4850 CANYON

Coordinates:
N 36.0648° W 112.137833°
Location:
Elevation:
4843.870 ft.
Type:
Bench Mark Disk
Setting:
Rock Outcrop
Year Established:
1902-1903
Established By:
USGS
Status:
Recovered
Condition:
Good as of May 14, 2007
  • Official USGS Description:

    Bright Angel Hotel, 1.5 mi. N. of, on rim of red wall, 50 ft. NW. of ravine, 25 ft. N. of trail, in brown rock detached from ledge; standard aluminum tablet stamped "4850 CANYON"

    Revised description (1985): Bright Angel Hotel, about 2.7 mi. north of along the Bright Angel Trail, 250 yd SW of a resthouse, 110 ft north of a switchback near the drain bottom, 90 ft west of drain, 20 ft south of the top of a sheer cliff about 200 ft high, set in the top of a brown boulder projecting about 3 ft, a standard aluminum tablet.

While on our descent into the canyon along the Bright Angel Trail, I suggested a detour to search for two USGS benchmark disks I had seen on the topo map. They were just a short distance off the trail, but what incredible views these sites offered—probably views seen by very few people, since most people (probably wisely) stick to the trail. We had no problem reaching either of the locations, and never felt in any danger. This was the second of two disks that we found off the trail. This disk is undated (but based on the style was likely established between 1900 and 1910) and is in good condition.

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