Grand Canyon National Park: The Complete Guide

I am an enthusiastic fan of the Costa Rica guide by the same author, so I consulted this in advance of a recent trip to GC. It follows the same winning formula: full of lush illustrations and practical, concise text that will inspire your own planning rather than exhaustively listing every possible detail in advance. Be aware that the focus is exclusively on the National Park with a tantalizing few pages about Havasu Canyon at the end. Nearby attractions Route 66 and Grand Canyon West are confined to a single page for each. This may reflect an author bias against commercialism, and he has a point. The information on wildlife is surprisingly skimpy, but this minor weaknesses is overwhelmed by the intimate knowledge and passion for the area that is conveyed. And if there is one piece of advice that is GOLD, it is the suggestion to buy your admission pass in advance at the Welcome Centre in Tusayan, and then rely on the free shuttles instead of driving. In savings of time and trouble, that more than paid for the cost of the book!

Bought this book in hope to plan rim to rim walk but there is no basic map of all the trails. Surely a good starting point?? Seems a basic error imo that there isn't one. The back fold out cover reveals a map of where the GC lies in relation to the states around it. What a waste! Plenty (too many?) photos. Ok for general overview. Has won plenty of prizes for some reason, so there we are, this is my opinion for what it is worth.

It gives you all the details about every place and picture spot in the Grand Canyon, get it BEFORE you go! It is a great reference too.

Some guidebooks have pretty photos and visuals, some have practical visitor information, some have interesting history and background, and some have inside tips from a writer who knows the destination backwards and forwards. This Grand Canyon guidebook has it all -- spectacular photography, helpful maps and visuals; a succinct yet thorough primer on the area's natural and human history; plenty of practical tips about when and where to go, what to do, where to hike, and how to avoid the crowds; and just enough of the author's personal insights and opinions to be useful without being bossy. Then you notice that this book was researched, written, photographed, and designed by just one guy, and you realize what an amazing achievement this is. Words cannot do justice to the photography, and the author writes with a fresh and approachable style that packs lots of information into elegant, easy-to-read sections. I looked at all the other Grand Canyon guidebooks before buying this one, and I'm glad I chose this one -- it is the best. Happy travels!

Lots of info if your going to visit