As an outdoor enthusiast, I know the thrill of exploring hikes in Colorado's breathtaking landscapes.
But when you're not on the trail, books become a gateway to immerse yourself in epic quests and find inspiration. In this section, I'll share honest book reviews, insider hiking tips and tricks, and my thoughts on the trail.
May your footsteps lead you to new trails and your books transport you to incredible journeys.
-Melody
PSSST... Dive into our GoodReads page, where I spill the tea on all the books I'm reading, loving, and reviewing – because good books are like secrets worth sharing!
This memoir tells thrilling tales of National Park rescues and personal growth. Grange shares ordinary hiking moments gone awry, bringing calm and sometimes humor to life changing events for their patients. You’ll laugh at his funny exploits, cry when things go horribly wrong and find yourself cheering for the underdog. Easy to read, shared in three parts, explore these three national parks, Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, through the eyes of the unsung hero medic.
Read MoreTo really find what you’re made of, you need to spend time in the mud and mire of the hiking trail. At least that’s what Suzanne Roberts needed on the cusp of adulthood. Armed with limited through hiking knowledge, along with a trail “know it all friend” (you know the type I’m talking about) and a newbie hiking peer fighting an eating disorder, the three girls took on California’s John Muir Trail. Roberts brilliantly weavesi in life lessons on their 28 day through hike.
Read MoreA beloved outdoor adventure book turned outdoor comedy film, Bryson’s tales about hiking the Appalachian Trail will have you loading up a backpack for an outdoor adventure of your own. History and geography facts are woven around hilarious thru hiker backpacker run ins and pivotal personal moments of pain in this travel book.
Read MoreHeather “Anish” Anderson is on a quest to break the 2011 PCT unsupported thru-hike record set by Scott Williamson. You’ll quickly find this outdoor adventure book is less about the record and more about the trail’s lessons. Thru-hiking over 40 miles/day for weeks on end brings Anderson to the end of her physical energy. However, on her PCT journey, the thirst and hardships endured give beautiful insights into the beauty of nature, the triumph of trail hiking and the joy of finding inner contentment.
Read MoreAndrea Lankford weaves powerful stories of National Park Rangers in this eloquent memoir. WIth 12 years of service under her belt, this tell all adventure book doesn’t mince words for obnoxious tourists, challenging rescues and mental. health issues of the USA National Park rangers. Be ready for an outdoor adventure and a good cry at the end.
Read MoreLongtime through hiker, Foskett, journeys to nearby Scotland to hike the Cape Wrath trail. Miles into his hike, he comes face to face with his addictions that mask his true illness - depression. Hike out of this dark space with Foskett while experiencing the beautiful history of a beloved country.
Read MoreFor some, hiking the Appalachian Trail is a young person’s quest. Grandma Gatewood’s first trek on the AT began at 67 years old. She’d go on to complete this magnificent 2,000+ mile trail two more times proving age has nothing to do with fulfilling dreams. Read this book and quickly find yourself ready to lace up your boots for an AT thru-hike.
Read MoreGail Straub fantastically weaves short narratives of adventurous women into a powerful book of positive motivation. For any outdoor enthusiasts, this should be a must read! You’ll be drawn into a rich community of ordinary women doing extraordinary things simply by starting. A great gift, this book should be on every hiker’s bookshelf!
Read MoreEmbark on a soul-stirring adventure in "The Net Beneath Us." Follow Elsa's extraordinary journey through the untamed wilderness as she confronts challenges, grief, and the power of nature. Will she find the resilience to overcome adversity and discover hope in the face of loss? Experience the emotional depth of the characters and immerse yourself in beautifully depicted natural settings. Prepare to be captivated by a tale that will leave you pondering the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. Can Elsa's story unlock the secrets of resilience and transformation? Dive into the pages and find out for yourself.
Read MoreEmbark on the pages and unveil the enchantment of unique journeys, where not only does this road trip retrace the steps of Jedidiah's parents' iconic walk across America in the '70s, but it becomes the backdrop for one of the hardest conversations of his life. In Mother, Nature, witness acceptance blossoming in the most unexpected places, weaving a narrative that goes beyond exploration—it's an intimate journey of rediscovery and connection.
Read MoreStep into the vibrant setting of Sedona with Kathleen Bryant's "Over the Edge," a gripping murder mystery that highlights Arizona's splendor. Follow a has-been journalist as she navigates family drama, unsolved murders, and the spiritual intrigue of this bustling tourist hotspot. Bryant's storytelling may earn a B for mystery, but her portrayal of Sedona is an A+.
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