A WALK IN THE PARK

Kevin Fedarko chronicles his attempt to traverse the entire length of the Grand Canyon on foot alongside photographer Pete McBride. Rather than following established rim trails, the pair navigates the bypasses and technical terrain of the inner gorge, covering nearly 800 miles of wilderness. Fedarko details the physical toll of extreme heat, water scarcity, and navigational errors while documenting the environmental pressures facing the park. The narrative focuses on the tension between commercial development, indigenous land rights, and the preservation of the canyon’s biological integrity across its various geological layers.

Outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists read this book to understand the logistical reality of long-distance backcountry survival. It appeals to those interested in the history of the National Park Service and the specific ecological threats posed by tourism and industrial projects. Readers walk away with a precise map of the canyon’s interior geography and an objective look at the bureaucratic challenges involved in managing public lands. The text provides a technical perspective on the endurance required to cross one of the most vertical landscapes on earth.