1953 Map of Gunsight Butte

About this map

Lake Powell dominates the lower half of this landscape, its waters reaching deep into the jagged drainages of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The topography is defined by massive sandstone formations and expansive plateaus, including Smoky Mountain and the Grand Bench. This mid-century survey captures the region as the newly formed reservoir began to fill the canyons, reflecting the radical change from the original Colorado River corridor to a sprawling lacustrine environment. Significant landmarks such as Gunsight Butte and Castle Rock rise above the high-water mark, while various inlets like Last Chance Bay and Gunsight Bay trace the drowned paths of ancient creeks. To the south, the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary follows the river's original course, marking the intersection of federal recreation lands and tribal territory across the Rainbow Plateau.