Kolb Studio Tour
For decades, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb lived, worked, and photographed the Grand Canyon from a studio perched right on the rim — and most visitors walk past it without ever knowing what happened inside. This 1-hour guided tour takes you behind the doors of Kolb Studio, home to two brothers whose story is as grand as the canyon itself. A naturalist brings it all to life through the rooms, artifacts, and history that still echo through the walls.
- Dates: July 17, 2026
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trip Length: One Hour
- Cost: Free
- Group size: 8
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Location:
Kolb Studio
Putting Grand Canyon Tourism on the Map
Kolb Studio appears to be just an old house perched on the rim of the canyon. However, if you step inside, or see it from Bright Angel Trail on your hike out of the canyon, you get the sense it is much more than that. This is the Victorian-era home of the Kolb Brothers, who created a lasting legacy of adventure and exploration.
Emery, a young photographer, and Ellsworth, a budding adventurer, helped turn Grand Canyon into a national icon. The brothers filmed the first ever moving picture of the mighty Colorado and performed stunning and death-defying photography stunts, just to show the magnificence of Grand Canyon.
The Kolb family built Kolb Studio, one of the earliest tourist destinations on the South Rim. The brothers began to take photographs of the mule riders from a small toll shack on the Bright Angel Trail. The toll shack would later become today's five story home, theater and photo studio built right on the edge of the canyon!
Trip Highlights
- Learn about early 20th-century life on the canyon rim from a knowledgeable instructor
- Walk through the home of Emery, Blanche, Edith, Ellsworth and family
- Take in sweeping views of the canyon from a home on the edge
- Learn about the fascinating history of entrepreneurship and art that helped shape Grand Canyon toursim
Pre-Registration
Tours take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Space is limited to 8 participants. To secure your spot for the Kolb Studio tour, please call ahead or sign up in person at Kolb Studio. Reservations open at 8:00 am on the day of the tour and are taken by retail staff in the gift shop. To reserve by phone, call Kolb Studio at (928) 638-2771.
Video of the photography room in Kolb Studio
Itinerary
Meet your guide in the gallery (downstairs) of Kolb Studio, where we will weave the stories of the Kolb family into our behind-the-scenes tour. Very few people ever get a chance to visit the rooms throughout this once-private home. You'll get a glimpse of what it was like to live on the rim of Grand Canyon in the early part of the 20th Century. This offering is first-come, first-served. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the tour begins to sign a waiver. The tour runs from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The Kolb Studio is preserved on the edge of the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, having once been the home and photography studio of the Amazing Kolb Brothers. The Kolb Brothers brought the beauty and adventure of the Grand Canyon into millions of people’s hearts and minds through their photography, back when a photograph was hard to come by. Take a “Minute Out In It” to listen to excerpts of The Grand Canyon Film Show as narrated by Emery Kolb himself. And be sure to visit the Kolb Studio on your next visit to Grand Canyon National Park! Video by NPS R/Lane.
Testimonials
The Zelkovic Family
“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”
The Jankowskis
“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”
Amy Waits
“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”
Joe Sweeney
“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Andy M.
“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”