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1952 Map of Natural Bridges

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Natural Bridges
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

Natural Bridges National Monument dominates the eastern portion of this San Juan County landscape, showcasing the massive sandstone spans of Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge within Armstrong Canyon. The terrain is defined by deep incisions like White Canyon and Red Canyon, where water sources such as Rock Spring, Fry Spring, and Dripping Spring provided vital points of relief in a high-desert environment.

Evidence of early movement and habitation is visible through the Mormon Step Trail and various Petroglyphs near Ruin Rock. Human presence in this isolated region is further marked by Soldier Crossing and Gravel Crossing over Gravel Canyon, along with a lone Cemetery and several scattered Prospect sites and Tunnels. Significant geological landmarks such as Jacobs Chair, The Cheesebox, and The Needle serve as prominent navigational aids across the plateau.