Some recommended products below may include affiliate links for which I may receive a commission if purchased when clicking through. Please note that I only recommend products that I feel are worthy, and you will not pay any extra when purchasing through these links. Click here to read the full disclosure statement.
Hiking from Here to WOW: Utah Canyon Country
Kathy Copeland, Craig Copeland
This is my first book of the WOW series, published by Wilderness Press, but I really enjoyed it. It’s a thick book so not one that I’ll carry on the trail with me. But it is GREAT for planning hikes I’ll want to take—and there are plenty of them! Ninety trails painstakingly researched and well written about. The details, maps and photos provided will help guide hikers in choosing and safely preparing and hiking the Canyon Country the of Utah. Lots of gorgeous photo as well. Highly recommended!
Non-Technical Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau, 6th Edition
Michael R. Kelsey
Michael Kelsey is a prolific hiker and writer of the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau region. This book is the newest 4th Edition which has been significantly updated since the last edition. A dozen new hikes and 32 new pages have been added covering the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. In spite of the “Non-Technical” in the title, there are technical slot canyons; it’s just that there are bolts and hardware already in place at the locations. As with all of Kelsey’s books, be well prepared for tough hikes and take his time estimations and add to them to be on the safe side. But he does cover some incredible country!
Hiking The Escalante
Rudi Lambrechtse
This is one of my favorite hiking books! Mr. Lambrechtse gives clear, understandable descriptions of many trails found in the Escalante area. I find his difficulty rating system reasonable and accurate for the fit backpacker. Nearly fifty hikes are listed here, with plenty of black-and-white photographs depicting the area’s fascinating features. In separate chapters, Mr. Lambrechtse also provides information on human history and prehistory, geology, and Natural History of the region. He also includes excellent, precise directions on getting to the trailheads; very valuable information in this remote area!
Utah Atlas & Gazetteer
Delorme
This isn’t something for your backpack but actually for your home and vehicle. I use this when planning the larger strategy on where to hike and laying out the trip. This atlas includes topo maps of the entire state and shows the back roads and differentiates between public lands, shows trails and jeep roads, ski areas, state parks, river trips, and unique natural features—which Utah has plenty of! A great resource!
Trail Guide to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
David Urmann
This is a wonderful book that describes fifty attractions, sites and trails in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A perfect book to keep most people busy for several years of hiking and exploring! One thing I really like about this book is the information on campgrounds, both established and primitive. And the book is filled with black and white photographs that give you a great idea of the area. You’ll even get a little background on the geology, history and climate of the Escalante region. It’s also small enough to take along!
Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah’s Escalante
Steve Allen
If you’re ready for some serious backpacking in Utah’s Escalante area, this is definitely the book for you. Steve Allen certainly knows this country, and his love for it shines through. With over forty hikes described, twenty in the newly designated Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, there are enough hikes here to keep you busy for many years. This is one of the best-written trail guides I have ever seen in my life. Yes, I recommend it!
Not only does Mr. Allen give precise information on everything to make your hike safe and fun, he also includes excellent information on the fascinating local history, geology, and archaeology.He lives in the area, and his knowledge of it is astounding. A must for serious Escalante backpackers!
Hiking and Exploring the Paria River
Michael R. Kelsey
Paria and Buckskin Gulch host some of the most spectacular slot canyons found anywhere in the world. It is a photographer’s paradise, a dream come true. If you’ve seen photographs of narrow, sensuously curvy red sandstone canyon, chances are they’ve been taken here or very nearby. The book also includes the story of John D. Lee and the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Michael Kelsey has hiked much of northern Arizona and southern Utah and written prolifically about his adventures. His books provide very useful information and directions, but be careful of using his time estimates for your own hikes. He hikes very fast and is obviously proud of it. If you really like to get away from it all, this is the book for you too!
Hiking Grand Staircase-Escalante & the Glen Canyon Region
Ron Adkison
In case you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m partial to Falcon Guides. I find them to be comprehensive and easy to read and understand. This book from Ron Adkison is no different.
Within these pages are detailed descriptions for 59 hikes covering hundreds of miles. You’ll find trails that are easy and fun for the casual day hiker and demanding trips for the serious experienced outdoor fanatic.
There is a great section on backcountry safety and hazards. And under Author’s Hike Recommendations you’ll find specific information on what hikes are appropriate for different abilities and recommended trips for those with children. Be sure to check out this section at the beginning of the book to get an idea of what would be an enjoyable trip for you.
Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks: A Guide To Southwestern Utah’s Greatest Hikes (Regional Hiking Series)
Erik Molvar and Tamara Martin
Covering 56 hikes in the two featured parks as well as the surrounding areas-Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt high country, and the Paunsaugunt area, this book allows you to enjoy the wondrous landscape of timbered plateaus, windy precipices, erosion-carved spires, and canyon oases that defy comparison and are haven for many animals and unique plants. Trail descriptions, maps, and photos provide first-hand information for easy day hikes and extended backpack trips.
In addition to interesting Natural History overviews, tips for obtaining park permits and no-trace camping and safety techniques will help you plan and enjoy your trips. Don’t forget to pack this book before you head out on your next backcountry adventure.