1952 Map of Notom

About this map

Capitol Reef National Monument and its dramatic geologic formations dominate this mid-century survey of the Utah backcountry. The map traces the formidable Waterpocket Fold and the colorful ridges of Capitol Reef, punctuated by landmarks like the Golden Throne and Eph Hanks Tower. Human history is etched into the landscape at the Pioneer Register and nearby Petroglyphs, while sparse desert settlements such as Notom and the Pleasant Creek Ranch mark the outposts of ranching life. To the south, the terrain climbs into the Dixie National Forest, where high plateaus like Buck Sheets overlook a complex network of drainages including Oak Creek and Tantalus Creek. The eastern half is defined by the Sandy Creek Benches and the winding Sandy Creek, illustrating the remote and difficult geography that shaped the early development of Wayne and Garfield counties.