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The Trail
A Transformative Journey on the John Muir Trail
A NEXT GEN INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST
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 monthlong 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 planning your own John Muir Trail trek, have walked the trail before, or are simply an armchair explorer looking for a compelling story—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
"Unreservedly recommended."
—Midwest Book Review
“A Walk in the Woods meets Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.”
—Peter Snow Cao, Bike China Adventures
“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.
“Ethan Gallogly has created 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, author, mountaineer, and Sierra historian.
“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 (CHAOS) at UC Berkeley, and the Outdoors Club of Southern California. His boots have covered countless miles, including the John Muir Trail, the High Sierra Trail, the Oregon Section of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Tahoe–Yosemite Trail, and the Theodore Solomons Trail. He was a reviewer for the Wilderness Press guides: Sierra North, Sierra South, and Yosemite National Park and has read nearly every book on the history of the Sierra Nevada.
Fans of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, Ben Montgomery’s Grandma Gatewood’s Walk, and Eric Blehm’s The Last Season will love this new outdoors novel selected by Amazon as a Hot New Release.
A NEXT GEN INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST
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 monthlong 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 planning your own John Muir Trail trek, have walked the trail before, or are simply an armchair explorer looking for a compelling story—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
"Unreservedly recommended."
—Midwest Book Review
“A Walk in the Woods meets Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.”
—Peter Snow Cao, Bike China Adventures
“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.
“Ethan Gallogly has created 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, author, mountaineer, and Sierra historian.
“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 (CHAOS) at UC Berkeley, and the Outdoors Club of Southern California. His boots have covered countless miles, including the John Muir Trail, the High Sierra Trail, the Oregon Section of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Tahoe–Yosemite Trail, and the Theodore Solomons Trail. He was a reviewer for the Wilderness Press guides: Sierra North, Sierra South, and Yosemite National Park and has read nearly every book on the history of the Sierra Nevada.
Fans of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, Ben Montgomery’s Grandma Gatewood’s Walk, and Eric Blehm’s The Last Season will love this new outdoors novel selected by Amazon as a Hot New Release.
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
1021 people are currently reading
2722 people want to read
About the author
Ethan Gallogly
1 book25 followersEthan Gallogly, PhD (“Panda Po”) has been a leader in the Sierra Club, the Cal Hiking and Outdoors Society, the Outdoors Club of Southern California, and the Davis Hiking & Backpacking Group. His boots have covered countless miles, including the John Muir Trail, High Sierra Trail, Theodore Solomons Trail, and half of the Pacific Crest Trail. He was a reviewer for the Wilderness Press guides: Sierra North, Sierra South, and Yosemite National Park, and has read nearly every book on the history of the Sierra Nevada. He has also explored mainland China extensively, is fluent in Mandarin, and enjoys reading ancient Chinese poetry and philosophy. His future plans include hiking the Camino in Spain, the GR-10 in France, and the full length of both the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. He is currently at work on his second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
November 3, 2021
As the author of many Sierra hiking guides, Ethan Gallogly approached me to review the original manuscript of The Trail. Ethan Gallogy’s novel tells the story of unlikely partners, hiking the length of California’s John Muir Trail. He elegantly succeeds in weaving together a compelling story with well-researched information about the High Sierra’s human and natural histories. I immediately noticed that Ethan had invested an enormous amount of effort in getting his facts straight as well as accurately capturing the many different people on the JMT and their disparate reasons for escaping into the wilderness. But equally importantly, his central characters’ journey and reflections of life on the JMT are genuine, thoughtful, and captivating. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the calm so many people feel while on the trail. Many people return from their time on the trail “transformed”, to use a cliché, and Ethan does a beautiful job capturing Gil’s journey, likely motivating others to escape to the mountains.
March 5, 2023
This was not a good novel, my son called it “a bunch of Wikipedia pages strung together.” If you’re interested in the JMT, then you’ll like it just because if the trail description. My son and I hiked the last 50 miles of the JMT this summer so it was cool reading about that section.
Overall though it’s like the book doesn’t really know what it wants to be. Is it a history of the JMT? Is it a prolonged meditation on life? Is it how one can meet someone and have casual sex on the JMT? It’s kind of all of these things, but ultimately none of them.
I don’t really recommend unless you’re planning on hiking the JMT.
Overall though it’s like the book doesn’t really know what it wants to be. Is it a history of the JMT? Is it a prolonged meditation on life? Is it how one can meet someone and have casual sex on the JMT? It’s kind of all of these things, but ultimately none of them.
I don’t really recommend unless you’re planning on hiking the JMT.
