Before the Trails Were Marked, He Walked Them All
Long before thru-hiking became mainstream and ultralight gear was the norm, Colin Fletcher set out to walk over a thousand miles alone through California's deserts and the High Sierra.
His thoughtful, wry, and observant voice makes The Thousand-Mile Summer not just a chronicle of distance but a celebration of solitude, nature, and resilience.
Fletcher's reflections go beyond trail stories, including observations on gear, wilderness ethics, and the quiet, patient practice of simply walking. The book is often credited as the grandfather of modern backpacking literature, inspiring generations of hikers to leave behind the chaos and head for the mountains.
Readers still turn to this title for its humor, honest writing, and enduring relevance.
Specifications:
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Title: The Thousand-Mile Summer: In Desert and High Sierra
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Author: Colin Fletcher
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Publication Date: 1969
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Publisher: Howell-North Books
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Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
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Genre: Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Memoir
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Pages: 210
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Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
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Language: English
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Condition: Signed by previous owner. Dust jacket shows wear as shown in photos.
Why It Belongs on Your Shelf
Fletcher paved the way for modern backpackers, and his writing still resonates. If you love long walks, thoughtful prose, or the call of untamed landscapes, this book belongs in your pack—or at least on your nightstand.
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