formation and break-up of Rodinia, Pangea, etc., and the many, many layers of history present (and not present!) in the fantastic artwork the Colo. River has carved for all to experience first hand.

I have not "road-tested" this book for its specific hiking information. However, I can certainly certainly recommend the book based on its geological and earth history content alone.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't just Hike - Experience!, March 20, 2009

By 

Sierra nomad "YosemiteTrailsDVD-com" (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology (Hiking Geology) (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a reference while working on my DVD Hiking Guide to the Grand Canyon (Jon's DVD Hiking Guides - Grand Canyon National Park) and I found it to be invaluable.

If you want to truly experience the place that you are hiking in then you need to be able to do at least some interpretation of the natural world around you. In the Grand Canyon, geology is paramount.

This book is excellent in that it has something for everyone. I believe that Geology Majors would not feel that the subject has been "dumbed down", but it also enlightens those (like myself) who have little knowledge of the subject.

Knowing about Grand Canyon geology makes the topography come to life. It sparks the imagination as you imagine what the area looked like while each rock layer was being deposited.

For those planning a trip to the Grand Canyon I think of this book as an addition to another Grand Canyon hiking book or DVD. Its focus is geology, and leaves out a lot of information that most books or DVDs that are focused solely on hiking contain.