Friday Eye Candy: Google Documents the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

If you fancy yourself a modern-day John Wesley Powell, but to this point haven’t climbed on a raft headed Grand Canyon way, Google recently released a series of “Street View” style photos from the very bottom of that most famous natural landmark.

1 minute read

March 14, 2014, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Maybe you still don’t know what it feels like to be ABC (Alive Below Crystal Falls) with a taco in one hand and a beer in the other, but now you can witness the romance of the Grand Canyon (and maybe learn a little bit about why it needs to be protected).

Felicia Fonseca reports that Google has released the images of a raft trip down the Grand Canyon—the result of a partnership with the American Rivers advocacy group. Although the trekker project has been in the works for some time now, Google just released the photos and an interactive website of the Grand Canyon journey this week.

The Street View Treks page is full of data about the history and formation of the river, including this description: “The Colorado River is one of the most dammed, diverted, and plumbed rivers in the world -- by the time the Colorado River reaches the Gulf of California in Mexico, it’s so tapped out that the river runs dry.” The river’s state led American Rivers to declare the Colorado River "America’s Most Endangered River" in 2013.

Thursday, March 13, 2014 in AP via San Jose Mercury News

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Car parked at EV charging station in parking lot in Carlsbad, California.

California Governor Vows to Protect EV Credits

If the federal government eliminates the tax credit for electric vehicles, the governor will need legislative support to restart a state-level incentive program.

December 1 - The Hill

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1 - StreetsBlog NYC

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.