Journey Into the Great Unknown

GATES OF LODORE

In Lodore Canyon the Powell expedition first encountered unruly whitewater, losing a boat (and almost some of its crew) in Disaster Falls.

“No quiet in all that time; but its walls and cliffs, its peaks and crags, its amphitheaters and alcoves told a story…of beauty and grandeur.”
–J.W. Powell

DESOLATION CANYON

Powell called it a “region of the wildest desolation,” but this dramatic and remote canyon is full of beauty. Towering terraced walls, talus slopes and colorful crags rise from the river, as thrilling whitewater beckons the constant attention of its explorers.

CATARACT CANYON

Venturing down the Colorado River into what is now Canyonlands, the Powell crew sees the biggest whitewater yet, while the landscape mesmerizes.

“At this great depth the river rolls in solemn majesty. The cliffs are reflected from the more quiet river, and we seem to be in the depths of the earth…”
–J.W. Powell

GRAND CANYON

“The walls now are more than a mile in height—a vertical distance difficult to appreciate.”
–J.W. Powell

Powell named this majestic chasm Grand Canyon, unlocking a national treasure. But the rapids here challenged the crew to its core and three men would never see the historic expedition to its completion.