There’s nothing quite like the beauty and wonder of nature. But when it’s not possible to venture out and explore, there are still ways to connect with the great outdoors. One of the best ways is through reading the best books about outdoors.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, camper, or just appreciate the beauty of the natural world, there are plenty of books that can transport you to the great outdoors.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best books about the outdoors.
These books will inspire and ignite your passion for nature, even from the comfort of your own home.
The Best Books About the Outdoors
The best outdoor books are the ones that take us on an adventure as if we were there.
From thrilling and sad to fun books about the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone on this list.
These books will take you from one edge of the map to the other on journeys that are personal narratives and memoirs. Get ready for incredible stories to get lost in.
1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
In this memoir, Strayed recounts her epic journey of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Which, in fact, spans over 1,100 miles from the Mexican border to the Canadian border.
The author had been struggling with the loss of her mother and her own destructive behavior, set out on the trail as a way to heal and find herself.
Strayed’s descriptions of the landscape and wildlife she encountered along the way are breathtaking. Her honest portrayal of the physical and emotional challenges she faced during her hike is equally captivating.
Wild is a must-read for anyone who loves the outdoors. More specifically, for anyone looking for inspiration to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.
Aside from the gripping story, what sets Wild apart is Strayed’s skillful writing style. She has a way of immersing the reader in the experience of her journey. She will make you feel as if you are right there alongside her on the trail.
It’s no wonder the book became a bestseller and was even adapted into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon.
2. Alone on the Wall by Alex Honnold
If you’re looking for a thrilling and adventurous read, look no further than Alone on the Wall by Alex Honnold. The book details Honnold’s free solo climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. It’s a feat that made headlines around the world.
Honnold’s writing style is engaging and honest. He delves into not just the technical aspects of his climb, but also the emotional and mental challenges he faced along the way. He shares stories of past climbs and his love for the outdoors. You feel his views on risk-taking and mortality.
Even for those who may not be familiar with the world of climbing, Alone on the Wall is an inspiring and thought-provoking read. Honnold’s dedication and passion for his craft are evident throughout the book. Readers can’t help but feel in awe of his courage and skill.
If you’re looking to feel like you’re right there with the author, living out his incredible journey, this is a must-read.
3. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
If you’re looking for a journey through the Appalachian Trail, look no further than Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods.
Bryson recounts his experience hiking the trail with his friend Katz. He gives a humorous and insightful perspective on the people, places, and nature encountered along the way. It’s the next best thing to actually being on the trail yourself.
Bryson’s writing style is both entertaining and informative. There are anecdotes about the history of the trail, the challenges faced by hikers, and the beauty of the natural landscape.
He also gives commentary on the environmental impact of human activity in the area. Bryson highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect the trail and the surrounding ecosystem.
Throughout the book, Bryson’s passion for nature and the outdoors shines through. This book inspires readers to get outside and explore the world around them.
A Walk in the Woods is a must-read for anyone who loves hiking, nature, or adventure. It is sure to leave you feeling inspired to hit the trails and explore the great outdoors.
4. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
If you’re looking for a book that captures the spirit of adventure and exploration, then look no further than Jon Krakauer’s classic book Into the Wild.
The book tells the story of Chris McCandless. He is a young man who, after graduating from college, sets out on a journey of self-discovery. His journey takes him across the American West and eventually into the Alaskan wilderness.
Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters, faces numerous challenges, and ultimately succumbs to the unforgiving forces of nature.
Krakauer’s writing style is both engaging and introspective. He weaves together his own experiences as an outdoorsman with the story of McCandless’s tragic journey. The book is as much a meditation on the allure of the wilderness and the pursuit of adventure as it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of going it alone.
Into the Wild is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping the trappings of modern society and venturing out into the great unknown.
If you appreciate a good story, this book is sure to captivate you from beginning to end. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
5. Braving It: A Father, a Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey Into the Alaskan Wild by James Campbell
This is a heartwarming tale about a father and daughter embarking on a journey into the great outdoors, written by James Campbell.
This memoir chronicles the adventures of James and his daughter Aidan. You’ll love following along as they explore the rugged terrain of the Alaskan wilderness together.
From hiking through dense forests to camping in subzero temperatures, they experience some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. But they also forge an unbreakable bond as they face these challenges head-on.
Braving It is a truly inspiring read that will make you want to get outside and explore the natural world. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a good book to read on a lazy afternoon, this memoir is worth checking out.
6. Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness by Edward Abbey
Desert Solitaire is a classic book that offers a poetic and contemplative look at the outdoor world. Edward Abbey, an American author and environmental advocate, spent a season as a ranger in Utah’s Arches National Monument in the 1950s. His book is based on his experiences and reflections during that time.
Through his observations of the desert landscape and its inhabitants, Abbey contemplates the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of preserving natural spaces.
His writing is, at times, humorous and, at other times, deeply introspective, making for a thought-provoking read.
