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Pete McBride

Pete McBride

Native Coloradan Pete McBride has spent two decades studying the world with a camera. A self-taught photographer, filmmaker, and public speaker, he has traveled on assignment to over 75 countries for Outside, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Esquire, Google and many more, typically with an eye on freshwater issues and public lands.

Published

Drought Mexico Water desert farm pulse flow restoration river

Bringing the Colorado River Back to Life

On March 28th, 2014, the Morelos Dam on the Arizona/Mexico border was opened, and a "pulse flow" released—an experiment in ecological restoration. It worked: For the first time in 16 years, the Colorado River ran free all the way to the Sea of Cortez. Intending to paddle the river to its natural terminus, writer Rowan Jacobsen and photographer Pete McBride assembled a crew they dubbed "Team Delta Force." Their goal was to complete the first ever standup paddleboard (SUP) descent of the Colorado. This gallery highlights their historic journey, and you can read about the entire journey in Outside's July issue. 

Pete McBride
Jun 11, 2014