January 4, 2022
This is really probably a 5 star book. But I am not a hiker. I do not enjoy pulling my muscles and going on when I am so tired. I do not enjoy sleeping on the ground, even with a sleeping bag under me. I do not enjoy sleeping in a tent in the woods with all sorts of strange sounds around. For those of you who enjoy this stuff, this is your book. A young adult who is smart but has not found himself yet, drops out of college and, rather by accident, ends up going hiking with his dead father's old hiking buddy. They are going to hike the John Muir trail! He has heard that the old guy is dying of cancer and not doing so well so he figures that a couple of days hiking will be the end of this dream.
Is he ever dreaming!! The old guy outdoes him so many times; he did not follow directions from the old guy about preparations; he does not have moisture wicking shirts; he had not worn in his new hiking boots, and a lot of other stuff. The young guy is exhausted all the time at first, keeps getting energy bars and food from the old man. Along the way, he meets many other experienced hikers and learns from his father's buddy. Again, if you like hiking and that outdoor stuff, you will love this book. Perhaps best of all is his experience on the second day when he has to move his bowels - not remembering that he must leave nothing on the trail, he searches for a spot of ground in the woods where he can dig a tiny hole, (which he missed with his offal), he is supposed to take the used toilet paper with him in a bag (which he forgot to bring), and his legs screamed as he tried to squat in the forest - he was so sore from all the walking the day before. Funny. Glad it was him and not me. The old man tells him a lot about John Muir and the people who worked to develop the trail.
A grand book for hikers or those who love being natural in the words. Gallogly is an excellent writer.
Is he ever dreaming!! The old guy outdoes him so many times; he did not follow directions from the old guy about preparations; he does not have moisture wicking shirts; he had not worn in his new hiking boots, and a lot of other stuff. The young guy is exhausted all the time at first, keeps getting energy bars and food from the old man. Along the way, he meets many other experienced hikers and learns from his father's buddy. Again, if you like hiking and that outdoor stuff, you will love this book. Perhaps best of all is his experience on the second day when he has to move his bowels - not remembering that he must leave nothing on the trail, he searches for a spot of ground in the woods where he can dig a tiny hole, (which he missed with his offal), he is supposed to take the used toilet paper with him in a bag (which he forgot to bring), and his legs screamed as he tried to squat in the forest - he was so sore from all the walking the day before. Funny. Glad it was him and not me. The old man tells him a lot about John Muir and the people who worked to develop the trail.
A grand book for hikers or those who love being natural in the words. Gallogly is an excellent writer.
December 28, 2021
If the Sierra Nevada is America’s mountain empress, the 211-mile John Muir trail is the jeweled necklace gracing her neck. Ethan Gallogy’s novel The Trail takes you right there. It’s as if you stride along with his two primary characters, young Gil and old man Syd. Except no blisters for you. You can take Gallogy’s JMT hike without the mosquitos, the sweat, or the rain. I’ll admit there were a few times I wanted to shake Gil by the shoulders. But many more times, I wanted to be with the two of them—soaking in the Muir Trail Ranch hot pool, cresting the passes, swaying across the Woods Creek suspension bridge. Gallogy seamlessly threads in trail history—I found it fascinating—like extra chocolate nuggets in trail mix. "The Trail" provided adventure, suspense, trail characters. What more could I ask in winter with the JMT buried in snow.
January 30, 2022
Ready Player One for hikers
At first I didn’t realize this was a novel (I bought it quickly during an audible credit deal) and was disappointed because I typically prefer non-fiction accounts of trails.
However it was very enjoyable way to learn about the JMT and references to so many other books.
The author did an excellent job of describing various parts of the JMT that has painted a picture in my head. While some bits might seem a little hokey they are great delivery methods to learn.
I really want to thank the author for the Recommended Reading list, that list alone is worth the cost of the book and will keep me busy for some time!
At first I didn’t realize this was a novel (I bought it quickly during an audible credit deal) and was disappointed because I typically prefer non-fiction accounts of trails.
However it was very enjoyable way to learn about the JMT and references to so many other books.
The author did an excellent job of describing various parts of the JMT that has painted a picture in my head. While some bits might seem a little hokey they are great delivery methods to learn.
I really want to thank the author for the Recommended Reading list, that list alone is worth the cost of the book and will keep me busy for some time!
September 26, 2022
Inspiring read and journey
This might just be my favorite book of the past 25 years. I loved the writing and the pace of the book. My son is a hiker and I chose this book in hopes of understanding why he is so drawn to that form of life. I gained so much more than just an understanding of his love of being part of the outdoors; probably more about life, love, and what is important in both.
This might just be my favorite book of the past 25 years. I loved the writing and the pace of the book. My son is a hiker and I chose this book in hopes of understanding why he is so drawn to that form of life. I gained so much more than just an understanding of his love of being part of the outdoors; probably more about life, love, and what is important in both.
