1940 Map of Elk Ridge

About this map

Natural Bridges National Monument dominates the southwestern corner of this survey, highlighting the distinct geological spans of Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge. The landscape is a complex network of canyons and high mesas, including the Dark Canyon Plateau and the prominent Abajo Mountains to the east. The area's human history is marked by numerous Cliff Dwelling sites and an Indian Village, alongside more contemporary ranching and forest management outposts. Remote outposts such as the Gooseberry Ranger Sta and Dark Canyon Ranger Sta provided administrative control within the Manti National Forest. To the southeast, the settlement of Blanding represents the primary residential center, while family-held lands like Wilson Ranch, Scorup Ranch, and Perkins Ranch indicate the cattle and sheep operations that defined the local economy during the mid-1930s topographic study.