Hiking the Grand Canyon’s Geology, by Lon Abbott & Terri Cook. Soft cover, 301 pages.

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Etched on the Grand Canyon’s steep walls are stories of how this majestic landscape came to be: volcanic islands, stark deserts, and tranquil seas come and gone, and histories of plants and animals that have made this place their home. You’ll read this story up close on the trail with the help of this book.

In 18 excursions, there’s something for everyone: from the most popular rim-to-river trails (Havasu Canyon Trail) to gentle, half-day rim walks (Red Butte Trail) to rugged and remote, multi-day backpack trips (Lava Falls Route).

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. The explanations of the geology associated with each step down the different trails really brings to life the geological history of the Canyon.

The Introduction and Appendices of this book together comprise a very informative, concise, and accessible introduction to the Grand Canyon’s geology. 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.