Author Description

Over a hundred million years ago, the area that is now Dinosaur National Monument attracted the behemoth creatures of its namesake with its plentiful supply of food and water. Renowned for its world- famous fossil quarry, Dinosaur National Monument is also home to two of the WestÕs legendary whitewater rivers: the Yampa and the Green. In this new addition to the Desert Places series, river runner and author Hal Crimmel, along with photographer Steve Gaffney, invite readers to partake in the beauty of Dinosaur National MonumentÕs remote, rapids-filled canyons, and wonder at the unique ecological niches found in this high desert oasis. GaffneyÕs reflective photographs emphasize the rough perfection of the landscape; CrimmelÕs pensive meditations and his river expertise combine to create a rare point of view, one that ventures into places the guidebooks donÕt go. But this narrative is more than tributeÑit is a reminder of the fragile nature of desert places. Crimmel lyrically combines his descriptions with an examination of the complex issues relevant to managing public landsÑinvasive species, tourism, dams, endangered flora and faunaÑto address the contradictions inherent in Òmanaged wilderness.Ó Over four seasons and multiple trips, Crimmel and Gaffney have captured the riversÕ sense of place, creating a portrait of a dazzling high desert landscape that needs to be appreciated and protected.