Publication Date: December 9, 2025
Discover the fascinating true crime stories that lay within the majestic landscapes of the United States’ national parks, including the National Forest Serial Killer Gary Michael Hilton, the vanlife tragedy of Gabby Petito, murders in Yosemite, and more.
From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the towering peaks of Yosemite, Murder on the Trail delves into chilling stories of killers, mysterious disappearances, and other harrowing crimes that have occurred in US national parks, including those involving:
- Cary Stayner, Yosemite Park Killer
- Gary Hilton, National Forest Killer
- The tragic story of vanlifer Gabby Petito
- Toni and Harold Henthorn
- And more
Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, best-selling true crime author Michelle Kaminsky guides readers through the hidden dangers, sinister secrets, and terrifying realities that lurk in America’s most treasured natural wonders. For lovers of true crime and the great outdoors, this gripping book is a must-read for anyone drawn to the dark side of nature’s most breathtaking, remote, and (mostly) serene landscapes.
Beneath the beauty of the U.S. National Park System lies an underbelly of crime and mayhem at the hands of wilderness predators.
Author Michelle Kaminsky highlights nine cases spanning nearly a century of United States history in national parks with Murder on the Trail. While the cases are unique, they all center around people who met tragic fates while exploring the wilderness.
Each chapter provides rich background material about the people involved. The author also weaves in forensic details, interviews, testimonies, and other supporting documentation. The end result is an easy-to-read synopsis.
The author notes that the 24-hour news cycle, surveillance technology, and social media have radically changed how mysteries, deaths, and disappearances in national parks are investigated. A perfect example is Gabby Petito’s murder in 2021.
Murder on the Trail highlights the beauty of our public lands while showcasing the two-legged predators lurking within.
Michelle Kaminsky’s true crime writing is driven by a lifelong fascination with criminal minds, motivations, and MOs. Her first book, Serial Killer Trivia: Fascinating Facts and Disturbing Details That Will Freak You the F*ck Out, was published in 2019, and her second book, Serial Killer Trivia: Cold Cases: Fascinating Facts and Chilling Details from the Creepiest Unsolved Murders Ever, was published in 2021, both by Ulysses Press. Michelle is the mom of a human kid and a rescued hound, and she is probably listening to a true crime podcast right now. You can find her @michkaminsky throughout social media.
