The vast Colorado River collects water from the highest Rocky Mountain peaks and traverses the widest plateaus, the deepest canyons, and the lowest deserts before emptying into the delta of northern Mexico. This austere land and mighty river resist exploration, settlement, and description. But in the hands of one of the Wests great writers, Frank Waters, the history and lore of its past make irresistible reading and a resounding case for mankinds respect for the environment.