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1985 Map of Navajo Bridge

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Navajo Bridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep path through the desert landscape, serving as the primary boundary between the Navajo Indian Reservation to the east and the towering Vermilion Cliffs to the west. This mid-1980s topography highlights the transition from the high Paria Plateau down to the riverbed, where the iconic Navajo Bridge provides a vital passage across Marble Canyon.

Settlement is sparse, concentrated at the Vermilion Cliffs Lodge and the community of Marble Canyon. The map records numerous water sources essential for survival in this arid terrain, including Badger Spring and Bitter Springs. Significant landmarks like Powells Monument and Cathedral Rock anchor the geography, while the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area encompasses much of the river corridor, illustrating the area's dual role as a transportation bottleneck and a protected natural space.