1987 Map of Red House Spring

About this map

Red House Cliffs dominate the landscape of San Juan County in this 1980s-era topographical study, revealing a complex network of canyons and plateaus. The topography is defined by the massive escarpment and the deeply incised drainage systems of Grand Gulch and Steer Gulch. As a provisional map based on 1981 aerial photography, it documents the arid terrain before modern intensive recreation, focusing on natural water sources like Red House Spring and Collins Spring that were vital for early cattle ranching and travel through the Clay Hills. This map serves as an essential reference for understanding the remote physical geography of the Cedar Mesa area, tracing the winding paths of Water Canyon and the tight constrictions of The Narrows. Geographers and historians can examine the land use patterns implied by features such as Steer Pasture Canyon and the high elevation of Polly Mesa.