1954 Map of Lees Ferry SW

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep path through the eastern portion of this 1954 study, marking the western boundary of the Navajo Indian Reservation. This map captures a landscape defined by the dramatic descent from the Paria Plateau into Marble Canyon, showing a collection of specialized lodges that served travelers along the developing road network of Northern Arizona. Features such as Marble Canyon Lodge, Navajo Lodge, and the Vermilion Cliffs Lodge highlight the area's mid-century role as a gateway for canyon tourism and exploration. High above the river, the plateau is marked by a simple Jeep Trail and the Horse Ridge Trail, indicating the limited accessibility of the high desert terrain. Notable geological features like Powells Monument and Cathedral Rock stand as fixed points in a territory that was still being meticulously charted for 15-minute series maps.