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2014 Map of Moss Back Butte

Name: 2014 Topographic Map of Moss Back Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2014
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2014

About this map

Natural Bridges National Monument anchors the northeastern portion of this landscape, protecting world-renowned geological formations like Kachina Bridge and Owachomo Bridge. The terrain is defined by deep incisions from White Canyon and its many tributaries, including Armstrong Canyon and Tuwa Canyon. A network of high-desert landmarks provides navigation across the high plateaus, from the iconic Moss Back Butte to the massive Windgate and Cathedral Rock.

Evidence of local travel and historical industry is etched into the topography, most notably along the Mossback Dugway and roads like the Radium King Rd and Fry Mesa Rd. The settlement at Fry Canyon and the isolated Cow Tank reflect the limited human presence in this arid environment. Names like Atomic Rock and Indian Foot hint at the diverse cultural and economic layers of San Juan County, ranging from ancient geological features to the mid-century uranium exploration era.