The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon by Roger Naylor

Roger Naylor, Arizona travel writer, will discuss his book The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon which covers the remarkable life of two of the Canyon’s most significant pioneers and legendary photographers. 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. And they did it on their own terms. They carved out a way of life that didn’t exist, essentially creating tourism photography on the cusp of the twentieth century. The Kolbs also became the first independent moviemakers. They produced the first reality show. They invented the selfie. They invented trail-running and put white-water rafting on the map. Before there even was a National Park Service, they taught Americans how to explore their national parks. The Kolb Studio still stands at the head of the Bright Angel Trail.

Roger Naylor’s work has appeared in the Arizona Republic, The Guardian, USA Today, Arizona Highways, and dozens more. For years he has written for the official Arizona State Visitor Guide and in 2019 was chosen to write the Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Magazine. In 2020 he was chosen to become the narrator of the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Roger will have many of his books available for sale and signing following the program including:

• The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon
• Arizona National Parks and Monuments: Scenic Wonders and Cultural Treasures of the Grand Canyon State
• Awesome Arizona: 200 Amazing Facts About the Grand Canyon State (winner of the 2024 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Arizona History)
• Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes (Winner of the 2021 New-Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Arizona Travel and Best Arizona Book overall)

Program Info:

Thursday, October 23
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
FREE for Museum Members (Members, log-in first to reserve tickets)
FREE with Museum Admission
$10 for just the program