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1954 Map of Elk Ridge 2 SW

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Elk Ridge 2 SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Dark Canyon Plateau dominates this mid-century topographic survey, revealing a landscape defined by deeply incised drainages within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The map is a preliminary edition, compiled from 1952 aerial photography to document the high-altitude terrain of San Juan County before more comprehensive 15-minute maps were finalized. Significant geological features include the massive Woodenshoe Canyon and Dark Canyon, which showcase the complex erosional patterns of the region.

Remote water sources, vital for livestock and early travel, are clearly identified, such as Sweet Alice Spring and the Dry Lake basin. The area’s limited human infrastructure at the time is represented by a single Jeep Trail winding through the Sweet Alice Hills, highlighting the isolation of this corner of Utah during the 1950s. This survey provides a baseline of the backcountry before modern recreation and land management practices altered the area’s use.