One of the most famous passages in the book is Abbey’s description of the desert. She says it’s “…a vast, intricate system of check and balances, a titanic game of give and take, with species constantly under pressure to evolve, to give more than they take, to take more than they give.”
This perspective on the natural world offers a refreshing look at the human-centric view in literature and society.
Overall, Desert Solitaire is a must-read for anyone interested in the outdoors and environmentalism. Abbey’s poetic prose and contemplative reflections will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
7. The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
If you’re looking for a true adventure story, look no further than this great book!
The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard chronicles the author’s experiences on Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1910.
The journey was a grueling one, marked by freezing temperatures, blizzards, and starvation. Cherry-Garrard himself was tasked with accompanying a team to collect emperor penguin eggs in the dead of winter, a journey that nearly killed him.
Despite the hardships he endured, Cherry-Garrard managed to survive and tell his tale.
His account of the expedition is a vivid and moving portrait of what it means to push oneself to the limit in the pursuit of scientific knowledge and exploration. I
f you’re a fan of survival stories or just love the outdoors, this book is a must-read. Cherry-Garrard’s prose is beautiful, and his insights into the human spirit are profound.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey into the heart of the Antarctic, it might just become one of your favorite books!
8. The Mountains of My Life by Walter Bonatti
Walter Bonatti’s story of his life, The Mountains of My Life, is a beautiful account of his life as a mountaineer.
Bonatti’s love for the mountains is evident throughout the book, and his passion is infectious. He writes about his first experiences with the mountains as a young boy and the impact they had on him.
Bonatti was one of the great climbers of his time and has been compared to legends like Reinhold Messner and Edmund Hillary.
The book takes readers on a journey through some of the most spectacular peaks in the world, including the Matterhorn, the Grandes Jorasses, and the Dru.
Bonatti shares stories of his triumphs and failures, and the book is filled with thrilling moments of danger and risk-taking. One of the most famous stories in the book is his account of being stranded in a bivouac on the southwest pillar of the Dru in 1955. The story is harrowing, and Bonatti’s skill and determination shine through.
The Mountains of My Life is a must-read for anyone who loves the mountains and the outdoors. Bonatti’s love for the mountains is contagious.
The book is not just about mountaineering. It is also about the human spirit, what it means to be alive, and making the most of the sharp end of life. Bonatti’s story is a reminder that sometimes it’s the challenges we face that define us.
This book is a masterpiece, and it will leave you inspired and awed by the power of the mountains.
9. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air is a gripping and thought-provoking book that is definitely worth reading! It chronicles his personal factual accounts of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster.
This book is not only a tale of an epic outdoor adventure and survival but also a compelling examination of the allure and dangers of high-altitude climbing. This is one of the best first-hand accounts of this story!
Krakauer, a journalist and experienced climber, was part of an expedition that attempted to summit the tallest peak in the world. However, a combination of factors such as bad weather, high altitude, and human error led to a disaster that claimed the lives of eight climbers, including two of Krakauer’s teammates.
Krakauer’s honest and raw narrative takes readers on a harrowing journey to the top of the world and back. He candidly reflects on his motivations for climbing, the tensions and dynamics within the expedition, and the moral dilemmas that arose during the disaster.
What makes this book stand out is the way Krakauer intertwines his personal experience with his investigation into what went wrong. He is not afraid to critique himself, the guides, or the industry of commercialized Everest climbing.
This introspection is what elevates Into Thin Air from a mere adventure story to a thought-provoking commentary on the risks and rewards of pushing oneself to the limit.
Overall, Into Thin Air is a must-read for anyone interested in the outdoors and adventure. Krakauer’s personal account of the Mount Everest disaster is both riveting and sobering, and his insights into the motivations and challenges of high-altitude climbing will leave readers with a newfound respect for the power of nature and the fragility of human life.
10. Savage Summit: The True Stories of the First Five Women Who Climbed K2, the World’s Most Feared Mountain by Jennifer Jordan
K2 is known as the “Savage Mountain” for good reason. Located in the Himalayas, it is the second highest mountain in the world and has a reputation for being one of the most difficult peaks to climb. In this book, Jennifer Jordan chronicles the journeys of the first five women to ever reach the summit of K2.
The women’s stories are not only about the physical challenge of climbing K2, but also about the mental and emotional strength needed to take on such a feat.
They faced sexism and skepticism from their male counterparts, and were told by many that women simply weren’t strong enough to climb such a difficult mountain. But these women refused to back down and pushed themselves to their limits to achieve their goals.
What makes Savage Summit particularly unique is the personal insight Jordan offers into the lives of these incredible women.
She doesn’t shy away from the difficulties they faced and the mistakes they made, but rather shows them as the complex, flawed individuals they were. Through her writing, she offers a window into the world of extreme mountaineering and the power of determination and perseverance.
If you’re interested in exploring the outdoors through literature, then Savage Summit is a must-read. It is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women and the awe-inspiring majesty of nature.
11. Wildwood by Roger Deakin
If you’re looking for a book that really captures the beauty and essence of the outdoors, Wildwood by Roger Deakin is a must-read.
