Martin Litton was born February 13, 1917 in Inglewood California. The future conservationist cultivated his passion durMartin Litton was born February 13, 1917 in Inglewood California. In 1938, Litton graduated from the University of California at Los Angles with a degree in English. Upon graduation Litton enlisted in the Army Air Corp as a glider pilot during World War II. After the war, Litton worked for the Los Angles Times as a journalist, writing for the Travel section. Litton also contributed articles examining conservation issues.
After reading Litton's articles, David Brower, an environmentalist and director of the Sierra Club from 1952-1968, asked Litton to join the Sierra Club. After some persuasion, Litton agreed to do so. As the Sierra Club refocused its mission from recreation to wilderness preservation, Litton became more involved with the organization, sitting on several committees and boards. He was instrumental in the successful efforts to preserve Dinosaur National Park, Redwood Creek, Diablo Canyon, and the Colorado River.
During 1970, Litton founded and operated Grand Canyon Dories, Inc., a river rafting company that ran river trips down the Colorado River. Litton ran the company until 1989, when he sold the company to George Wendt and Ed Gooch of O.A.R.S (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists). Although he no longer owns Grand Canyon Dories, Inc., Litton continues to enjoy the river running and the Colorado River. He has twice set the record for the oldest person to have rowed down the Colorado River, first at the age of 82 and then again at 86. Litton resides in Portola Valley, California.
From the guide to the Martin Litton Collection, 1937-2004., (Cline Library. Special Collections and Archives Department.)
