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1954 Map of Elk Ridge 1 SW

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Elk Ridge 1 SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

The Manti-La Sal National Forest dominates this mid-century survey of the Utah plateau country, revealing a landscape defined by dramatic elevation changes and sparse human presence. At the heart of the terrain lies Mormon Pasture, a significant upland flat surrounded by deep canyons and the distinctive Chippean Rocks. This area reflects the mid-1950s period of transition for San Juan County, where high-altitude grazing land and timber resources were the primary economic drivers before the region became widely recognized for its recreational geography.

Evidence of early development is limited to the settlement at Stevens and a solitary Mine, hinting at the mineral exploration common in this era. The map captures essential water sources like Cottonwood and Starvation, which were critical for the survival of both livestock and residents in this arid environment. Other geological landmarks, including Round Mountain and Little Dry Mesa, provide clear reference points for those tracing the history of land use and surveying in southeastern Utah.