
Down the Great Unknown
John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon
by Edward Dolnick
Should I read this?
appears in About Colorado, Travel, and History.
Drawing on rarely examined diaries and journals, Down the Great Unknown is the first book to tell the full, dramatic story of the Powell expedition. On May 24, 1869 a onearmed Civil War veteran, John Wesley Powell and a ragtag band of nine mountain men embarked on the last great quest in the American West. The Grand Canyon, not explored before, wa...
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Why recommended
appears in About Colorado, Travel, and History.
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Appears In

Not sure if this is the right fit?
Consider Eleven Miles to Freedom by Ben Schmitt.
“Concise, route-focused guide to Elevenmile Canyon with topos, photos, and short descriptions for established sport and trad lines. Approach notes, pitch lengths, and occasional gear hints make it useful for planning or quick reference at the crag. Limitations: minimal narrative or local history, little beginner-oriented or step-by-step instruction, and photo/topo clarity varies so cross-checking on-site can be necessary. Best used as a practical on-site reference rather than light reading or a teaching primer.”
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