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1996 Map of Elaterite Basin

Name: 1996 Topographic Map of Elaterite Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2002
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2002

About this map

Elaterite Basin and the surrounding high desert canyon country are defined by a complex network of sheer sandstone walls and deep drainages along the border of Wayne and Garfield Counties. In the mid-1990s, this area remained an incredibly primitive landscape, split between the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the labyrinthine Canyonlands National Park The Maze. The survey documents a wilderness accessible primarily via 4WD tracks and foot trails, such as the West Fork North Trail Canyon.

Notable geological formations are meticulously recorded, including distinctive landmarks like The Mother and Child, China Neck, and the narrow passage of The Golden Stairs. These natural features provided essential orientation for travelers in the sprawling Ernies Country. Water sources are sparse but critical, evidenced by the location of Big Water Spring amidst the high Orange Cliffs. The map also captures several natural spans, including Natural Bridge and the secluded Tibbett Arch.