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2023 Map of The Loop

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of The Loop
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The Colorado River carves a dramatic oxbow at The Loop, a prominent geographic feature where the river nearly doubles back on itself through Meander Canyon. Located within Canyonlands National Park, this landscape is defined by its labyrinthine drainage systems and dramatic elevation changes. The southern portion of the map showcases the complex geography of the Needles Main Park, featuring a network of narrow corridors like Devils Lane and Cyclone Canyon.

Evidence of early backcountry exploration is visible in the numerous named trails and landmarks, including the challenging Elephant Hill and the appropriately named S.O.B. Hill. The map identifies several ephemeral water sources and springs, such as Soda Spring and Salt Flat Spring, which were vital for any traveler moving between the Twin Valleys and the Wooden Shoe Canyon. This topographical study highlights a wilderness where geology dictates movement, preserved through a detailed network of modern hiking paths like the Chesler Park Trl and Peekaboo Trl.