January 13, 2023
First book of 2023 and absolutely loved it. Truly captures the beauty and peace of hiking and the people you meet along the way. I loved how much Gil had grown by the end of the hike, how much he helped and grew to love syd and how a tough journey left to your own head space and devices can mold you. Makes me want to go on another big hike!
January 17, 2023
Excellent
Just what i needed to read at this point in my life. I was unable to put this one down. A full weekend spent with these two. Reminded me of my own father and his love for backpacking. Also enjoyed the Eastern philosophy mixed with the history of the California forest system. Highly recommend!
Just what i needed to read at this point in my life. I was unable to put this one down. A full weekend spent with these two. Reminded me of my own father and his love for backpacking. Also enjoyed the Eastern philosophy mixed with the history of the California forest system. Highly recommend!
March 31, 2023
This book has to be one of my favorite reads ever. Part fact, part fiction, it combines a history of the Sierra Nevada with a dramatic adventure and a philosophical discussion of the meaning of life all within the framework of an epic backpacking trip in which a reluctant, neophyte backpacker and a terminal cancer patient attempt to hike the John Muir Trail.
February 23, 2024
Not the book for me. The use of an old sickly man to weave in encyclopedic facts of the area while the star of the show is some whiny, lazy, man chasing after tail while hiking is so unbelievable and frustrating to me that I quit halfway through. The author should have just wrote a biography on Muir. THAT I would have finished.
Next!
Next!
October 27, 2023
This was an incredible read. The journey is directed outside as well as inside.
I was happily surprised at how good this "two guys on a long hike" novel compared to others of its kind. I read it and listened to the audiobook as well... very well narrated.
I was happily surprised at how good this "two guys on a long hike" novel compared to others of its kind. I read it and listened to the audiobook as well... very well narrated.
September 15, 2023
Good heart/intentions in conveying JMT history and lore but didactic and not well written as fiction...
February 10, 2025
3.5 rounded up, probably would have been a five star read (because I love the descriptions, the history lessons woven in, and the premise) but was made excruciatingly uncomfortable at the consistent objectification of women by the main character/author (hard to know what word to use since this is fiction based on a true story). I spend a lot of time in the woods and I'm often able to forget that if I wear shorts, the men I come across who seem polite and friendly are ogling my rear end, or that if I mention that the view is stunning and the man agrees, he might actually be talking about my boobs. Sometimes, I do let myself believe that I can just exist in public without being viewed as a piece of meat (and oh my god if anyone ever refers to my breasts as 'pert' I will strangle them with my bare hands.) Then I get uncomfortable reminders of that reality in books like this where it's very clear that the author chasing tail in every situation he's in is extremely normal and it doesn't even seem to occur to him that this might be extremely off-putting to some people. At the start of the book I figured I'd be recommending it to a lot of people but most of my friends are women who would be just as uncomfortable as me, so while I did enjoy most of this novel, I am definitely not going to be suggesting it to other people. I am an avid hiker, but these detail really stuck out to me at the end when the author notes that he hopes this will insipre other people to get out there, because people like him/the character are often a huge reason that I opt *not* to do stuff like this.
February 26, 2022
It’s a 550 page novel about two guys backpacking a long mountain trail for a month. Starting out the young guy is clueless and self centered, the older guy sick and maybe not up for the challenge. Their development over the journey, the people they meet, and the great descriptions of nature kept me very interested. A worthwhile read!
June 19, 2022
Excellent novel about what is really important in life
Friendship discover on the trail that develops into a deep spiritual connection. Changing the two men in how the perceive life, how the choose to live afterward, and how they see themselves. Written in an easy to read style while sharing the beauty and trials of the trail.
Friendship discover on the trail that develops into a deep spiritual connection. Changing the two men in how the perceive life, how the choose to live afterward, and how they see themselves. Written in an easy to read style while sharing the beauty and trials of the trail.
December 7, 2022
Thought inspiring & heart felt
I absolutely love this book. It is full of beautiful descriptions of nature paint a perfect picture in my minds eye. It is inspiring & eye opening. book.
It's so easy to get caught up in day to day living & all the distractions of the modern world.
This book is grounding & reminds us of the most somethings in life.
I absolutely love this book. It is full of beautiful descriptions of nature paint a perfect picture in my minds eye. It is inspiring & eye opening. book.
It's so easy to get caught up in day to day living & all the distractions of the modern world.
This book is grounding & reminds us of the most somethings in life.
Read
January 10, 2023Come learn the meaning of life!!
WOW!! I love hiking stories. I've read a ton of them. But this one knocks it out of the park! It has all the elements I love in a great hiking memoir, plus deep insights into friendship and facing the ultimate fear, death itself. It reminded me of Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.... only they're hiking. I LOVED this book.
