1953 Map of Circle Cliffs 1 NE

About this map

Waterpocket Reef dominates this early 1950s preliminary survey of Garfield County, Utah, where the massive geologic fold of The Monocline creates a stark, north-south spine across the territory. This map documents a high desert landscape defined by its drainage systems and distinct plateaus before the region was extensively mapped for 15-minute quadrangles. To the east, the rising elevations of Tarantula Mesa overlook the carved passages of Spring Canyon, while the western portion is characterized by White Canyon Flat and the remote Onion Flat Seep. The drainage of Hall Creek follows the base of the reef, while the Bitter Creek Divide marks the transition between these prominent desert basins. This sheet provides an immediate look at the land's natural geometry and water sources as recorded by the Geological Survey during its 1953 field mapping season.