If you love the outdoors, history, exploration, and the natural world, a great book can take you deeper into these topics while fueling your sense of adventure. Whether it’s tales of survival, the history of America’s wild landscapes, or the wisdom of those who have explored them before us, these ten books offer must-read insights and inspiration for anyone passionate about nature and the outdoors.
1. Undaunted Courage – Stephen Ambrose
Theme: Exploration and survival
Why It’s Great: A definitive account of the Lewis and Clark expedition
Undaunted Courage is an in-depth narrative of the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they charted the uncharted American West. With Ambrose’s expert storytelling and attention to historical detail, this book captures the challenges, discoveries, and dangers of early American exploration. It’s a must-read for anyone fascinated by frontier history.
2. Coyote America – Dan Flores
Theme: Wildlife and conservation
Why It’s Great: A deep dive into one of America’s most resilient predators
Dan Flores explores the history, ecology, and mythology surrounding the coyote in North America. Coyote Americablends science, folklore, and environmental history to show how this misunderstood creature has not just survived but thrived despite human attempts to eradicate it. A fascinating read for wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Empire of Ice & Stone – Buddy Levy
Theme: Arctic exploration
Why It’s Great: A thrilling survival story in one of the harshest environments on Earth
This gripping true story recounts the ill-fated voyage of the Karluk, a ship trapped in Arctic ice in 1913, and the harrowing survival journey of its crew. Levy’s vivid writing transports readers into the brutal reality of Arctic exploration, making it a must-read for adventure lovers.
4. American Serengeti – Dan Flores
Theme: Conservation and the American West
Why It’s Great: A historical look at the great animals of North America
Dan Flores takes readers on a journey through the lost megafauna of the Great Plains, exploring species like bison, wolves, and grizzlies that once roamed in staggering numbers. American Serengeti is both a celebration of the wild past and a call for conservation in the present.
5. The Pioneers – David McCullough
Theme: American frontier history
Why It’s Great: A rich historical account of early settlement in Ohio
McCullough tells the story of the early pioneers who settled in the Ohio Valley, drawing from letters and journals to bring their experiences to life. This book captures the spirit of exploration, resilience, and transformation that shaped early America.
6. The Natural Navigator – Tristan Gooley
Theme: Outdoor skills and navigation
Why It’s Great: Learn how to read nature’s clues to find your way
Tristan Gooley teaches readers how to navigate using nothing but nature—stars, plants, wind, and water. Packed with fascinating insights, this book is perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone who wants to develop a deeper connection with the natural world.
7. The Last Season – Eric Blehm
Theme: True-life outdoor mystery
Why It’s Great: The disappearance of a seasoned backcountry ranger
This gripping nonfiction book follows the story of Randy Morgenson, a respected backcountry ranger in the Sierra Nevada who mysteriously vanished. The Last Season is both a thrilling mystery and a meditation on the dangers and allure of life in the wild.
8. Beyond the Hundredth Meridian – Wallace Stegner
Theme: The exploration of the American West
Why It’s Great: A biography of John Wesley Powell and his groundbreaking expeditions
Stegner’s classic work chronicles the daring journey of John Wesley Powell, the one-armed Civil War veteran who led the first expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This book blends adventure, science, and history, making it essential reading for those fascinated by the American West.
9. Deep Survival – Laurence Gonzales
Theme: Survival psychology
Why It’s Great: Why do some people survive disasters while others don’t?
Gonzales explores the science behind survival, analyzing real-life cases of people who found themselves in life-or-death situations. Deep Survival is an eye-opening look at the mental and emotional resilience needed to survive extreme conditions.
10. Cadillac Desert – Marc Reisner
Theme: Water conservation and the American West
Why It’s Great: The shocking history of water politics in the U.S.
Water is the lifeblood of the West, and Cadillac Desert is the definitive book on the battle over its control. Marc Reisner’s fascinating exploration of dams, water rights, and environmental consequences is a must-read for anyone interested in conservation and public lands.
