The Trail: A Novel by Ethan Gallogly

The Trail: A Novel by Ethan Gallogly – A Transformative Journey on the John Muir Trail

Set authentically in the High Sierra, The Trail is a moving story of how nature helps us find what’s missing in our lives. Winner of two literary awards and a Kirkus Reviews BEST BOOKS OF 2021 issue selection, this novel is fused with humor, philosophy, and trail lore.

The Journey on the John Muir Trail

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 (JMT).

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 a diverse cast of characters drawn from his own personal experiences as a hiker. The narrative expertly weaves in a back story detailing the origins of the JMT: 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.

Key Features & Appeal

• Beautifully Crafted: Features 43 maps and sketches by acclaimed mountain illustrator Jeremy Ashcroft, showing the topography of each section in clear three-dimensional renderings.
• Vivid Detail: Peppered with drawings of the trail’s iconic scenery, like the Muir Hut, the Rock Monster, and Evolution Lake.
• For Fans Of: Readers who enjoy Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods or Ben Montgomery’s Grandma Gatewood’s Walk.
• Praise: Hailed as "UNRESERVEDLY RECOMMENDED" by Midwest Book Review and "A subtle and vivid tale of finding peace in the great outdoors" by Kirkus Reviews.

Product Details

• Title: The Trail: A Novel
• Author: Ethan Gallogly
• Format: Paperback
• Publisher: Sierra Nevada Press
• Publication Date: February 2022
• ISBN-13: 9781737419204
• ISBN-10: 1737419203