1906 Map of Bright Angel

About this map

Grand Canyon serves as the focal point of this 1906 survey, showing the early infrastructure and naming of the inner canyon's dramatic landforms. The Grand Canyon R R and the Santa Fe System arrive from the south, terminating near the South Rim's primary settlement. Early tourism and exploration routes are well-defined, including the Bright Angel Trail descending past Indian Garden Spring toward the Colorado River. The naming conventions of the era are on full display, with massive geologic features christened as temples and pyramids, such as Shiva Temple, Cheops Pyramid, and Buddha Temple. Stretching across the Granite Gorge, the map details a network of springs and side canyons like Haunted Canyon and Phantom Creek, providing a foundational view of the landscape before the widespread development of the modern National Park era.