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2023 Map of Druid Arch

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Druid Arch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

Canyonlands National Park dominates this high-desert landscape in San Juan County, where a intricate network of canyons and sandstone formations defines the geography. The map captures a specialized topography of isolated basins like Chesler Park and Virginia Park, surrounded by complex drainages including Elephant Canyon and Big Spring Canyon. The presence of numerous named arches and landmarks, such as Druid Arch, Angel Arch, and Trail Arch, alongside descriptive names like Kissing Cows and S.O.B. Hill, reflects the area's history of exploration and recreational significance.

A robust system of backcountry routes, including the Joint Trl and Chesler Park Trl, links these geological features. Water sources are critical but scarce in this environment, represented by the perennial flow of Salt Creek and the localized Peekaboo Spring. To the south, the terrain opens into Beef Basin and Middle Park, areas traditionally associated with cattle ranching before their incorporation into protected lands, illustrating the transition from resource use to preservation.