Bradford Washburn: The Legacy Lives On

Bradford Washburn defined what it was to be a pioneer. From his early years of climbing, to his passion for photography, to his lifelong pursuits of cartography and the advancement of science, he epitomized what it was to humbly lead and educate. We honor his legacy and accomplishments here at the American Mountaineering Museum, and hope to carry on his pioneering spirit.

His travels to Alaska are what defined him. For over 60 years he visited the last frontiers of the state, climbing Denali multiple times, photographing its ramparts from every angle. He and his wife, Barbara, were always by each other's side.

This shortened video clip gives you more detail into the life of this man, his passions, and, perhaps, into the reasons why we chose his name to grace the title of our museum.

Roof of the Rockies

Colorado has more land over 10,000 feet than any other state or province in North America. As many of you know, 54 of its mountains rise over 14,000 feet above sea level, and more than 600 peaks top 13,000 feet. These high summits, along with thousands of rock and ice climbs, attract mountaineers from all over the world.

Colorado has had an undeniable influence on the history of mountaineering and an inspirational role for anyone who has seen its peaks--from the early pioneers who called the Rockies their home, to the 10th Mountain Division and its influence on world history; from the climbing skills learned in Colorado that have been utilized the world over, to the song and poetry that have been created as a result of its beauty.

Colorado will feature prominently in the museum. Historic photographs from the collection of the Colorado Mountain Club will be accompanied by stunning images from today's best mountain photographers, some of whom call Colorado home. Fly through the Colorado section of the museum in this virtual video. You'll end up looking onto the entrance crevasse.

Museum Fly Through

Thanks to our friends at Quatrefoil Associates, we are able to bring you very cool computer-generated video of the museum space. Click the play button and you will pan across the museum as if you were standing on the mezzanine. Be sure to look down--you're standing on top of a crevasse.

Less than a year from now, this computer-generated scene will be reality.