1988 Map of Teapot Rock

About this map

Colorado River carved deep into the desert floor at the junction of Garfield and San Juan counties, creating the dramatic winding corridor of Cataract Canyon. This survey, updated in the late 1980s, documents the interface between the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands National Park. The arrival of Lake Powell is evident in the southern reaches, where the river widens near Bowdie Point. High above the river, the landscape transitions into distinct tablelands like Waterhole Flat and the intricate drainage systems of Teapot Canyon. The map reveals a land defined by its verticality and isolation, where landmarks such as Teapot Rock and Lands End provide essential orientation in a labyrinth of red rock and dry valleys. Significant topographical features like Imperial Valley and Bull Valley are accessible only via sparse 4wd tracks, underscoring the area's enduring status as one of the most challenging environments in the American West.