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1953 Map of Grand Canyon

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Grand Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Grand Canyon and its surrounding plateaus are documented here during a period of mid-century revision, reflecting the complex topography between the Colorado River and the high desert rim. The map reveals a landscape defined by dramatic geological breaks, including the Shinarump Cliffs and Vermilion Cliffs, alongside the early infrastructure of the Pipe Spring National Monument. Remote settlements such as Fredonia and Moccasin appear as isolated outposts against the expanse of the Kaibab Plateau.

Insights into early regional land use are visible through the mapping of numerous springs like Yellowstone Spring and Moccasin Spring, which were vital for survival and ranching. The proximity of the Kaibab Indian Reservation and Havasupai Indian Reservation underscores the long-standing human presence in this vertical landscape. Near the southern edge, the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe RR provides a critical transportation link to the rim country.