For a modern look at the rugged Utah landscapes where the film was shot, check out this freeride footage:

Despite the high stakes of the real expedition, the film is often criticized as "dull" and "lackluster," failing to deliver the excitement one would expect from a river-running adventure.

While it serves as a "glorified orientation film" for the Grand Canyon, is largely remembered as a flawed effort that fails to capture the true peril of Powell's journey.