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1988 Map of Mitten Buttes

Name: 1988 Topographic Map of Mitten Buttes
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1988
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1988

About this map

The Navajo Indian Reservation landscape is defined by its iconic spires and plateaus on this late-twentieth-century study of the Arizona and Utah border. Dominating the northern horizon, the towering formations of West Mitten Butte and East Mitten Butte stand alongside Merrick Butte, marking the distinct topography of the region. The map documents a sophisticated network of named geological landmarks that were already world-renowned at the time of the 1988 field check, including Elephant Butte, the Three Sisters, and Spearhead Mesa.

Beyond the famous buttes, the map reveals intricate terrain details like Pancake Flats and Moqui Step Mesa. Cultural and recreational infrastructure is anchored at the Monument Valley Visitors Center near Lookout Point, providing a reference for the early modern tourist era in the Four Corners area. Seasonal water systems like Gypsum Creek and the Sand Spring point to the critical natural resources within this arid landscape, while family-named features like Yazzie Mesa reflect the deep human connection to the land.