Nestled among the cities and suburbs of the San Francisco Bay Area is the most extensive system of wild greenbelts in the nation. Galen Rowell, renowned adventurer and wilderness photographer, has created the ultimate tribute to the area where he was born and raised. His inspiring text and the book's 170 spectacular color photographs present a unique view of the Bay Area. Chosen from more than 20,000 images, these extraordinary photographs make clear why so many have worked so hard to preserve the Bay Area's wildlands, and why this work must continue. Miles of rugged coastline, valleys, deltas, bays, islands, mountains, and ocean are captured in stunning images, such as a full moon setting through the pines over Mount Tamalpais, a ray of sunlight illuminating brilliant poppies in Tilden Regional Park, and winter storm waves crashing against the rocky San Mateo coast at Pescadero State Beach.