1954 Map of Paria Plateau

About this map

Jarvis Ranch and Joes Ranch sit as remote outposts within this high desert expanse during the early 1950s, representing the sparse human footprint on the massive Paria Plateau. The landscape is dominated by complex geological features, from the dramatic southern edge of the Vermilion Cliffs to the eroded breaks of the Paria River canyon system in the northeast. Water management in this arid environment is evidenced by essential landmarks like Pine Tree Pockets Well, Middle Reservoir, and various named tanks. A network of primitive transport routes, primarily labeled as Jeep Trail, connects these water sources and ranch sites across varied terrain including Poverty Flat, Pinnacle Valley, and the Sand Hills. The map provides a detailed view of the natural sinks and geological formations that define the region, such as White Pocket, Big Sink, and Mexican Sink.