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1957 Map of Monument Canyon

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Monument Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Ancestral sites and remote canyonlands dominate this high desert landscape along the border of Utah and Colorado. The map reveals a high concentration of archaeology, with numerous Cliff Dwellings, Petroglyphs, and Ruins scattered across the complex drainages of Monument Canyon and Lake Canyon. These ancient sites are interspersed with early 20th-century ranching developments, such as Daltons Ranch and family-named infrastructure like the Max Dalton Artesian Well and Bonnie Dalton Artesian Well located near Montezuma Creek.

The terrain is defined by dramatic relief, ranging from the heights of Tin Cup Mesa to the depths of Bug Canyon and Papoose Canyon. Evidence of early industrial and transit attempts is visible through labels for a Tramway, various Tunnels, and a Mine tucked into the sandstone breaks. This survey captures a specific moment when these remote reaches were accessible primarily by rugged Jeep Trails, long before significant modern development reached the San Juan County interior.