Alta California: From San Diego to San Francisco — A Journey on Foot to Rediscover the Golden State

Alta California follows author Nick Neely as he walks 650 miles from San Diego to San Francisco, tracing the historic 1769 Portolá expedition and rediscovering the diverse landscapes that shaped modern California. Blending travel memoir, natural history, Indigenous histories, and cultural reflection, this book offers a vivid and intimate portrait of the Golden State—its canyons, coastlines, wildlife, communities, and the layered stories that live beneath every mile.

Both deeply researched and beautifully personal, Alta California is perfect for readers who crave immersive nonfiction, California history, environmental writing, and slow-travel narratives. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors or a curious student of place, this book invites you to see California with fresh eyes.

Perfect For:
– Readers of nature writing and travel memoirs
– California history enthusiasts
– Hikers, walkers, and outdoor lovers
– Fans of Rebecca Solnit, Barry Lopez, and Joan Didion
– Gifts for travelers, locals, and anyone curious about the landscapes of the West Coast

Why You’ll Love This Book

• A compelling journey that retraces one of the most important historical paths in California

• Rich storytelling that blends ecology, anthropology, and modern-day observation

• An illuminating exploration of what California was—and what it’s becoming

• Ideal for slow-living, place-based reading, or adding depth to a California-themed gift set

Details

• Author: Nick Neely

• Format: Paperback

• Genre: Travel Writing • California History • Nature Writing

• Publisher: Counterpoint Press