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1996 Map of Moss Back Butte

Name: 1996 Topographic Map of Moss Back Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2002
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2002

About this map

Natural Bridges National Monument dominates the northeastern corner of this landscape, centered on the ancient geological spans of Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge. These monumental features are situated along the deep incisions of White Canyon and Armstrong Canyon, while the archaeological significance of the area is highlighted by the presence of the Horse Collar Ruin and several prospects. To the south, the dramatic escarpments of the Moss Back Cliffs and the central prominence of Moss Back Butte rise above the high desert floor.

Evidence of human movement across this difficult terrain is found in the Emigrant Trail (Pack) and various 4wd routes that thread through canyons like Cow Canyon and North Fork Red Canyon. The map reveals a land of high mesas and deep drainage systems, featuring landmarks with evocative names like Tables of the Sun, The Windgate, and the curiously named Atomic Rock near the confluence of canyon systems.