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1952 Map of Natural Bridges

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Natural Bridges
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Natural Bridges National Monument anchors this 1952 topographic study, revealing the complex drainage systems of White Canyon, Fry Canyon, and Red Canyon in San Juan County. The survey identifies the three primary geological spans of the monument: Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge, alongside archaeological markers like Petroglyphs, Ruin Rock, and Water Jar Cave.

Evidence of early transit and exploration appears through remote infrastructure such as Soldier Crossing and Gravel Crossing. The map captures a moment of mid-century uranium exploration, marked by scattered Prospect labels and isolated Landing Strip locations on the high mesas of Moss Back and Deer Canyon. Notable landmarks like Jacobs Chair and The Cheesebox provide orientation across the high-desert terrain.