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2017 Map of Musselman Arch

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Musselman Arch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Canyonlands National Park defines the high-desert landscape of this San Juan County region, where the plateau known as Island in the Sky drops away into a complex system of deep drainages. The geography is anchored by The Neck, a narrow land bridge that provides the only terrestrial access to the broad mesa top. From here, the terrain descends through several distinct levels, including Grays Pasture and Red Sea Flat, before reaching the sheer drops of Shafer Canyon and Musselman Canyon.

Transportation through this vertical environment is dictated by the geology, with the Shafer Trail and White Rim Road navigating the cliff edges and benches. Notable geological landmarks are scattered throughout the quadrangle, from the iconic Musselman Arch and Mesa Arch to prominent formations like Airport Tower, Washer Woman, and Muffin Butte. Along the eastern edge, the Colorado River carves the dramatic Goose Neck loop, reflecting the powerful erosive forces that have shaped this portion of the Colorado Plateau.