Rare Old Pictorial Map of Grand Canyon by Mora, 1931: Bright Angel Trail, Phantom Ranch, Hopi House, El Tovar, Vishnu Temple

Immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon with Jo Mora's Pictorial Map of Grand Canyon, crafted in 1931. This extraordinary map is a visual masterpiece that offers a detailed and whimsical exploration of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Jo Mora, an artist renowned for his intricate and illustrative maps, has captured the essence of the Grand Canyon through a series of marvelous vignettes, depicting major landmarks and historical elements that make this region so captivating.

The map provides a fascinating glimpse into the Grand Canyon as it was understood in the early 20th century. It highlights significant trails such as the Bright Angel Trail and Kaibab Trail, which have been traversed by countless adventurers seeking to experience the canyon's grandeur. The inclusion of Phantom Ranch, Indian Garden, and Hermit Camp adds depth to the map, showcasing the various points of interest that have drawn visitors for decades. Each illustration is meticulously detailed, offering both geographical accuracy and artistic flair.

Jo Mora's map is not just a geographical guide; it is a celebration of the cultural and historical significance of the Grand Canyon. The map features the Havasupai Indian Reservation and Hopi House, paying homage to the indigenous peoples who have called this region home for centuries. The vignettes also include historical landmarks such as the El Tovar Hotel and Desert View Watchtower, which have become synonymous with the Grand Canyon experience. These elements provide a rich tapestry of the area's history, blending natural beauty with human heritage.

The thematic and pictorial style of the map makes it a unique piece of historical art. Mora's use of whimsical illustrations and detailed annotations creates a narrative that is both informative and engaging. The map's design invites viewers to explore the Grand Canyon's intricate landscape, from the towering Vishnu Temple and Zoroaster Temple to the serene waters of the Colorado River. Each feature is thoughtfully depicted, making this map a valuable resource for historians, cartographers, and art enthusiasts alike.

Owning Jo Mora's Pictorial Map of Grand Canyon is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It offers a window into the past, capturing the spirit of exploration and wonder that has defined the Grand Canyon for generations. Whether you are a seasoned collector of historical maps or simply an admirer of fine art, this map is a testament to the enduring allure of one of America's greatest natural treasures. Let this exquisite map transport you to the majestic landscapes and storied past of the Grand Canyon.

Places on this map

• Grand Canyon
• Colorado River
• Bright Angel Trail
• Phantom Ranch
• Havasupai Indian Reservation
• Hopi House
• El Tovar Hotel
• Indian Garden
• Hermit Camp
• Yavapai Point
• Grandview Point
• Desert View Watchtower
• Kaibab Trail
• Plateau Point
• Pipe Creek
• Bright Angel Creek
• Zoroaster Temple
• Vishnu Temple
• Wotan's Throne
• Cheyava Falls

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Grand Canyon
• Colorado River
• Bright Angel Trail
• Phantom Ranch
• Havasupai Indian Reservation
• Hopi House
• El Tovar Hotel
• Indian Garden
• Hermit Camp
• Yavapai Point
• Grandview Point
• Desert View Watchtower
• Kaibab Trail
• Plateau Point
• Pipe Creek
• Bright Angel Creek
• Zoroaster Temple
• Vishnu Temple
• Wotan's Throne
• Cheyava Falls
• Tower of Set
• Tower of Ra
• Isis Temple
• Shiva Temple
• Temple of Osiris
• Point Imperial
• Cape Royal
• Walhalla Plateau
• Nankoweap Creek
• Tanner Trail

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Jo Mora's Pictorial Map of Grand Canyon
• Date of creation: 1931
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jo Mora
• Jo Mora was an artist known for his detailed and artistic maps, often incorporating whimsical and illustrative elements.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• The map focuses on the geographical and historical aspects of the Grand Canyon.
• It includes detailed illustrations of landmarks, historical events, and cultural elements.
• Design or style of the map:
• The map is thematic and pictorial, featuring detailed illustrations and vignettes.
• It combines informative content with artistic and whimsical elements.
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• This map provides a historical snapshot of the Grand Canyon area as it was understood and appreciated in the early 20th century.
• It serves as both a geographical guide and a piece of historical art.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.