WOW!! I love hiking stories. I've read a ton of them. But this one knocks it out of the park! It has all the elements I love in a great hiking memoir, plus deep insights into friendship and facing the ultimate fear, death itself. It reminded me of Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.... only they're hiking. I LOVED this book.
November 13, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who has ever hiked can relate to the inner conversations one has with oneself. Or hiked with someone not really into it about their partners struggles and mistakes.
I found the relationship between the 2 men relatable as it changed from adversarial to admiration and respect which can be typical in a father son relationship
I found the relationship between the 2 men relatable as it changed from adversarial to admiration and respect which can be typical in a father son relationship
June 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this from start to finish. It brought me into nature and caused me to slow down and think. I would recommend it.
July 9, 2024
An amazing read that keeps you engaged the entire time. Ethan Gallogly is an amazing story teller and makes it easy to fall in love with the characters. I want a sequel.
August 30, 2023
Wisdom and adventure
This was an excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the John Muir Trail. The author did an exceptional job revealing it’s history, ecology, culture, and beauty. Moreover, it was a gripping and heartfelt story, full of wisdom and adventure. The characters were brilliantly developed and portrayed! And they were empathetic and likable; many possessing indomitable will and various inner strengths despite their human frailties and fears. It would be impossible to read this superb novel without developing a strong desire to hike this trail, or at least a portion of it! I highly recommend this novel! I also look forward to reading other works by Gallogly.
This was an excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the John Muir Trail. The author did an exceptional job revealing it’s history, ecology, culture, and beauty. Moreover, it was a gripping and heartfelt story, full of wisdom and adventure. The characters were brilliantly developed and portrayed! And they were empathetic and likable; many possessing indomitable will and various inner strengths despite their human frailties and fears. It would be impossible to read this superb novel without developing a strong desire to hike this trail, or at least a portion of it! I highly recommend this novel! I also look forward to reading other works by Gallogly.
October 28, 2023
Having a hard time deciding to recommend this book or not. A lot of detail about the trail and its history. It’s an area that I want to go explore and hike which may have kept my interest in the book. As far as the characters, not really a fan of Gil and Syd was okay. Some of the others were predictable. It’s a nice attempt to tell a story of grief and growth through the physical and mental challenges of a thru hike but it seemed a little forced at times. If you enjoy reading about hiking and the area, then get the book. If you are looking for a River Runs Through It experience, you’re going to be disappointed.
August 2, 2022
The trail that can be told is the true trail.
This trail was once my own, and it taught me many of the same things Gil and Syd learned. I hiked it at 67 (2 months short, actually). That was 12 years ago, and I'm just starting to think about doing it again! Thanks for the great reminder.
This trail was once my own, and it taught me many of the same things Gil and Syd learned. I hiked it at 67 (2 months short, actually). That was 12 years ago, and I'm just starting to think about doing it again! Thanks for the great reminder.
December 19, 2023
*2.5 I loved reading a story about hiking a long and beautiful trail. I like the relationship between the two main characters. How it grew from almost nothing to a great connection. Some of the characteristics of Gil left me disliking him emensely and at times Syd was a bit clueless. The book could have been edited a bit more carefully. It was an easy listen.
February 2, 2024
It would’ve made more sense if this book hadn’t tried to be a novel also. The strongest parts were learning about the John Muir Trail, which the author obviously delighted in sharing. They stuck out as obvious history lessons in between the plot points. I found Gil flat and stereotypical (almost unbelievably so).
April 1, 2023
Gallogly is a seasoned backpacker and he provides a wonderful description of his journey on the John Muir Trail. You will feel you are with him on trail, without experiencing the agony of the daily and wondrous trek.
January 7, 2024
Likes: Trail descriptions and details (I hiked the JMT in 2022 and this was like reliving it for me), the trail history, the philosophical discussions, the relationship that grew between Syd and Gil. .
Dislikes: the grammar (coulda, shoulda, mighta, etc.- it got old) and the hookups. Also, 12 days worth of food in a bear canister? A backpack with three books in it that comes in at 38 lbs fully loaded? Some of the hiking details weren’t realistic.
Dislikes: the grammar (coulda, shoulda, mighta, etc.- it got old) and the hookups. Also, 12 days worth of food in a bear canister? A backpack with three books in it that comes in at 38 lbs fully loaded? Some of the hiking details weren’t realistic.
February 25, 2025
It’s really just where we are now that matters
December 15, 2022
Really fiction but I want to believe life is a mountain.
November 13, 2025
An inspirational book about how nature can heal and transform us. I certainly have found this to be true. I enjoyed reading this story about two human beings journey on the John Muir trail and what it awakened within them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews