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1954 Map of Harts Point

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Harts Point
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Canyonlands National Park dominates the western portion of this 1950s survey, capturing a landscape of deep canyons and intricate geological formations before modern tourism infrastructure took hold. Along the drainages of Indian Creek and Salt Creek, the map identifies significant archaeological and cultural sites including the All American Man pictograph, Thirteen Faces, and the Towel Ruin. The presence of a Cliff Dwelling and various Petroglyphs near Lavender Canyon speaks to the long human history of the region, while modern land use is represented by remote cattle operations like the Dugout Ranch.

The terrain is defined by dramatic mesas and spires, notably North Six-shooter Peak and South Six-shooter Peak, which serve as prominent landmarks for navigation. Transportation into these remote basins is limited to the Horse Jeep Trail, reflecting the difficult access of the era. To the east, the sprawling Jack Mesa and Bridger Jack Mesa provide a contrast to the deep cuts of Davis Canyon and Cottonwood Creek, where several Prospect locations hint at early mineral exploration in San Juan County.