South Mountain Park and Preserve


Book Description

In the heart of the city of Phoenix, Arizona, sits the natural wonder of South Mountain Park and Preserve. It is an oasis of mountain terrain and desert landscapes, comprising more than ninety miles of hiking trails in over sixteen thousand acres, easily accessible to the residents and visitors of the fifth-largest city in the United States. Longtime Phoenix resident and outdoor enthusiast Andrew Lenartz guides readers through the extensive history of the park; the park’s ecosystem, with an overview of the plants, animals, landscape, and topography of the Sonoran Desert environment; the many trails in each of the four sections of South Mountain Park; and a variety of other outdoor activities found within the park. Designed for all ages, the trail maps and descriptions note access points, facilities, elevation gain, and level of difficulty, pointing the way for all hikers to enjoy their trek. A true southwestern treasure, this all-inclusive guide encourages readers to discover the nature and adventure available in this massive outdoor playground.




South Mountain Park and Preserve


Book Description

A true southwestern treasure, this all-inclusive guide to South Mountain Park and Preserve encourages readers to discover the nature and adventure available in this massive outdoor playground.




Life's Ratchet


Book Description

Life, Hoffman argues, emerges from the random motions of atoms filtered through the sophisticated structures of our evolved machinery. People are essentially giant assemblies of interacting nanoscale machines.




Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal


Book Description

Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal takes you on a quest to discover 50 must-see natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State. For each of the 50 places, there's a page that tells you the best time to go, how to get there and how to get permits or passes, if needed. On the opposite page, you check it off your bucket list and journal about your experience. Organized by region: Tourist magnets like Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Monument Valley are in the North Region. In North Central, you'll find tips for amazing sites near Sedona like West Fork Oak Creek, Devil's Bridge, and the vortexes. Other regions include the Superstition Mountains, Lower Salt River, Lake Havasu, Ringbolt (Arizona) Hot Springs, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, and more.




AMC's Best Day Hikes Near New York City


Book Description

This guidebook from the Appalachian Mountain Club's Best Day Hikes Series takes you to 50 of the best short excursions in New York, Connecticut, and Northern New Jersey.




The Battle of South Mountain


Book Description

“A thorough account of the fighting . . . Not only appealingly written but a worthwhile addition to Maryland Campaign literature.” —Historynet.com In September 1862, Robert E. Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia north of the Potomac River for the time as part of his Northern invasion, seeking a quick end to the war. Lee divided his army in three, sending General James Longstreet north to Hagerstown and Stonewall Jackson south to Harper’s Ferry. It was at three mountain passes, referred to as South Mountain, that Lee’s army met the Federal forces commanded by General George B. McClellan on September 14. In a fierce day-long battle spread out across miles of rugged, mountainous terrain, McClellan defeated Lee but the Confederates did tie up the Federals long enough to allow Jackson’s conquest of Harper’s Ferry. Join historian John Hoptak as he narrates the critical Battle of South Mountain, long overshadowed by the Battle of Antietam. “A remarkable work . . . The marches of both armies to South Mountain are presented with close attention to the men in the ranks. The combat is fully covered at each of the gaps in South Mountain.” —Civil War Librarian “A crisp, concise but comprehensive account of the battles at the four passes or ‘gaps’ across South Mountain on September 14, 1862 . . . A truly scholarly effort that will satisfy both serious Civil War students and the general reading public. For Maryland Campaign aficionados, it is a must have addition to your library and is now the definitive account of the battle.” —South from the North Woods




Subpar Parks


Book Description

**A New York Times Bestseller!** Based on the wildly popular Instagram account, Subpar Parks features both the greatest hits and brand-new content, all celebrating the incredible beauty and variety of America’s national parks juxtaposed with the clueless and hilarious one-star reviews posted by visitors. Subpar Parks, both on the popular Instagram page and in this humorous, informative, and collectible book, combines two things that seem like they might not work together yet somehow harmonize perfectly: beautiful illustrations and informative, amusing text celebrating each national park paired with the one-star reviews disappointed tourists have left online. Millions of visitors each year enjoy Glacier National Park, but for one visitor, it was simply "Too cold for me!" Another saw the mind-boggling vistas of Bryce Canyon as "Too spiky!" Never mind the person who visited the thermal pools at Yellowstone National Park and left thinking, “Save yourself some money, boil some water at home.” Featuring more than 50 percent new material, the book will include more depth and insight into the most popular parks, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Acadia National Parks; anecdotes and tips from rangers; and much more about author Amber Share's personal love and connection to the outdoors. Equal parts humor and love for the national parks and the great outdoors, it's the perfect gift for anyone who loves to spend time outside as well as have a good read (and laugh) once they come indoors.




60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Francisco


Book Description

Bay Area parks and preserves offer a dramatic variety of landscapes, from rugged redwood-forested canyons to breezy coastal bluffs, grassy rolling hills to sunny chaparral-coated hillsides. Well-known destinations such as Point Reyes National Seashore, Mount Diablo State Park, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and many other more obscure jewels of the Bay Area park system are just a short drive from the heart of San Francisco. Completely updated and including several new hikes and a complete new map set, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Francisco guides readers to a splendid assortment of trails in the nine counties surrounding one of the world's most beautiful cities. Whether hikers crave a quick and easy get-out-of-town stroll or a challenging day-long trek through wilderness, this book is the perfect trailblazer, for city natives and first-time visitors alike.




Wanderlust USA


Book Description

"Experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those lacing-up their boots for their first time: prepare to hike the diverse American landscape. Whether aiming to conquer epic expeditions, or simply complete a day hike to recharge, paths of every size await the intrepid wayfarer in Wanderlust USA, a book that serves as a blueprint for adventurous souls in search of new summits."--Amazon.com




Moon Take a Hike Phoenix


Book Description

Grab your water bottle and explore more than 75 great hikes in and around Phoenix. The Valley of the Sun offers thousands of acres for hardcore hikers and first-timers alike to enjoy Arizona's amazing landscape. Inside Moon Take a Hike Phoenix you'll find: Detailed Descriptions: Find the right hike for you with thoughtful and thorough descriptions of what to expect along each trail. Pick from a variety of hikes ranging from flat routes suitable for families to challenging rock scrambles. Escape the city for a few hours or take a day-long trek to ultimate solitude. Quick Reference: Compare difficulty ratings, distance, and elevation gain to pick which trail to tackle in an easy-to-scan chart. Icons identify hikes that are dog-friendly or wheelchair accessible-and highlights like historic sites, wildlife, and wildflowers Maps and Directions: Easy-to-use maps for each trail showing topography and elevation. Point-by-point navigation guides you along the right path and prepares you for changes in terrain. All hikes include GPS coordinates and detailed driving directions (including access via public transit when available) for each trailhead. Best-of Lists: Get ideas for where to start with hikes sorted by interest or difficulty, including "Best Near Water," "Best Summit Views," and "Best Kid-Friendly Hikes." Trusted Advice: Born and raised in Phoenix, author Lilia Menconi shares the experience and knowledge she's gained hiking in and around her hometown. Lilia also includes essential tips on desert safety and ways to beat the heat. Whether you're a veteran or a first-time hiker, a lifelong resident or a brand new transplant, Moon Take a Hike Phoenix will have you ready to lace up your hiking boots and head out on your next adventure. Looking to explore beyond Phoenix? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip. Ready for an overnight outdoor adventure? Check out Moon Grand Canyon.