Cutaway illustration of a rugged switchback trail descending toward a small asbestos mine adit near a roaring rapid on the Colorado River

Hance Mine: the asbestos claim behind the canyon's first tour guide

John Hance mined asbestos near Sockdolager Rapids, sold out in 1901, and became famous for storytelling instead. The river corridor there is now a hard closure.

September 23, 2026 · 7 min · 1441 words · Justin