1987 Map of Bitter Creek Divide

About this map

The Waterpocket Fold dominates this mid-1980s landscape, illustrating a massive monocline that defines the geography of Capitol Reef National Park. The topography is characterized by dramatic elevation shifts across the Circle Cliffs and onto high plateaus like Tarantula Mesa. This era of mapping documents the primitive access points within the park, including 4wd routes and the notable Strike Valley Overlook, which provides a vantage point over the tilted rock layers. Natural water sources such as Brinkerhof Spring and drainage systems like Halls Creek and Upper Muley Twist Canyon are mapped alongside distinct geologic features like the Onion Beds and Oyster Shell Reef. The map captures a transition between the desert flats and the rising mesa walls of Swap Mesa and Studhorse Peaks.