NRS Films

Remains of a River

Episode 7: Mirage

With the “grandest canyon” behind them, Will and Zak follow the Colorado River toward the lights of Las Vegas and dark portents of a river’s demise. After paddling the still waters of Lake Mead, they portage Hoover Dam and enter beautiful Black Canyon. Meanwhile, helicopters buzz overhead and a New Year’s celebration rages in Sin City.

Two friends. 113 days. 1,700 miles. One endangered river.

From October 2011 to January 2012, Will Stauffer-Norris and Zak Podmore hiked and paddled from Wyoming's Wind River Mountains to Mexico following the Colorado River system from its farthest inland source to the sea, filming and narrating on the fly. The resulting film series, Remains of a River, is an unforgettable story of friendship, adventure and environmental degradation. At turns inspiring and alarming, these ten short works will have you laughing, marveling, shaking your head, and maybe planning an adventure of your own.