I like the idea of this book very much (that the hikes are not very detailed specifically because if you really want to be out there you need to do your homework) but it's a little limited by the fact that it includes ALL the parks, and it just doesn't work for a lot of them. Perhaps regional guides would make more sense, and then each park could be more in depth? (Desert Southwest, Mountain West, East Coast, etc.?)

If you've been following my reviews, or you follow me on the socials you know I hike. And we often hike less popular or well know routes - less people, less booking drama fewer fees, so I was quite drawn to this book, even though I'm not planning to hike in America any time soon. This is a stunning, inspiring book for more experienced hikers. It gives a great overview of a range of less publicised American National Parks and the hikes within them. The photos are pretty, and anecdotes amusing. It's not a "how to" for hiking, or a book of maps, it's a book to dream over. If I was looking for hike in America, looking through this book would be an inspiring start to the planning.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a free e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

Hiking Hidden Gems in America’s National Parks, by Ted Alvarez, is an informative, useful, helpful book that offers up some hikes beyond the same old and peppers the suggestions/descriptions with some wonderful photographs.

I’ve hiked in a number of the parks — most of the continental ones along with Denali in Alaska and several multiple times, including a dozen trips to Yellowstone. Despite that, Alvarez had me bookmarking several hikes I either knew of but hadn’t done yet and even some I’d never even heard of or seen in other guidebooks. That alone made the book worth it in my mind (I even yelled at my wife “how do we not know about this?!” when he got to a particularly interesting Yellowstone hike). When he did hit some hikes I’ve done, I found myself nodding in agreement at his description, whether at the wonder of the petroglyphs in Canyonlands or the more tongue-in-cheek but definitely accurate description of Angel’s Landing in Zion: “you’re still waiting for your allotted time to stand in line while death-gripping a chain on the edge of a precipitous cliff littered with people who are frankly unprepared or uncomfortable with extreme exposure.” Yep.

He also gives the reader a wide variety, with the hikes ranging from short day hikes under five miles to multi-day backpacking trips. Hike that are flat the whole way to moderate grades to long climbs and stream crossings. Hikes in parks you can drive to, hikes that you need a boat or plane to get to the “trailhead”.

Clear, varied, aimed at a spectrum of hikers, written with a depth of knowledge and experience and a sense of the inherent conflict between parks that need and should be seen and parks being overrun with visitors, and flush with stunning photos, this is an excellent book for people heading to their first park or people with a an entire shelf full of guide books (you know who you are). Highly recommended.

Beautifully written with gorgeous photography. A great coffee table book - I think this will be a fantastic gift. Makes me want to go visit all of America's great parks.

I love to hike. I used to stick with common trails as I was still a little unsure of myself and my navigational abilities. Then, I began to find solace in the road less taken. I found my pace and the inner drive to push to cover terrain for truly exquisite views that you must earn. I am simultaneously thankful for this compilation of hidden gems because part of what I love is getting away from all the crowds and a little sad as now these amazing gems have been exposed. All in all, though, I am appreciative of Ted Alvarez and Falcon Guides for this beautiful guide through some of America’s most beautiful parks and hikes found within them. I like that the spotlight is cast, but it is up to the reader to get out an explore. There is just enough information provided to pique your interest, but you still need to do the research and create a plan. The pictures are stunning, and the descriptions are just enough to enlighten. The entries provide zones of interest, hikes (broad descriptions, not trail guides), and a hidden gem.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Hiking Hidden Gems in America's National Parks by Ted Alvarez is an interesting book for avid hikers who have already done a lot of hiking.
It does have some pictures and a fair description of the area. It’s for an experienced hiker for sure.
My husband and I do a lot of logging roads so we know how off trail hikes can be but I thought this was helpful for our next adventure.
Thanks Globe Pequot via NetGalley.

4.5 stars

When I requested this book, I did not expect it to be so comprehensive, but it is detailed, rich and the balance between pictures and information is ideal. When I say detailed, I mean the tips about the trails, at what point they get steep, the effects of the weather and the climate of the area, the facilities, the difficulties the trails pose and the beauty. This is extremely informative and I am glad it exists.