Kenton Grua: Grand Canyon Legend | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts Josh, Chuck, and Jerry explore the fascinating life and adventures of Kenton Grua, a legendary Grand Canyon river guide. From his remarkable achievements to his love for the Colorado River, this episode delves into the unique world of river expeditions and the challenges faced by those who navigate the Grand Canyon.

Main Takeaways

Kenton Grua: A Grand Canyon Legend

• Kenton Grua, a Grand Canyon River Guide, was known for his remarkable accomplishments and humble nature.
• His expertise in navigating the Colorado River and his passion for river adventures made him an influential figure in the Grand Canyon.
• Grua’s love for the river led him to work for Hatch River Expeditions and pilot the wooden dory, the Emerald Mile.
• Dories offered a unique and challenging way to navigate the river, requiring skill and experience.
• Grua set a speed record in 1980, rowing the river in 46 hours and 56 minutes, breaking a record that had stood for almost 30 years.

The Commercialization of the Colorado River Expeditions

• There are concerns about the commercialization of the Colorado River expeditions, with proposals for big hotels and helicopter trips.
• The comparison is made between the modern rafting experience on the Colorado River and a posh vacation, highlighting the commercialization and ease of the experience today.
• Grua’s adventurous spirit and ongoing work showcase his dedication and continuous pursuit of new challenges.

The Historic Exploration of the Grand Canyon

• John Wesley Powell led the first expedition down the Colorado River in 1869, marking the first Europeans to circumnavigate the entire Grand Canyon.
• Ed Hudson completed the run in a motorboat in five days and ten minutes in 1949, sparking attempts to break the record.
• The longest attempt on the Colorado River took 103 days in 1973.
• Kenton Grua lived on the Colorado River six years after the Glen Canyon Dam tamed the river, changing its wild nature.

The Challenges and Adventures of River Expeditions

• The Colorado River’s steep canyon sides and unpredictable nature make it challenging and dangerous.
• Natural dams created by debris and boulders create rapids that shouldn’t naturally exist in the Colorado River.
• Kenton Grua’s adventures and expertise on the Colorado River exemplify the tough yet kind nature required for river expeditions.

Summary

Kenton Grua: A Legendary Grand Canyon River Guide

Kenton Grua, a Grand Canyon River Guide, left a lasting impact on the world of river expeditions. Known for his remarkable accomplishments and humble nature, Grua’s expertise in navigating the Colorado River made him an influential figure in the Grand Canyon. He worked for Hatch River Expeditions and piloted the wooden dory, the Emerald Mile, down the river. Dories offered a unique and challenging way to navigate the river, requiring skill and experience. Grua set a speed record in 1980, rowing the river in 46 hours and 56 minutes, breaking a record that had stood for almost 30 years.

The Commercialization of the Colorado River Expeditions

While the Colorado River expeditions have become increasingly commercialized, losing some of the original challenge and adventure, Kenton Grua’s adventurous spirit and ongoing work showcase his dedication and continuous pursuit of new challenges. The comparison is made between the modern rafting experience on the Colorado River and a posh vacation, highlighting the commercialization and ease of the experience today.

The Historic Exploration of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon has a rich history of exploration, with John Wesley Powell leading the first expedition down the Colorado River in 1869. This marked the first Europeans to circumnavigate the entire Grand Canyon. Ed Hudson’s motorboat run in 1949 sparked attempts to break the record, and the longest attempt on the Colorado River took 103 days in 1973. Kenton Grua lived on the Colorado River six years after the Glen Canyon Dam tamed the river, changing its wild nature.

The Challenges and Adventures of River Expeditions

The Colorado River’s steep canyon sides and unpredictable nature make it challenging and dangerous for river expeditions. Natural dams created by debris and boulders create rapids that shouldn’t naturally exist in the Colorado River. Kenton Grua’s adventures and expertise on the Colorado River exemplify the tough yet kind nature required for successful river expeditions.

Conclusion

Kenton Grua’s life and accomplishments as a Grand Canyon river guide showcase the incredible challenges and adventures that await those who navigate the Colorado River. From his record-breaking speed runs to his dedication to preserving the wild nature of the river, Grua’s legacy lives on in the Grand Canyon. Despite concerns about the commercialization of river expeditions, the spirit of exploration and adventure continues to draw people to this magnificent natural wonder.