A Canyon Voyage: A Narrative of the Second Powell Expedition down the Green-Colorado River from Wyoming, and the Explorations on Land, in the Years 1871 and 1872
A Canyon Voyage: A Narrative of the Second Powell Expedition down the Green–Colorado River from Wyoming, and the Explorations on Land, in the Years 1871 and 1872 is the firsthand account of John Wesley Powell’s second expedition through the American West. The narrative chronicles Powell and his team’s journey down the Green and Colorado Rivers, detailing both river navigation and land-based explorations in the rugged terrain of what is now Utah, Colorado, and Arizona.
Powell provides vivid descriptions of the dramatic landscapes, including canyons, cliffs, and river rapids, alongside observations of geology, flora, fauna, and encounters with Native American communities. The book blends adventure and scientific inquiry, highlighting the logistical challenges of 19th-century exploration and the perseverance required to chart largely unknown territories.
As both a historical and literary work, A Canyon Voyage offers readers insight into the physical demands, intellectual curiosity, and cultural interactions that defined Powell’s expeditions, making it an essential resource for understanding the exploration of the American West.