1988 Map of Fishtail Mesa

About this map

Colorado River currents define the southern reaches of this landscape, carving through the Granite Narrows and churning at Fishtail Rapids. The terrain is characterized by massive vertical relief, where the prominent Fishtail Mesa rises above the surrounding canyons and leads to the overlook at Fishtail Point. This 1980s provisional survey by the U.S. Geological Survey documents a wilderness environment shaped by seasonal water and geological landmarks, including the Keyhole Natural Bridge near Hundred and Forty Mile Canyon. The area is largely defined by federal protections, spanning the Grand Canyon National Park and the Kanab Creek Wilderness. Vital water sources for backcountry travelers are noted throughout the arid breaks, such as Indian Hollow Spring, Hualapai Spring, and the dramatic Deer Creek Falls near the river’s edge.