A Transformative Journey on the John Muir Trail WINNER OF TWO LITERARY AWARDS A NEXT GEN INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST In Kirkus Reviews BEST BOOKS OF 2021 issue "UNRESERVEDLY RECOMMENDED" — Midwest Book Review Set authentically in the High Sierra, The Trail is a moving story showing how nature helps us find what’s missing in our lives. The Trail is fused with humor, philosophy, and trail lore. Woven in is a back story detailing the origins of the John Muir Trail: a 211-mile trail spanning the rooftop of the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. The tale begins with Gil, who in the wake of his father’s death and recently fired from his job, agrees to accompany his father’s old hiking partner Syd on a month-long trek on the John Muir Trail. There’s just one problem: Gil hates camping and is woefully unprepared for the rigors of the journey. Moreover, he soon learns Syd may not survive the hike. Former Sierra Club leader Ethan Gallogly takes you on a wild tour across the Range of Light, describing its glorious scenery in vivid detail while introducing you to a diverse cast of characters drawn from his own personal experiences as a hiker. It’s a beautifully crafted book, with 43 maps and sketches by acclaimed mountain illustrator Jeremy Ashcroft, showing the topography of each section in clear three-dimensional renderings and peppered with drawings of the trail’s iconic scenery, like the Muir Hut, the Rock Monster, and Evolution Lake. Whether you’re a hiker, armchair explorer, or someone trying to find what’s really meaningful in life—this book is for you. PRAISE FOR THE TRAIL “ The author shines in his descriptions of the natural world... A subtle and vivid tale of finding peace in the great outdoors. ” — Kirkus Reviews “ Exceptional, original, entertaining, informative… an inherently fascinating read from cover to cover… unreservedly recommended. ” — Midwest Book Review “ It’s a fantastic book. Everything rings true. I already have several people I plan to give copies to. ” — Elizabeth Wenk, author of the best-selling John Muir Trail guidebook “ A Walk in the Woods meets Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance .” — Peter Snow Cao, Bike China Adventures “ A wonderful blend of High Sierra history, eloquent descriptions of the range’s glorious scenery, and fascinating vignettes of the diverse characters who roam the John Muir Trail. ” — Steve Roper, Sierra historian and author of Sierra High Route “ The Trail leaves the reader with a poignant picture of how nature can heal and reconstruct us. ” — Alyssa Matesic, ASM Editorial ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ethan Gallogly, PhD (“Po”) has been a leader in the Sierra Club, the Cal Hiking and Outdoors Society, and the Outdoors Club of Southern California. His boots have covered countless miles in the Sierra, including the John Muir Trail, High Sierra Trail, Theodore Solomons Trail, and over half of the Pacific Crest Trail. He was a reviewer for the Wilderness Press guides Sierra North , Sierra South , and Yosemite National Park . FOR READERS OF Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods , Cheryl Strayed’s Wild , and Ben Montgomery’s Grandma Gatewood’s Walk . "Exceptional, original, entertaining, informative... unreservedly recommended." — Midwest Book Review "Wow, what a treasure! This book made me laugh, think, and self-reflect... a gateway to spirituality, inner peace, and the healing power of nature." — Audible Listener "A beautiful tale of adventure, life, and the bonds we make along the way. A surprisingly wonderful story that tugs at your heart." — Amazon Reviewer "A wonderful blend of High Sierra history, gripping storytelling, and deeply moving life lessons. I learned so much and was entertained the whole way." — Audible Listener "Best book this year! I cried, laughed, and pondered many times while listening. Magnificent in every way — highly recommend." — Audible Listener Despite the print edition of The Trail going through nine rounds of editing, I was still amazed when I first heard Jake Hunsbusher's narration of the audiobook. Hearing the story read aloud, with all the character voices, added a new dimension—one that even surprised me as the author. Many readers and listeners say the journey has stayed with them long after they finished. If you love wilderness stories, the quiet clarity of the mountains, or character-driven adventures, I hope you'll enjoy walking with me on The Trail . Ethan Gallogly, PhD ("Po") has been a leader in the Sierra Club, the Cal Hiking and Outdoors Society, and the Outdoors Club of Southern California. His boots have covered countless miles in the Sierra, including the John Muir Trail, High Sierra Trail, Theodore Solomons Trail, and over half of the Pacific Crest Trail. He was a reviewer for the Wilderness Press guides Sierra North , Sierra South , and Yosemite National Park . Maps & Illustrations: Jeremy Ashcroft is an