Buzz Belknap

Buzz Belknap

Buzz Belknap (William Belknap III) was born on February 18th, 1944 and is currently 82 years old. Buzz Belknap was born in Washington, D.C., USA.

Buzz Belknap is a filmmaker, visual artist, photographer, skiing instructor, and author who has significantly contributed to outdoor and skiing culture, as well as to the literature of river exploration. He is best known for the Buzz Belknap Travel Series and his waterproof river guides, which remain essential resources for adventurers.

Belknap's love for river adventures began in his childhood, accompanying his father, Bill Belknap, and their family friend Otis Marston on river trips. Some of his most memorable Grand Canyon adventures include a 1958 outboard boat trip during flows over 100,000 c.f.s. and a 1963 sportyak trip on just 900 c.f.s. At just sixteen years old, Buzz served as the pilot on one of four jet boats participating in the 1960 Grand Canyon Uprun.

In 1959, Belknap was a crew member for Disney's film Ten Who Dared, a reenactment of Powell’s historic journey. His fascination with river mapping and storytelling deepened while serving in the US Navy in 1968. It was during this time that the idea for the Grand Canyon River Guide was born. Buzz collaborated with his father and printer Eben Dale to design and print the first edition, affectionately known as Old Blue, which was released in 1969 to coincide with the Powell Centennial Celebration.

First published in 1969, Belknap's Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide is a comprehensive guide to exploring the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The guide features:

• Detailed topographic maps with shaded relief, allowing travelers to follow the river mile by mile.


• Sections on archaeology, history, geology, photography, and natural history, making it a rich resource for understanding the region.


• Step-by-step geology explanations, detailing the Grand Canyon’s formation in a simple and accessible way.


• Updated information, including new USGS Mileage Points and campsites, ensuring it remains a reliable resource.


• Color photographs from the river, with clearly labeled rock formations for easy identification.

This guide is updated annually and continues to be invaluable for both first-time visitors and seasoned adventurers.

In 1973, Buzz published Belknap’s Waterproof Dinosaur River Guide, which explores the Yampa and Green Rivers in Dinosaur National Monument. The guide includes:

• Illustrated Geology sections that explain rock formations and their creation, with labeled photographs of exact river locations.


• Living Landscape sections featuring photographs and descriptions of Dinosaur's eco-zones, showcasing the plants and animals unique to the area.


• Discover Dinosaur sections highlighting the Dinosaur Quarry and Visitor Center, along with updated maps and visitor activities.


• Practical advice on scouting sites, campsites, fishing locations, permits, river flow levels, and behavioral expectations.

This guide is designed to prepare adventurers for what lies ahead, describing what comes around each bend of the river and offering resources to enhance the experience.

Buzz Belknap's works, including his waterproof guides, have become essential tools for understanding and exploring some of the most iconic rivers in the United States. His contributions to literature, filmmaking, and outdoor culture reflect a lifetime of passion for adventure and a commitment to helping others connect with the natural world.

Related Authors

Readers who follow Buzz Belknap also follow these authors:

1. Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
2. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
3. Harlan Coben, author of the Myron Bolitar Series.
4. Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
5. C.J. Box, author of the Joe Pickett Series.

Buzz Belknap: F.A.Q