1953 Map of The Rincon

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep path through southern Utah in this 1950s survey, defined by the striking geology of Glen Canyon and the Waterpocket Fold. This sheet documents a landscape of immense stratigraphic complexity before the regional river systems were altered by later development. High-elevation landmarks like Iron Top Mesa and Fortymile Ridge overlook a network of tributary drainages including the Escalante River, Coyote Creek, and Davis Gulch. Notable for its geological features, the area contains Skyline Natural Bridge and Gregory Natural Bridge, along with several arches. Historical passage through this labyrinthine terrain is marked by the Hole in the Rock Historical Marker, denoting the arduous route taken by early pioneers at a narrow gap in the canyon walls. Further downstream, the river snakes around The Rincon, an abandoned meander loop that serves as a prominent landmark for navigation and mapping.