The Slickrock Desert is the story of a land unlike any other on earth. Come with author Stephen W. Hinch as he explores the mesas and the canyons of the Four Corners Region of the American Southwest (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico) – the Slickrock Desert. Along the way you will discover its history, natural history, geology, ecology, and what we know of its earliest inhabitants. And you will revel in its beauty in a series of inspiring photographs. But all is not well in this magnificent land. You will also learn of the threats from those who would destroy it forever for short-term gain, and of the work being done by dedicated individuals and groups to protect it. It is a story every lover of the American wilderness needs to know.
Stephen W. Hinch has explored the lands of the American Southwest for over forty years, either on solo hikes into remote areas or with like-minded photographers on multi-day expeditions. A recognized expert on the use of GPS in the outdoors, his book, Outdoor Navigation with GPS, now in its third edition, is a bestselling guide on the subject. He is the author of four books and a contributing author to three more. Trained as an electrical engineer, he holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from Harvey Mudd College. He has received three patents in telecommunications technologies. Steve claims his expeditions into the wilderness have been a necessary counterpoint to his life as a senior executive in the high-technology industry.
"The Slickrock Desert testifies to Steve Hinch's research skills. He provides here a clear, accurate, and up-to-the-minute summary of the natural history, conservation legacy, and political issues on the Colorado Plateau. He ties together all this information with informal stories from his backcountry journeys. His book makes for excellent background reading for anyone newly entranced by Four Corners canyon country."
– Stephen Trimble, editor of The Capitol Reef Reader and Red Rock Stories
"You have found a great balance between the beauty, experience, and the responsibility that we all bear in going to these great wild places."
– Carolyn Z. Shelton, Assistant Monument Manager (retired), Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
"I absolutely love this book – Steve's passion for the Slickrock Desert is evident in every single page!"
– John Rosebaugh, COO, Carbon Systems