Hikernut's Canyon Lands Companion

A Guide to the Best Canyon Hikes in the American Southwest

Non-Fiction - Travel
196 Pages
Reviewed on 10/20/2013
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Brian J. Lane is the award-winning author and producer of Hikernut’s Grand Canyon Companion. Self published in 2007, his guidebook received eight national and regional awards and was quickly chosen by Independent Publishers Group (a division of Ingram Books) for national distribution, subsequently selling nearly all 10,000 first edition copies.

In 2011 Brian signed on with The Countryman Press to publish the second edition of his Grand Canyon book (released in December, 2012) and his second book, Hikernut’s Canyon Lands Companion, (released in April, 2013).

Basing his books on personal experience, Brian offers practical advice gleaned from over twenty years of hiking and backpacking in and around the Southwest Canyon Country, and throughout the United States and Canada. He emphasizes safety and responsibility to ensure his readers understand what they will be getting into - and how to get back out.

Brian studied illustration, photography, and fine art at Clark University and Massachusetts College of Art. A former U.S. Marine, he is a NOLS/WMI certified Wilderness First Responder, a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, the American Hiking Society, and a Life Member of the Sierra Club. In 2001 Brian also received a Photographer’s Forum “Award of Excellence.” Born and raised in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, he moved to the Southwest over twenty years ago and resides with his wife on their small ranch in Sedona, Arizona.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Hikernut’s Canyon Land Companion: A Guide to the Best Canyon Hikes in the American Southwest by author Brian J. Lane is an indispensable book for hikers. It contains six chapters which cover everything a hiker will need to know. The book begins with a list of necessities and equipment. Hikernut’s Canyon Land Companion has it all: maps covering twelve different canyons and the different trails on each one, why the canyon is famous, the closest town, elevation, contact, permits and restrictions, a trail overview that states the length, difficulty, availability of toilets and water, special advisories, and directions to the different trails. Brian J. Lane offers tips and advice such as never hike alone, stay on the trial, Fed is Dead, waste disposal, food storage, and always be prepared. Each tip has an in-depth explanation. I was glad to see tips on taking photographs. The author has included charts showing average temperatures as well as sunrise and sunset times. The chapter on mishaps and remedies has invaluable information. Last but not least, there is information on plants, living creatures, and the geology of the area.

Hikernut’s Canyon Land Companion is an excellent book for everyone, even those of us that only hike from our armchairs. The photos are inspiring; they show the true beauty of the canyons. There are those of us who will never see the beauty of the Southwest except through photographs and Brian J. Lane is a gifted photographer. This guide is essential for both intermediate and beginner hikers. This would make a great gift for your favorite hiker.