John Wesley Powell River History MuseumJohn Wesley Powell River History MuseumHerm Hoops’ life has always been associated with water. From bucolic farm ponds in Vermont to the awe-inspiring rivers of the West, Herm has always had a toe in the water. In 1966, he dipped those toes in the rivers of the West for the first time and it changed his life forever. By the mid-1970s his professional and private life was dominated by the rivers of the Colorado Plateau. He was a river rat, donning a signature toucan hat, and he longed to dance his boat on the quicksilver ballet of the big rapids of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Over a long and impactful career, Hoops has been a naturalist, educator, writer, historian, mentor, boat repair expert, river guide, a bit of an outlaw, and most importantly, an advocate for the rivers and canyons of the Colorado Plateau. His experience, varied knowledge of law and regulations, and the effects of potential threats to the rivers of the West inspired a lifetime of work to protect them.
In 2018 the River Management Society presented Herm their award for Outstanding Contribution for River Management. Besides being a member of the River Management Society, Hoops is a lifetime member of the Colorado Plateau River Guides and Grand Canyon River Guides, and he served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Plateau River Guides for thirteen years. Herm is an Honorary Member of the Utah Guides and Outfitters, and he has served on many other boards related to the protection and management of the rivers on the Colorado Plateau.
susan munroe
His contribution to the history of river running comes both in action and documentation. He is a tireless researcher and has almost single-handedly written the most detailed history of rubber boats and rafting manufacturers on record.
But Herm’s real passion has always been out on the river. He found freedom in Desolation Canyon, making countless solo trips in the fall and winter. Through more than 120 trips down Desolation, many of them solo, he was overwhelmed by the silence and dark night skies – the solitude of a place he lovingly called Desperation. Alone in his boat, he loved to drift on a current in the early morning – spellbound by the silence and colors as the river world awakened around him.
As he looks back on those times, Herm knows that the rivers were good to him then, and he hopes that he has been good in return.
Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Adults (18+)
Seniors (62+)
Children (7-17)
Family
$8
$6
$3
$25
Free admission for children under 7, museum members, and Green River residents.