HIKE IT

Glimpses and descriptions of 20 national and state parks and mountain ranges, woven through with information on hiking and backpacking.

With the exceptions of Acadia National Park, Great Smoky Mountains NP, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, all the featured destinations are significantly west of the Mississippi River, including Olympic, Yellowstone, Denali, and Sequoia National Parks. Featured topics include the 10 Essentials and the Leave No Trace guidelines; how to relieve yourself in the wild; snow, fire, and bear safety (about bears in general; specifics aren’t provided about black versus grizzly); backpacking gear and food; hydration (the author uses the term wild water for natural water sources); wild berries; extreme conditions; navigation and what to do if you’re lost; and mindfulness and Hike Your Own Hike, a phrase used to remind people not to compare themselves to others and to respect others’ choices as well. The information is useful and will help outdoor adventurers stay safe, have fun, and ensure the preservation of each destination. Stanev’s illustrations highlight the scenery of each locale and often include common wildlife. The people enjoying the hikes are diverse, and there’s often diversity within each family or friend grouping. Spot art effectively highlights equipment, directions, and important tips. A map is noticeably missing.

Solid info combined with amazing destinations make this a good intro to hiking and backpacking.