1891 Map of Echo Cliffs

About this map

Lee Ferry serves as a critical historical crossing point where the Paria Canyon meets the Colorado River, marking a vital link in the regional transportation network of northern Coconino County. This 1891 reconnaissance, reprinted in 1913, reveals a landscape defined by dramatic geological barriers such as the Vermilion Cliffs and the sweeping arc of the Echo Cliffs. In the southern reaches, the settlements of Tuba City and Moencopie are positioned near the Moencopie Wash, indicating the importance of reliable water sources like Willow Springs and Moa Ave in an otherwise arid expanse. The map details a series of vital waypoints for travelers, including Jacobs Pools, Bitter Spring, and the Limestone Tanks, which trace an early route along the base of the cliffs. Significant landmarks like the Shinumo Altar and Echo Peaks provide navigational anchors across the high plateaus and deep canyons.