Grand Canyon River Guide Scroll Map

Jones, Leslie Allen

Published by Western Whitewater, Heber, UT, 1962

About this Item

Mimeographed scroll map with copyright date of 1962. Measures 8 inches wide and is of unknown length when unrolled, approximately 50 feet. Numerous abrasions to verso, creating thin spots in the paper and a few tears; minor edge wear; light toning and occasional spots of dampstaining. Map was copied slightly unevenly, leaving a one-inch margin on one side and sporadically cutting off text on the other. Overall good condition. A highly detailed river guide created by river running legend Les Jones. It depicts the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, beginning at Lee s Ferry and concluding at the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. The map points out all major rapids, offers tips, shows elevation changes, and also includes historical notes and commentary such as "Stanton s Maria smashed to pieces here" on the Serpentine Canyon Rapid entry. According to Herm Hoops, "Les Jones, of Heber City, Utah, was an engineer and avid river runner. Jones began running rivers at the age of eleven. He built a kayak, running most rivers solo, and taking movies from a camera mounted on a football helmet. By the early 1950's Les began taping USGS maps together and filling in the missing contours. Les began using aerial photos, USGS maps and his own drawings and notes to trace and draw detailed maps on a scroll paper strips 7-10 inches wide. The maps were not waterproof and faded in sunlight, so they had to be protected from water and sunlight. Later his maps were copied onto waterproof mylar. Jones copied a river profile on the map above the river segments, labeling rapids and features on both. The maps contained rapid ratings, drawings of major rapids, Powell and other historic river camps, historic inscriptions and other detailed information. Les' maps were some of the first maps to contain conservation messages" (History of River Guides on the Colorado River System). A rare and fascinating piece of Colorado River history! ; Map.

Seller Inventory # 025373

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Grand Canyon River Guide Scroll Map
• Publisher: Western Whitewater, Heber, UT
• Publication Date: 1962
• Binding: Map
• Condition: Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • All
  • River Adventures
  • Guide Book
  • Colorado River History