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2020 Map of Cathedral Butte

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Cathedral Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Canyonlands National Park and the Manti-La Sal National Forest meet in this high-desert landscape of San Juan County, defined by complex erosion and remote plateaus. The topography is dominated by massive landforms like Salt Creek Mesa and Bridger Jack Mesa, while the subsurface drainage has carved distinctive geological features such as Wedding Ring Arch, Cleft Arch, and a Natural Bridge.

Evidence of human movement and historical land use appears through the naming of Mormon Pasture and Mormon Pasture Point, suggesting early ranching and pioneer routes through the canyon systems. Travel through this vertical terrain is limited to established paths like the Salt Creek Trail and Beef Basin Rd, which navigate between the high points of Cathedral Butte and the depths of Davis Canyon. The map reveals the intricate network of seasonal drainages, including Vega Creek and Lavender Cr, which continue to shape the sandstone floor.