"Isis Temple" is a prominent butte in the central area of the Grand Canyon. It has been suggested by quite a few people on the Internet that the location of the cave Kincaid found in 1909 was at or near Isis Temple. This speculation had it's origin from a few sources, one being the names of buttes and temples in the vicinity. The idea here is that the names of the various temples, "Isis", "Vishnu" "Buddha" "Diva" Brahma" "Shiva", etc. must have gotten their names from the discovery of Kincaid's cave in 1908. With just a little research however, the origin of the names becomes apparent (see below). Another rumor based on little research is that the "entire area of the Grand Canyon, which contains the Egyptian/Oriental names, is OFF LIMITS, closed to the public. Nothing could be further from the truth. The area is NOT "off limits" as claimed and again, simple basic research will show this to be true. You can see the official designation of the area at the end of this page, or call the Back Country Ranger's Office "Grand Canyon National Park" and ask for yourself. 520-638-7575 Monday-Friday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m Monday. Clarence E. Dutton and the Origin of "Oriental" names in the Grand Canyon: "Clarence E. Dutton began working on his Tertiary History of the Grand Cañon District while he was a member of the Powell survey. Consisting of twenty-three sheets, Tertiary History. . . (1882) summarized what was known about the Grand Canyon in a strikingly beautiful manner. Part of a longer report, it was a composite work in the same way that the Warren map had been, integrating the results of the post-Civil War surveys of the American West. The maps are drawn at three different scales and show the topography and geology of the Grand Canyon. Tertiary History. . . was important both as a work of art and as the scientific foundation upon which subsequent mapping was based, making it one of the most popular cartographic works devoted to the Grand Canyon." from: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/nphtml/gchome.html ------------------ FROM: ARIZONA PLACE NAMES by Will C. Barnes Vulcans Throne Coconino Co. U.S. G. S. Map, 1923. "North side Colorado river in Toroweap valley about 6 miles southeast of Mount Emma. One of many fanciful names attached to places in canyon by members first U. S. Survey party which mapped it. They ran out of local names and fell back on Greek, Roman, and mythological names such as Wotans Throne, Zoroaster Temple, Krishna Temple, Holy Grail Peak, etc. There has been much criticism of them but after being on maps for over 50 years, the U.S.G.B. decided to retain them, which was doubtless wise. "Capt. Dutton started this naming of features after Orientals with Vishnu Temple, Shiva Temple, etc. He did not like Indian names, thought them ugly. I had several arguments with him on the subject as I objected violently lo Oriental and Egyptian nomenclature. I have continued to object ever since." Letter, Mr. Dellenbaugh, Feb. 14, 1933. The author agrees heartily with this eminent explorer and writer." ------------------- Use Area AG9 Unkar Use area type Wilderness Very low usage area. Very small chance of contact with other individuals. No trails, some faint routes, good route finding skills a necessity. Very little water available. Recommended for Canyon hikers with lots of prior experience and good survival skills. Occupancy Limits Groups 1 or Parties 2 Total Campers 12 Party : 1 - 6 people Group : 7 - 11 people Type of camping permitted "At Large"