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1962 Map of Bright Angel

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Bright Angel
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Colorado River rapids and the labyrinthine drainage system of the Kaibab National Forest define this 1960s-era topographic survey. Centered on the inner gorge, the map details the infrastructure that supported mid-century tourism and backcountry travel, from the Visitor Center and El Tovar Hotel at Grand Canyon to the isolated Phantom Ranch on the river floor. The intricate network of footpaths, including the Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and Tonto Trail, connects the rim-based facilities with remote water sources like Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls.

Named formations throughout the canyon, such as Cheops Pyramid, Buddha Temple, and Zoroaster Temple, provide a dense geographical nomenclature for researchers and hikers of the era. On the North Rim, the map identifies the Ranger Station and Cliff Dweller Spring, alongside various Picnic Area and Campground locations that illustrate the development of federal park land during this period of increasing visitor access.