Waltenberg Rapid, named after John Waltenberg, worked for William Bass for 18 years building trails and mining asbestos and copper. Waltenberg also worked for Levi Noble mapping the Shinumo Quadrangle. Noble proposed the name Waltenberg, for the rapid and canyon located in the vicinity of where this quiet gentleman from Wisconsin spent many years of his life.
On Christmas Eve 1911, Ellsworth Kolb capsized his boat Defiance in the icy waters of Waltenberg Rapid. During the moments following, Emery Kolb smashed his boat Edith on a rock in what they later called “Christmas” Rapid. The next day, the brothers Kolb, with Bert Lauzon who had jumped into the river to rescue Defiance, patched the gaping hole in Emery’s boat.
The lower Grand Canyon, as traveled by Western's 3 or 4 day expedition begins at Whitmore Wash (mile 188) and finishes at Lake Mead (mile 277).
This comprehensive PDF guides include river maps, overview, full itineraries, camping and weather information, details on physical requirements, packing lists and more.
