Canyonlands Map Viewer
Explore Canyonlands National Park and its surrounding areas through the Canyonlands map by Platopo.
About the Map
The Canyonlands map is composed of 30 USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles. Feature names generally follow designations from the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) when available. In cases where no official name exists, commonly used local names have been included. Many locations—especially canyoneering routes—have multiple names; where possible, this map uses the most widely recognized.
The Canyonlands region has a rich history shaped by rustlers, prospectors, ranchers, and wanderers. These early inhabitants left behind a colorful lexicon of place names, and where no BGN name is available, this map preserves these historical names to honor that legacy.
Platopo gratefully acknowledges the authors who have documented this naming tradition, especially Michael R. Kelsey’s hiking guide series and Steve Allen’s Canyon Country Place Names, whose research has been invaluable in capturing the region’s cultural and geographical heritage.
Environment Considerations
The arid landscapes of the Colorado Plateau deserts host ecosystems adapted to extreme conditions. Flora and fauna often survive at the edges of environmental tolerance, making them especially vulnerable to human-caused disturbances. Even small stressors can disrupt the delicate balance of these finely tuned systems.
A key component of ecosystem health on the Plateau is the presence of biological soil crusts—also known as cryptobiotic soil. These living crusts play a vital role: they absorb moisture, stabilize soil to prevent erosion, and fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil with nutrients essential for plant life. Despite their importance, these crusts are incredibly fragile. A single footprint can destroy years of growth.
As recreation and appreciation of the Colorado Plateau increase, it is crucial that visitors follow Leave No Trace principles. Responsible stewardship ensures that future generations can experience the Plateau’s wonders—and that the unique life forms adapted to this rugged landscape can continue to thrive. Explore Canyonlands with care!
