1953 Map of Orange Cliffs 4 SW

About this map

Colorado R snakes through the extreme southeast corner of this 1953 survey, a lone artery at the base of a highly dissected desert landscape. The terrain is defined by the massive verticality of the Orange Cliffs and the deep incisions of The North Hatch Canyon and South Hatch Canyon. These geological features create a complex network of plateaus and drainage systems, including the broad expanse of Waterhole Flat. This preliminary edition, derived from 1952 aerial photography, documents the area just as modern access began to touch this isolated portion of Garfield County. A single remote Airstrip is the only sign of human infrastructure, positioned near the high ground of Sunset Pass, likely serving uranium prospectors or early land surveyors. Landmark points such as Red Point and Ledge End define the prominent spurs overlooking the canyon depths.