The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon: Photographers, Adventurers, Pioneers

by Roger Naylor

Ellsworth and Emery Kolb arrived at Grand Canyon in 1902 to seek their fortune at the remote, breathtaking chasm. Pioneers in the fledgling tourism industry, they set up a tent at the head of the Bright Angel Trail and began photographing tourists as they clip-clopped into the canyon on mule back. For nearly eight decades, these intrepid brothers explored and photographed Grand Canyon from rim to river, rappelling down cliff faces with makeshift ropes and anchors, running the Colorado River s perilous rapids, and exploring every corner of the canyon via foot, boat, and plane. Theirs is an adventure story you must read to believe.
The Kolbs dangled from ropes, clung to sheer cliff walls by their fingertips, climbed virtually inaccessible summits, ran seemingly impassable white-water rapids, braved the elements, and ventured into unknown wilderness all for the sake of a photo. Well, a photo and a thrill. Sometimes it was hard to tell which was more important.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2017

Reviews

[Victoria Wiedrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, quick read. I had to wonder how these over-the-top risk takers never pushed their luck too far. What they did to get canyon photographs was almost beyond belief. I wish that I had read this prior to visiting the Grand Canyon as I would have had a better understanding of the history behind the “studio perched on the canyon wall.” After finishing this book, I did order their personal account of their adventure down the Colorado River.

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story of Ellsworth and Emery Kolb and their Grand Canyon adventures and the knowledge and expertise they developed in photographing and navigating the Canyon and Colorado River in the early 20th century. A thorough, well-written account of their lives and their lasting influence on people's knowledge and appreciation of the Canyon filled with photos. I'm in awe of their daring, resourcefulness and tenacity in everything from their 101 day, 1200 mile trip down the Green and Colorado Rivers without a guide to battling the Fred Harvey Company and NPS for years to keep their business and home still perched at the head of the Bright Angel Trail to exploring a seasonal waterfall with Ellsworth dangling in tangled ropes from the Canyon Wall during a storm to running down and back up the top part of the canyon in an hour to the water at Indian Gardens in order to develop photos of mules riders.

[John Valesano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the adventurous Kolb brothers who explored, photographed, and brought the wonders of the Grand Canyon to the unknowing public through their photography.
The book describes their struggles and ultimate triumph over the Santa Fe railroad and the Fred Harvey company, the National Park Service, and the federal government to keep their business afloat and preserve their legacy at the Grand Canyon south rim.
When visiting the south rim of the Grand Canyon you can visit their studio and residece now turned into a museum supported by the gift shop on the premises.
For further reading you can download for free Through the Grand Canyon from Wyoming to Mexico by Ellsworth L. Kolb from Guttenberg.org. The book tells of the Kolb brothers successful trip through the Grand Canyon on boats on the Colorado River while documenting it with photos and early motion pictures.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous book about two remarkable men. I had the privilege of visiting the Kolb family residence with my wife and friends in 2017. Reading this book brought the entire adventure back to life, but with even more detail. This is a fun, very enjoyable read, filled with the daring and crazy adventures of two brothers in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Roger Naylor is a gem in telling a story more Americans need to know about. And thank goodness the Grand Canyon Association saved the house and studio so we can enjoy it today.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read with a short biography of the two daredevil brothers who went to great risk to photograph the Grand Canyon. Their studio is still there in the village at the bottom of the canyon. The book is interspersed with their photos. They took remarkable risks to get just the right photo and went to great lengths to reach what to others were unreachable locations to photograph them for a demanding public. Quite a remarkable pair for their time.

[Loni Spendlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

These real-life characters are brought to life in a fascinating narrative of their dedication to the adventure of the Grand Canyon. You'll find yourself chuckling at their antics and grit and be awestruck at their amazing photos from one of the last wildernesses in America at the turn of the century.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book at the Kolb studio at the Grand Canyon, so it was great to read about them after visiting their home and seeing their work. The life they lived wasn’t easy, and being there and walking the trails makes me appreciate what they did so much more.

If you get a chance to get to their studio, you need to go. It’s breathtaking and you will appreciate this Kolb memoir even more.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Grand Canyon and the cashier insisted I visit Kolb Studio. I'm so glad I did! What a treat to see where they lived and worked before reading about their adventures. This is a great read with amazing photos and even more amazing stories.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about the Kolb brothers. Really enjoyed all the stories and pictures. What amazing lives they lived.

[Kim Messier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched, well written, beautifully designed, this book about Grand Canyon pioneers is a pleasure to read.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information about the Kolb Brothers. Explorers, dare-devils, photographers.

[Bob Nedderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This terrific little book is well written and beautifully designed and illustrated. The Kolb Brothers were daredevil photographers and Grand Canyon explorers.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serves its purpose as a fine introduction to Ellsworth and Emery Kolb liberally illustrated with photos.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable book about 2 wildly interesting Grand Canyon pioneers. And as I stated in my review of Ellsworth's book about their river trip (Through the Grand Canyon From Wyoming to Mexico), I have a special interest in the Kolbs. They're my great- grandfather's cousins. The studio is a must stop each time I visit Grand Canyon.