John Wesley Powell River History MuseumJohn Wesley Powell River History MuseumBorn Aug. 16, 1929, Ken grew up in the farming communities of Bear Lake County, Idaho, and Davis County, Utah. Son of a feed and grain merchant, he excelled in early business activities and farming. In the 1950s, he served his country in the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Utah, and worked for Firestone Tire and as a teacher in Salt Lake City for a spell. Afterward, he bought some new surplus boats and started living his mystical dream on the river.
Ken led trips up and down the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, Glen Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. He also ran the San Juan, Green, and Yampa Rivers. As well, he guided on rivers in Alaska, Mexico, and Central America. It was at Lees Ferry – preparing for one of his trips through the Grand Canyon – that Ken met ranger and writer Edward Abbey. Ken and Ed became lifelong friends. He joined with Abbey in purchasing Willow Bend Ranch near Green River, Utah. His long association is noted in Abbey’s novel, The Monkey Wrench Gang. The small acreage was later purchased by their friends, who were film makers and partners of Ken.
While in Green River he opened a bookstore, in addition to his river expeditions. While on a river trip, Ken met Jane Hunter, and the two of them moved to Moab, with their bookstore, and set up river expeditions and horse pack trips. They married, and purchased the famed Pack Creek Ranch in the La Sal Mountains, and turned it into a country inn.
Ken became a political essayist advocating for environmental causes and opposing destructive land and river policies. He wrote a column for the popular Canyon Country Zephyr. He joined in protests, and joined others in lawsuits against interests that would damage the environment. He became active in politics, joining with the Navajo and Ute people to help solve their many needs. Ken has been featured in numerous documentaries and articles regarding his many interests and causes.
Ken always put customers first. He tried to make each one feel that the rivers and canyons were their very own special sanctuary. He shared his love of special places like Glen Canyon. His trips were renowned for adventure, camaraderie, appreciation of nature, and the evening campfires which were filled with yarns, tales, with a few lies thrown in. It has always been Ken’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and smile that have endeared people to him. Many of his customers “caught” his love, reverence, and respect for the rivers and the canyons.
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.