Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon History

The Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon is a historic site that has witnessed many significant events in its long history. One such event is the story of Glen and Bessie Hyde, a couple who attempted to become the first woman to travel down the Colorado River in 1927.

Glen was an experienced boatman who had spent years navigating the river with his friend, Jess Nebeker. He built a wooden scow, which he named 'Rain-in-the-Face', and stocked it with supplies, journals, and even a bedspring for their honeymoon trip. Bessie, on the other hand, was a schoolteacher from Twin Falls, Idaho who had graduated from the California School of Fine Art in San Francisco.

The couple met in February 1927 on a boat trip to Los Angeles and quickly hit it off. They decided to launch their own expedition down the Grand Canyon, with Glen at the helm and Bessie as his passenger. The journey was not without its challenges, however, as they had to navigate through treacherous canyons and rapids.

Despite these obstacles, the couple made it through Labyrinth, Stillwater, and Cataract Canyons unscathed. However, they did neglect to bring life jackets, which proved to be a crucial mistake in hindsight. On November 18, 1927, Glen and Bessie set off from Green River, Utah, and made their way down the Colorado River.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck on October 21, 1928, when Glen and Bessie's bodies were found downstream of the Grand Canyon. An investigation into their deaths revealed that they had likely capsized in a rapid and drowned. The incident was met with widespread shock and grief, and it marked the end of an era for river running.

Today, the Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon serves as a testament to the bravery and adventure of Glen and Bessie Hyde. Their story has inspired many others to explore the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, and their legacy continues to be celebrated by those who know their tale.

Thunderbird lodge grand canyon history