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2018 Map of The Big Knoll

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of The Big Knoll
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

The Vermilion Cliffs dominate the southeastern portion of this landscape, rising sharply from the surrounding terrain to define the edge of the high desert. This 2018 survey reveals a topography characterized by isolated peaks and valleys, such as The Big Knoll and Pinnacle Valley, which indicate a complex geomorphology of eroded sandstone and high-altitude plateaus. The presence of Cottonwood Spring suggests a critical water source in an otherwise arid environment, potentially serving as a focal point for livestock and wildlife within the Soap Creek Pasture.

Land use across the Paria Plateau is marked by expansive open space with minimal human development, typical of this region of Coconino County. Named landmarks like the White Knolls, Mid Knoll, and Red Knolls provide distinct navigational markers across the high-elevation flats. These features, along with the Sand Hills to the northwest, illustrate the wind-swept and weather-carved nature of the Arizona backcountry.