1953 Map of Orange Cliffs 1 SE

About this map

The Green River flows through the northeastern corner of this 1953 topographic survey, marking a stark elevation change near the Wayne and San Juan county line. The landscape is defined by its complex drainage patterns and dramatic plateaus, most notably Cleopatras Chair. This preliminary edition documents the intricate network of deep incisions including Deadhorse Canyon and Horse Canyon, providing a detailed look at the erosional features of the White Rim before more widespread regional mapping was completed. Named high points like Gettysburg and Millard stand among a labyrinth of unnamed fins and spurs, while labels such as Mistake and Unknown point to the challenges of early remote mapping. The survey represents the state of the terrain as captured via multiplex methods from 1952 aerial photography, reflecting the era's transition toward photogrammetric precision in documenting the Utah interior.