Fedarko introduces the grueling adventure that he and Pete McBride undertook in the Grand Canyon, a journey riddled with missteps, pain, and near-catastrophic challenges. The Prologue recounts humorous yet harrowing anecdotes, from falling into cacti, to the oppressive heat, to debilitating physical injuries, setting the tone for the narrative. Fedarko uses self-deprecating humor to reflect on their hubris and lack of preparation, juxtaposed with the grandeur and harshness of the canyon. The Prologue establishes the journey as both a test of endurance and an exploration of one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Fedarko begins Chapter 1 by painting a detailed picture of the Grand Canyon’s immense scale, ecological complexity, and geological significance. He describes the layered ecosystems that span a vertical mile, from snow-laden forests on the North Rim to the searing desert floor, likening the trek through the canyon to traversing from Canada to Mexico within a single mile.

The chapter highlights the canyon’s unique biodiversity, including rare plants, insects, and animals that have adapted to its extreme conditions. Fedarko emphasizes the canyon’s grandeur and mystery, contrasting its natural beauty with the challenges it presents.