Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Grand Canyon: Between River and Rim

Rate this book
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience--an end-to-end, rim-to-river exploration of the Grand Canyon. The authors have debuted a film- Into the Canyon -in February of 2019 that explores their hike through the canyon

Award-winning photographer Pete McBride, along with best-selling authors Kevin Fedarko and Hampton Sides, takes us on a gripping adventure story told through stunning, never-before-seen photography and powerful essays. By hiking the entire 750 miles of Grand Canyon National Park--from the Colorado River to the canyon rim--McBride captures the majesty of as well as calling us to protect America's open-aired cathedral.
The 2019 Public Lands Alliance Partnership Book of the Year , this is the most spectacular collection of Grand Canyon imagery ever seen, showing beauty from vantages where no other photographers have ever stood. It will also highlight the conservation challenges this iconic national park faces as visitation numbers grow and development pressures surrounding it mount. This photography will inspire and remind us why we protect such a cherished public space.
Proceeds benefit the Grand Canyon Conservancy, and the accompanying documentary Into the Canyon has been shown at the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival and the Aspen Film Festival in February of 2019 as well as debuting on the National Geographic Channel--all in time for the national park's centennial.

236 pages, Hardcover

Published September 25, 2018

5 people are currently reading
494 people want to read

About the author

Pete McBride

6 books9 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
135 (75%)
4 stars
38 (21%)
3 stars
3 (1%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Annette.
333 reviews40 followers
December 8, 2024
Amazing photos. I just finished A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko and I consider this the companion book of absolutely beautiful photos taken on that same venture. The book A Walk in the Park, detailed the agonies and difficulties the authors had to face. Seeing these photographs almost makes it really look like it was merely a walk in a park.
Profile Image for Sharon.
903 reviews
July 3, 2021
Not just a beautiful coffee table book! Don’t get me wrong - the photographs are awesome, but their account of exploring the Grand Canyon from end to end is amazing as well. A must for landscape photography lovers, hikers/ backpackers and anyone who has visited the Grand Canyon or wants to.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,977 reviews38 followers
June 3, 2025
I read A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko about his experience hiking the length of the Grand Canyon with his friend Pete McBride. McBride is a photographer and he and Fedarko have had lots of adventures together with McBride photographing and Fedarko writing about their experience. After I read Fedarko's book I found that my library system had McBride's photo book from their trip. It is stunning. I do wish that I had this one while I was reading Fedarko's book so that I could see the larger, color photos of what was being described in the book. I've been to the Grand Canyon once and it is amazing. But this is beyond what most people see. Kevin Fedarko writes the introduction and Pete McBride writes a few pages at the beginning of each section of their hike to give some background to the photos. McBride's photography is amazing and if you haven't been to the Grand Canyon in person, this book will make you want to go.
Profile Image for Marie.
1,414 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2019
Awesome - extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension, or fear.

Awesome - this book and the place that it is about and the journey that the authors undertook.

The two authors of The Grand Canyon: Between River and Rim took just over a year and walked the entire length of the Grand Canyon. Along the way they took notes and photos to share with us, the reader. Having visited the Grand Canyon myself, I can attest to the difficulty of capturing it's grandeur and beauty in photographs. I am really impressed at how well the authors do at capturing it in their photographs.

I was also really impressed with their tenacity in accomplishing the journey! I got downright nervous on their behalf at points, as they speak openly about the scarcity of drinking water and the intense heat.* I was actually glad to hear that they used good sense and took a break from the walk during the most hot months of the year. No shame in staying alive.

I learned so much from this book! Did you know that it snows regularly in the winter? I always think of the Grand Canyon being pure hot desert. Did you know that wild sheep still roam the Grand Canyon? Did you know that over 300 helicopter tours traverse the Grand Canyon each day?

I'd say the book is 80% (or maybe even more) huge, full-color photographs. I could have spent hours poring over them. If you've visited the Grand Canyon, you'll love getting to revisit it from your armchair. If you've never visited the Grand Canyon, you'll love this taste of it.

A small note on size (ha ha ha): the book is literally huge. It's 13.5" wide and nearly 11" tall. That's just about the size of a piece of legal paper. But it's also thick, at 236 glossy pages, and hardcover. You'll get nice biceps reading this one!

