1954 Map of Lees Ferry

About this map

Lees Ferry (Site) occupies a vital crossing point where the Paria River meets the Colorado River, serving as a gateway between the Navajo Indian Reservation and the high desert plateaus. This mid-century survey captures the area before the massive changes of the downstream dam era, documenting the remote outposts of Marble Canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs Lodge. The landscape is dominated by massive geological formations including the Vermilion Cliffs and Echo Cliffs, which channel travel through specific corridors like Shed Valley and Horse Valley. Water remains the primary concern for any inhabitant or traveler in this arid region, evidenced by the meticulous mapping of Water Pockets, Thousand Pockets, and Navajo Spring. Historic navigation and transit are marked by the Ferry Swale and a remote Landing Strip near the river’s edge.