Southwest Canyon Country’s Best Nature Walks: 39 Easy Ways to Explore the National Parks of the Four Corners

Explore some of the easiest and most rewarding hikes through Utah, Arizona, and Colorado’s otherworldly landscapes--with descriptions of the unique flora, fauna, and geology any hiker can discover along the trail.

From the towering cliffs of Zion to the ancient dwellings of Mesa Verde; from the bighorn sheep of Arches National Park to the Martian-looking landscapes of the Petrified Forest--each trail featured in Southwest Canyon Country’s Best Nature Walks beckons with the promise of adventure and discovery.

But these are not the epic treks of seasoned adventurers or the grueling expeditions of intrepid explorers. Instead, these are brief excursions--often chosen for being less crowded and for their proximity to the road--that can be enjoyed by families, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat into the wilderness or simply craving a breath of fresh air, this book has something for everyone.

Roddy Scheer is a journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors, and travel. When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy produces EarthTalk, a weekly environmental Q&A column syndicated to more than 1,000 news outlets reaching more than 6 million readers. He has served as a regular contributor to E-The Environmental Magazine, Seattle Magazine, Northwest Travel, American Photo, PhotoMedia, Wildflower, and others. His books include Oregon and Washington’s Roadside Ecology and Yellowstone and Grand Teton’s Best Nature Walks. He is a three-time Society of Professional Journalists ＂Excellence in Journalism＂ winner.