Help finding a book

Thank you and I apologize in advance for the so few facts I can remember.

I'm looking for the title of a book. I think it may be the first in a series perhaps 3+. I read it around 1990 but got it from the library so likely older than that.

What I can remember is there is a man that travels from planet to planet and he has to figure out the problems / how that planet works to acquire the skills to move on to the next plant. I believe he was on one planet that he hops from stone to stone because the ground is toxic. I think (but can't remember) if he is trying to get back to earth. Of course he is clever, resourceful and always somehow figures out the patterns.

If it helps I think it had an orange-ish cover, some sort of desolate landscape. Any help would be appreciated and I realize this may fit many narratives.

Finally I think I would probably categorize this as both sci-fi and fantasy.