*Yes, there's a river running the entire length of the canyon. But the authors did not always traverse the very bottom of the canyon, depending on accessibility. They seem to often be at least halfway up, if not all the way up. It's a very deep canyon. You can't just hop down to the river for water refills.
Profile Image for J.
13 reviews
January 4, 2019
An astonishingly good book of photography and storytelling. We tend to think of places like the Grand Canyon as being impenetrable and bigger than man, but development on the periphery of the park, mining interests, and tourism threaten this majestic place...but that’s exactly why they made this daunting trek in the first place: to wake people up to the dangers the Canyon faces. I can only hope the world is listening.
Profile Image for Dick.
22 reviews
December 18, 2024
This is one of the most incredibly beautiful books that I've ever purchased. Although it is primarily a book of photos, it is also beautifully-written, including the Foreword and Introduction. The book is based on a 750-mile hike from one end of the Grand Canyon to the other, often bushwhacking off trail in areas of the GC only rarely seen or photographed by a very small number of people.

The author, Pete McBride, who was contracted by National Geographic Magazine to take these photos, was one of the hikers, together with Kevin Fedarko, author of "A Walk In The Park" about this hike, who began their journey in Lees Ferry, AZ, at the northeast corner of the GC and ending at the Grand Wash Cliffs at the southwest corner.

Their experience was both wonderful but very dangerous as they hiked off trail, traversed cliffs following the tracks of goats and other wildlife, rappelled slot canyons and more in their continuing pursuit of water to sustain them throughout their journey.

You are introduced to some of the most beautiful images of this magnificent natural wonder. I highly recommend this book, as well as Fedarko's book. If you love the outdoors, you won't be disappointed with either.
1,360 reviews11 followers
June 7, 2025
I give very few 5 stars, but this is truly worthy of that rating. I gave The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko 5 Stars and A Walk Through The Park by Fedarko, which is the written record of this book only 4 stars, but it was a 4+. Pete has a minimal written record of the trip to accompany his fabulous photography, but Kevin's book provides much more detail. I have always had a very poor tolerance of heat, and now am old and infirm. I have been to both rims and done hikes at the Rim. But descending into the depths has never been an option. This book and Fedarko's 2 books give me a wonderful and scary look at what the inside of the canyon is like. A helicopter ride is a horrible alternative. I understand the idea of a tram ride down for those unable to do the hike or float, but I think these books are a MUCH better alternative. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to experience this 7th natural wonder, and also to those who have experienced a hike, mule ride, or float trip. Thank you, Pete and Kevin!
Profile Image for Eric.
1,095 reviews9 followers
April 3, 2025
This was a magnificent companion piece to his buddy, Fedarko's Walk in the Park. I waited a mere 6 months for the Prospector loan from the Boulder Public Library system for this one (I asked, and my request was placed in October 2024). Regardless, this isn't a cheat post, either. McBride turns out to be a thoughtful writer, and there is extended, engaging prose throughout. Having said that, the photos he took throughout their trek through the Canyon are simply stunning. There is no filler and there are no duds. These are simply beautiful pictures and, not surprisingly, stirred up some very strong fear-of-heights hand clamminess by this reader. It's a lovely book overall and probably worth owning.
405 reviews28 followers
July 19, 2024
I wanted to see for myself what Kevin Fedarko described so well in A Walk in the Park so I took a look at The Grand Canyon: Between River and Rim by Pete McBride, who accompanied Fedarko on their hike through the Grand Canyon. The book is a visually stunning photographic record that captures the variety of the vistas, the dangers of their endeavor, and the grandeur of the scenery. It's worth a look.

Confession: I didn't spend much time with McBride's photographs because I felt I'd seen the canyon already through Fedarko's eyes so I can't provide a complete review. On the other hand, I read A Walk in the Park thoroughly; it's a remarkable book.




89 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2025
I wish I had gotten this at the same time as the book by Kevin Fedarko. Pete has an intro to his sections of the hike but to have ‘walked through’ the Grand Canyon with the full account and photos as one time would have been amazing. Gorgeous pictures. I’m so happy I have at least a little ‘tourist’ level acquaintance with the South Rim from a previous trip as I can appreciate the photography and also realize that you just can’t do justice to the scale and majesty. Both Kevin and Pete talk about heli alley. It saddens me to think of the level of noise pollution and just regular pollution that this tourist scheme creates. I hope something will come to make it a more peaceful place again.
Profile Image for David Clifton.
122 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2024
Perspective. While the book contains beautiful pictures, the real genius of author Pete McBride is to take the reader where few have gone. 

