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1970 Map of Betatakin Ruin

Name: 1970 Topographic Map of Betatakin Ruin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Navajo National Monument centers this 1970s survey, highlighting the preserved ancestral sites within the Navajo Indian Reservation. The terrain is dominated by the deep incisions of Betatakin Canyon and Keet Seel Canyon as they cut through the high elevations of Skeleton Mesa. Archaeologically significant Cliff Dwelling sites are noted along these canyon walls, accessible primarily via a network of Pack Trail and Sandal Trail routes.

Water sources are scarce across the Shonto Plateau, appearing as intermittent points like Bubbling Spring and Peach Spring. The administrative heart of the area is seen at Monument Hdqrs, which serves the famous Betatakin Ruin. The map documents a landscape defined by traditional Navajo land use and the federal management of ancient Puebloan heritage sites before modern paved access became extensive.