What if the path to finding yourself runs straight through the outdoors?
Landscapes of Grace is a collection of hiking essays for anyone who has ever felt more alive on trail than at a desk—and wondered what that means.
Drawing on years of hiking through wild places—from the Yellowstone Basin to the Picos de Europa in northern Spain—author and lifelong hiker Jeff Gardner makes a compelling case: Spending time in nature is not a hobby or an escape. It is a spiritual practice, perhaps the most essential one available to us. Going outside, he argues, is how we find who God has called us to be.
These essays weave together hiking and self-discovery, faith and the natural world, and the urgent question of who we are and why we are here. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or someone who simply longs to get outdoors more, Landscapes of Grace offers a vision of nature as sacred space: Nature not as God, but a gift from Him.
For readers of Barbara Brown Taylor, Annie Dillard, and anyone drawn to Christian nature writing, Landscapes of Grace is an invitation to lace up your boots and step into the wilderness, the very place where God tends to show up.
Perfect for:
- hikers seeking spiritual meaning
- Catholic and Christian readers
- nature lovers
- parents raising children outdoors
- fans of contemplative essay collections
"Landscapes of Grace is more than a collection of hiking stories—it’s an invitation. Beautifully written, this book blends storytelling, philosophy, and faith, inviting you to re-evaluate the restless pace of modern life and journey into a deeper awareness of who you are, why you’re here, and where God is waiting to meet you. I strongly recommend that you read this book, take the first step, and let the journey transform you."
- Drew Mariani, Author and Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host