Deakin takes readers on a journey through the woods and forests of Europe, exploring the unique and fascinating ecosystems that can be found there. From ancient oak groves to hidden glades filled with bluebells, Deakin’s writing will transport you to another world and inspire you to see the natural world in a whole new way.
But Wildwood isn’t just a book about nature. Deakin weaves together history, mythology, and personal reflection to create a rich portrait of the landscapes he encounters. He also delves into the ways in which humans have impacted these ecosystems, from deforestation to the reintroduction of extinct species.
Through his writing, Deakin challenges readers to think deeply about their relationship with the natural world and how we can work to preserve it for future generations.
Overall, Wildwood is a beautiful and thought-provoking book that is sure to resonate with anyone who loves spending time outdoors.
Whether a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy taking a walk through the park, this book will help you appreciate the natural world in a whole new way.
If you’re looking for one of the best outdoor adventure books as a new addition to your bookshelf, be sure to pick up a copy of Wildwood. Get ready to be transported on a magical journey through the woods.
12. The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas by Paul Theroux
If you’re looking for a book that captures the essence of travel and adventure, then “The Old Patagonian Express” is a must-read.
This book recounts Theroux’s journey from Boston to the southern tip of South America by train for the first time.
Theroux is an excellent storyteller! He captures the vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and colorful characters that he meets along the way.
As he travels through the Americas, he shares his insights into the history, politics, and social issues. Collectively, they shape the regions he passes through.
The train itself is an integral part of the journey. Theroux brings it to life with his descriptions of its various carriages, engines, and stops along the way.
The journey is not without its challenges, including delays, derailments, and cultural misunderstandings. His sense of humor and resilience make this book an inspiring and entertaining read.
Overall, “The Old Patagonian Express” is a great read and a testament to the power of travel and exploration.
It’s a book that will inspire you to pack your bags and set off on your adventure. Whether by train or by any other means, you’ll be inspired.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey through the Americas, look no further than this book.
13. Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback by Robyn Davidson
Robyn Davidson’s personal memoir Tracks chronicles her journey through the Australian Outback with four camels and a dog.
The book details her preparation, struggles, and triumphs over the course of the 1700 mile trek. Davidson’s story is inspiring and offers readers a glimpse into the harsh realities of life in the desert.
Davidson’s journey was not just physical but emotional as well. She wrestled with her own inner demons while dealing with the challenges of being alone in such a hostile environment.
Her connection to the land and the animals added depth to the narrative. It’s a unique perspective on the Australian landscape.
Tracks is not just a travel memoir but a story about a woman’s personal growth and self-discovery.
Davidson’s writing is raw and honest. Thus, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the great outdoors or tales of personal transformation. This story makes one of the best adventure books. Did you know it has been adapted into a movie?
14. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben
If you think trees are just stationary objects that provide us with shade and oxygen, you couldn’t be more wrong.
This book gives us a glimpse into the world of trees, which is filled with wonder and mystery. The book presents scientific evidence that trees are natural wonders. They have social structures and networks similar to those found in human societies.
Through fascinating and compelling stories, Wohlleben shows us how trees communicate with each other through a complex system of signals and chemicals. Trees also share nutrients and resources with their neighbors and offspring and even protect each other from predators.
The Hidden Life of Trees is a must-read for anyone who loves nature and wants to learn more about the interconnectedness of the natural world.
The book is not only informative but also beautifully written and illustrated, making it an enjoyable read. It’s a great book to read to young children who are interested in nature!
The next time you take a walk in the woods, remember the trees are not just silent observers of the world. Instead, they are active participants in a complex web of life.
To learn more about the hidden lives of trees, be sure to pick up a copy of this amazing book.
15. Cold: Adventures in the World’s Frozen Places by Bill Streever
Are you fascinated by the harsh environments of the world’s frozen places? If so, Cold: Adventures in the World’s Frozen Places is a book to add to your reading list.
Streever is a biologist and adventurer. He has experienced the extreme cold firsthand. In this book, he explores the scientific, cultural, and historical aspects of the frozen world.
The book is a mix of personal anecdotes, scientific facts, and interesting trivia about some of the world’s coldest places.
From Antarctica to the Arctic Circle, learn about his expeditions and encounters with creatures, such as polar bears and penguins.
Learn about the science behind how the cold affects our bodies. Streever also explores the adaptations that plants and animals have developed to survive in extreme conditions.
Streever looks at how indigenous people have adapted to living in the coldest places on earth. Furthermore, how the cold has shaped human history. He also shares his personal experiences with cold-induced hallucinations, and the intriguing science behind extreme cold.
Cold: Adventures in the World’s Frozen Places is one of those popular books that will keep you engaged and entertained. It will also educating you about the amazing world of extreme cold.
If you love adventure, science, and learning about the natural world, then this book is definitely worth a read.
Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:
140 Funny Hiking Sayings and Quotes
16 Family Campgrounds in the NC Mountains
