The Hatch and Eggert Expedition: Documenting the Colorado and Green’s Wild Legacy

The expedition led by Don Hatch and Charlie Eggert in 1955 holds the distinction of being the last complete journey down the Green and Colorado Rivers in the same way that John Wesley Powell had done in 1869. This critical expedition came at a pivotal time, as the construction of dams like the Glen Canyon Dam and Flaming Gorge Dam threatened to permanently alter the very landscapes Powell had explored and documented. By retracing Powell’s route, Hatch and Eggert sought to preserve the wilderness and raise awareness of the imminent dangers posed by these dams to the surrounding ecosystems.

Prior to this expedition, most of the iconic canyons and rapids along these rivers had been photographed only from accessible points—mainly via trails like the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon—because photography equipment was expensive and cumbersome. Few photographers had ventured into the remote areas of the river, and the idea of documenting the entirety of the river was far too daunting. Charlie Eggert, however, a former photographer’s mate during WWII and a dedicated conservationist, was willing to take the risk of capturing these wild landscapes for posterity. His effort to photograph the rivers became a vital part of the broader campaign against the dams, helping to ensure future generations could witness the beauty of these places before they were submerged.

The 1955 expedition itself was a significant achievement. The two boats used were a military assault raft named “No Name” (after one of Powell’s boats) and a modified 27 foot bridge pontoon called the “Brontosaur.” The journey was largely smooth, and Eggert captured a wealth of photographs and films, which he later showcased throughout the Southwest, drawing public attention to the dangers of dam construction.

Although Eggert’s photographs and the advocacy efforts of Hatch, Eggert, and other conservationists were instrumental in stopping the construction of the Echo Park Dam (thanks to support from the Sierra Club), the Glen Canyon Dam and Flaming Gorge Dam were eventually completed, leading to the creation of Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge Reservoir, respectively. However, Eggert’s images and the stories of their expedition remain crucial historical records of these stunning, now-submerged landscapes.

In essence, the 1955 Hatch-Eggert expedition was the last opportunity to experience the rivers and canyons of the Green and Colorado Rivers in the same form Powell had encountered them over 80 years earlier. Through their efforts, we have a photographic archive that preserves the essence of these wild places and serves as a reminder of the ongoing battles over conservation and the impact of human intervention on natural environments.