Although millions visit the Grand Canyon each year, only 5% of the visitors venture below the rim, and only 0.5% go from the rim to the Colorado River 

"Between River and Rim" takes us on that journey down into the canyon and along the river.

I'm glad I went below the rim when I visited the Grand Canyon, but I didn't go to the river. McBride allows me to travel there vicariously.
Profile Image for Jan.
186 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2023
After hearing National Geographic photograher, Pete McBride and writer Kevin Fedorko speak at Chautauqua, I was thrilled to read through an enjoy the photos of this book. Additionally, I viewed the 1-hour production completed after their walk of 580 miles along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The photographs are outstanding, and gives those who will never see the inside of this canyon, a look at what nature has left us with to protect. The coffee table style book is outstanding!
177 reviews
January 10, 2025
Many photographers have practiced their art within the Grand Canyon, but none has the depth of experience possessed by Pete McBride, who has walked the entire length of the canyon. His photos in this book show us the canyon as most of us will never see it. He reveals to us its truth. It is clearly the most spectacular natural feature on planet Earth. Thanks to McBride, we can share a bit of the grandeur and the beauty that is the Grand Canyon
181 reviews
January 7, 2019
Great pictures! There are a lot of things to think about that the author's bring up. Some of it is uncomfortable for example the economics, native American tribes, politics. It's not quite like some of your other "thru hike" books. It's also damned heavy to pack around to work each day so leave the friggin thing in one place and read it from there. All that said, though I'm glad a I read it.
Profile Image for Erianne.
241 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2023
I was able to read the enlarged version of this book and the photography throughout is absolutely amazing. The photos are so crisp and clear and Pete McBride’s eye is incredible. I really enjoyed hearing about his trek through the Grand Canyon with Kevin Fedarko and the history of the Grand Canyon. A beautiful book through and through.
Profile Image for Lee.
431 reviews
December 20, 2024
This book contains stunning photographs of an amazing series of hikes, along with some notes from photojournalist Pete McBride.

To read a terrific in-depth account, pick up the book by his hiking companion, Kevin Fedarko. A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon was published in 2024.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
982 reviews
December 31, 2024
The companion to A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko. Kevin had some very small pictures in his book, but this is a coffee table book written by a professional award-winning photographer, and these photos are unbelievable. Now I need to find someone to go on a rafting trip with me to the Grand Canyon!
Profile Image for Clare.
1,017 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2025
Some text and lots of breathtaking photographs give us views of the Grand Canyon most people do not get to see. Pete McBride documents his trek across the entire canyon, with a friend. They did not traverse the top of the natural wonder, though they sometimes did end up at the surface, but instead, hiked the route mainly in the interior.
Profile Image for Kemp.
446 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2024
Great pictures along with a good summary of the hike McBride and Fedarko took down the length of the Grand Canyon. McBride laid the book out in seasonal chapters giving us readers a peak of each season.

This is an excellent table top book. You’ll enjoy it and your friends will too.
Profile Image for Robert.
698 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2025
A glorious pictorial trip through the greatest of the world's canyons - published by Rizzoli to perfection. It is, of course, the perfect companion to reading Kevin Fedarko's "A Walk in the Park." Fedarko also wrote an introduction to the book and there is a foreword by Hampton Sides.
Profile Image for Anna Shaw.
347 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2025
I’m obsessed with this trip of Kevin and Pete’s! I read their book earlier this year and have seen the documentary three times. This book is the photographic record of their journey, just stunning. Would love it for a coffee table book one day!
Profile Image for Beth Oehler.
459 reviews4 followers
Read
January 12, 2024
Idea of exploring the canyon from end to end and photos are amazing but feels very old-school (colonial) in approach. Hmmm…
Profile Image for Nancy Mumpton.
93 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2024
This book is a companion to A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarco. It is a marvelous photo record of their journeys hiking through 750 miles of the entire Grand Canyon. I enjoyed it so much.
Profile Image for Guy McArthur.
168 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2024
Remarkable photos, even more so considering that many are from places that very very few people have ever been (a thru-hike of Grand Canyon National Park below the rim).
Profile Image for Lauren Csaki.
176 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2025
Beautiful companion read to Kevin Fedarko’s narrative of the same journey, A Walk in the Park. McBride’s beautiful photographs provided visuals to accompany what was one of my favorite reads of 2024!
4 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2025
The best book I’ve read in a long time.
16 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2025
This is the picture book that goes along with A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.