Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology

I purchased this book as a reference while working on my DVD Hiking Guide to the Grand Canyon 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 in 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.

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!

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.