We all know park rangers. If you’ve ever been to a national or state park you’ve definitely crossed paths with a park ranger.
Maybe you ask them for directions to navigate a specific trail.
Maybe you need them to check you in for a backcountry permit.
Maybe you want suggestions on which area has the best waterfalls.
These are all great questions but what you may not know is that being a park ranger is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. “Life for a park ranger in a big park did not get better with time. It just got different. But for me to acknowledge this truth required less beer and more years of sober reflection. And at the Grand Canyon, meditative retreats on mountaintops were a luxury our jobs did not allow.” If you think that rangers have it made because they get to “just hike around some of the most beautiful places,” please reconsider.
Ranger Confidential gave me a deeper appreciation of what it means to be a park ranger. Assault, accidents, and even death are not unheard of for a park ranger. Heed the signage in front of your face at every park; state, national or otherwise. They aren’t there for decoration, a sign may protect your life before a park ranger needs to save you.
This book is many things; eye-opening, poignant but also funny.
I implore anyone who has not read this to please do so immediately, especially if you plan on visiting a park soon. Ranger Confidential will give you a deeper appreciation of the men and women who watch over these beautiful, but dangerous, places. It may give you a different perspective, which could save your life. Who knows? Regardless, everyone can learn something from this book.
If you do purchase this book, I recommend buying through bookshop.org so that you can support your local bookstore. Or, visit your local library!
Good talk, see you out there!