Colorado River, Grand Canyon, River Mile 52.8, Nankoweap, Downstream View from River Right, 1890

January 18, 1890. Colorado River, Grand Canyon, River Mile 52.8, Nankoweap, Downstream View from River Right. Snow capped the cliffs when Stanton captured this image showing a bend in the river downstream from Nankoweap Creek, a view that is one of the most famous in Grand Canyon. Similar photographs have been taken by hundreds of river runners visiting the remnants of prehistoric granaries at Nankoweap, which are in the cliffs high above the camera station to the right. The river is lined by broad sand bars at this water level. The dominant plant on the slopes is mostly Mormon tea, while mesquite is visible near river level. A fresh gully scar is visible at the far left coming from the steep slopes on river left. These cliffs frequently produce rockfalls. (Stake no. s1424a in the Southwest Repeat Photography Collection.)
Photo credit: Robert B. Stanton, 57-RS-360, courtesy of The National Archives