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1962 Map of Bright Angel

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Bright Angel
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Grand Canyon National Park occupies the heart of this survey, revealing the complex vertical geography between the Kaibab Plateau and the Colorado River. The map documents the infrastructure of the early 1960s, featuring the iconic Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the gorge and the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. The intricate trail system is fully detailed, including the Bright Angel Trail, Hermit Trail, and the long-distance Tonto Trail contouring above the inner gorge.

Evidence of the region's accessibility and management is seen in the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe rail line reaching the south rim, alongside the National Park Service Training Center. Topographic details highlight massive geological features like Shiva Temple, The Dragon, and the Zoroaster Temple, while water features such as Roaring Springs and Ribbon Fall mark the drainage points of the high plateaus. This edition serves as a definitive look at the canyon's landmarks and park facilities before later-century expansions.