Glen and Bessie Hyde
Key facts
Disappeared: November 1928
Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, U.S.
Expedition goal: First documented Grand Canyon river run by a woman
Vessel: Homemade wooden sweep scow
Status: Case remains unsolved
https://charleyproject.org/case/bessie-louise-haley-hyde
https://charleyproject.org/case/glen-rollin-hyde
Glen and Bessie Hyde were a young American couple who vanished in November 1928 while attempting to navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Their mysterious disappearance became one of the most enduring unsolved cases in Grand Canyon history, blending elements of adventure, romance, and speculation.
The expedition
Newlyweds from Idaho, Glen and Bessie Hyde set out on a honeymoon river expedition down the Colorado River, seeking to set a record for the fastest traversal and to establish Bessie as the first woman to complete the full run. Their wooden scow, built by Glen, was modeled after Idaho riverboats but poorly suited for the canyon’s rough rapids.
Disappearance and search
The Hydes were last seen on November 18, 1928, near the Hermit Rapid area. When they failed to appear at their destination, a search party discovered their boat intact near river mile 237—supplies undisturbed, camera aboard, but no trace of the couple. Despite extensive searches, their bodies were never found.
Theories and speculation
The absence of evidence gave rise to numerous theories: a fatal capsizing, an accident while scouting rapids, foul play, or even a staged disappearance. Decades later, rumors emerged that Bessie had survived and assumed a new identity, though no credible proof ever surfaced.
Legacy
The Hydes’ story remains a touchstone of Grand Canyon lore and an emblem of early 20th-century river exploration. It has inspired books, plays, and documentaries, symbolizing both the daring and peril of the canyon’s unyielding wilderness.
