Galen Rowell (August 23, 1940 - August 11, 2002) was a noted wilderness photographer and climber. Born in Oakland, California, he became a full-time photographer in 1972.

His climbing accomplishments included:

  • More than 100 first ascents in the Sierra Nevada
  • First one-day ascent of Denali (on which his camera froze)
  • First one-day ascent of Kilimanjaro
  • First ascent of Great Trango Tower

He was very well-known as a photographer: he was considered by many to be a successor to Ansel Adams. He won the Ansel Adams award for wilderness photography in 1984. He had numerous photographic assignments for Life, National Geographic, and Outdoor Photographer.

He died with his wife Barbara and two friends in a plane crash near Bishop, California, where he had his home and studio, "Mountain Light Photography."

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