"Crossing Arizona" details an extraordinary journey through some of the harshest, most remote, and most beautiful natural terrain in the Lower 48. In March 2000, long-distance hiker Chris Townsend, inspired by the writings of Edward Abbey and Colin Fletcher, set out on a solo trek to explore the desert landscape that enthralled them. One of the first people to complete an end-to-end hike of the Arizona Trail, Townsend followed the rough, still-evolving route for 800 miles across the desert floor, through grasslands and mountain forests, and over rocky, snowy passes-all the way from the Mexican border, across the Sonoran Desert and through the Grand Canyon, to Utah. Hiking alone over the course of two months, Townsend rarely encountered another hiker; heat, discomfort, and the quest for water were constant concerns. But he also experienced moments of profound solitude and extraordinary beauty - gazing across the endless vistas of the Grand Canyon, making camp under the stars each night, or reflecting on the stark beauty of this vast, wild, uniquely American place. Illustrated with maps and photographs of his trip, Crossing Arizona is both an account of Townsend's adventure, and a vicarious journey through a spectacular landscape.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Neil Limbert
Format:Paperback
800 miles from Mexico to Utah crossing various types of terrain-desert;forest;chapparal;Canyons;mountains;plateau's. Walking in heat/camping in Snow at times! This is a fascinating read which makes you want to put on the old boots & fly to Arizona immediately.
He makes little of the problems which an inexperienced hiker would find insurmountable. He came close to running out of water on at least 2 occasions but there is no sign of panic.Even so it is clear the position could have been dangerous.
His descriptions of the landscape & wildlife he encountered seemed, at least to me anyway, to bring Arizona into my living room. Once started, it was a book I could not put down.
Highly recommended.
He makes little of the problems which an inexperienced hiker would find insurmountable. He came close to running out of water on at least 2 occasions but there is no sign of panic.Even so it is clear the position could have been dangerous.
His descriptions of the landscape & wildlife he encountered seemed, at least to me anyway, to bring Arizona into my living room. Once started, it was a book I could not put down.
Highly recommended.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By "superlanky"
Format:Paperback
The only shame with this book is that I had to special order it, which was well worth the wait! Only for me to see several copies of it on the Arizona bookshop shelves a few months later! It also cost me an extra £9.99 as I spotted Chris's other book Munros and Tops!
I'd just mention that while the photos are indeed fantastic, they are artfully black and white, but colour would have been more appropriate. I hope that the publishers take note of the above comments!
This book is a great read with plenty of feeling. Crossing Arizona sounds a very tough walk, not for the faint hearted, so I'd recommend reading the book first! Then if you're tough, or indeed brave enough try walking a section of the Arizona Trail. I'd give it a try but I'm a jessy and neither of the above! I just got a thrill out of reading the book.
What I particularly enjoy with some of Chris's books, this a prime example, is his honesty and openness. We may not all agree with him but he uses his right to free speach well. Crossing Arizona would be less of a book if Chris's thoughts and feelings were ommited.
I have been to Arizona a number of times and would love to make a return trip one day. OK, it will be in a car, shame on me, but Arizona has quite a hold on me! It certainly holds a special place in Chris's heart! His finishing paragraphs make this abundantly clear! I could "feel" Chris's sadness at leaving and I too didn't want the book to end. I had a lump in my throat when I closed the book for the last time. No other book has had such an impact on me as Crossing Arizona, particularly the end.
Whatever book Chris writes next I hope it is going to be as good as Crossing Arizona.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Timbo
Format:Paperback
If you love backpacking buy this book, you will not regret it. A beautifully written and inspiring read that just leaves you itching to get away. Seriously, if you don't enjoy it I'll eat my hat!
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