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1903 Map of Bright Angel

Name: 1903 Topographic Map of Bright Angel
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1903
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1903

About this map

El Tovar Hotel stands at the south rim as a focal point for early twentieth-century canyon visitation, marking a period of rapid development following the arrival of the Grand Canyon RR. This detailed survey by Francois E. Matthes reveals the intricate network of early routes connecting the rim to the inner canyon floor, including the iconic Bright Angel Trail and the Tonto Trail. The topography captures the transition from the forested heights of the Kaibab Plateau down into the depths of the Granite Gorge, where the Colorado River flows past landmarks like the Suspension Bridge and Phantom Ranch.

Named geographical features such as Cheops Pyramid, Shiva Temple, and Isis Temple illustrate the early naming conventions that drew from world mythology to describe the canyon's massive formations. Local history is further preserved through labels for essential water sources like Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls, alongside the Powell Memorial, which commemorates the initial exploration of this landscape.