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1906 Map of Bright Angel

Name: 1906 Topographic Map of Bright Angel
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1906
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1906

About this map

Grand Canyon serves as the focal point of this early 20th-century topographic survey, illustrating the convergence of early tourism and pioneering geological study. The settlement at Grand Canyon is linked to the outside world by the Grand Canyon R. R. and the Santa Fe System, which terminate near the rim of the Coconino Plateau. From this hub, the landscape drops precipitously into the Granite Gorge where the Colorado River flows, surrounded by massive geological formations named for ancient deities and monuments, including Shiva Temple, Isis Temple, and Cheops Pyramid.

Francois E. Matthes's detailed topography reveals the early path of the Bright Angel Trail descending past Indian Garden toward the river. Remote outposts and water sources like Rowes Well, Bright Angel Spring, and Dripping Spring provide a sense of the logistical challenges faced by early explorers and residents. The intricate network of side canyons, such as Haunted Canyon and Phantom Creek, highlights the sheer complexity of the drainage systems feeding into the main gorge.