In late April of 2003, author Aron Ralston goes on a solo-hiking trip outside of Moab, Utah. After spending a portion of his day with two young women he meets on the hike, Ralston parts ways with the women and continues into Blue John Canyon. During his hike he dislodges a large chockstone, which pins his right arm against the canyon wall. After a variety of failed attempts to dislodge the chockstone, Ralston is left with limited options. He either can wait for an unlikely rescue or perform the unthinkable task of amputating his own arm.

With only a small ration of water and two burritos, Ralston survives the next six days. He suffers from dehydration, hypothermia, and starvation. Finally, with no other options and time running out, Ralston amputates his arm and hikes out of the canyon.

Ralston tells his story of despair as he agonizes over not just his current predicament but also its lasting effects on his family and friends. He also shares tales of other adventures. An avid mountain climber, skier, and hiker, Ralston has seen his fair share of brushes with death, including being attacked by a black bear, getting caught in a current in the Colorado River, and surviving burial in an avalanche.

Ralston's story is a testament to a true outdoorsman who views risk as a pivotal part of his happiness. His accident in Blue John Canyon is, however, a freak accident. Gut wrenching and honest, Ralston leads the reader from his early beginnings as an outdoorsman to his darkest moments in Blue John Canyon. News of his survival story spanned the globe. His story is as unbelievable as it is inspiring, as it speaks to the basic will to survive.