1968 Map of King Mesa

About this map

The Escalante River winds through the northern portion of this Kane County quadrangle, carving deep drainages that define the high desert landscape. In the late 1960s, this area within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area remained largely inaccessible except via primitive 4wd tracks and footpaths. The map highlights numerous sandstone formations, including the Jacob Hamblin Arch, Coyote Natural Bridge, and the Sunset Natural Arch near Fortymile Ridge. These natural landmarks, along with features like Chimney Rock and King Mesa, served as critical navigational aids for early surveyors and explorers. Water sources like King Spring and Gates Tank are documented, indicating the sparse but vital hydrology of Scorpion Canyon and the surrounding Ezra M C Bench. The map records the intricate network of the Coyote Gulch and Hurricane Wash, showcasing the erosional patterns of the Colorado Plateau.