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Close-up USA, Southwest Theme - Published 1977 by National Geographic — historic National Geographic map print

Close-up USA, Southwest Theme - Published 1977 by National Geographic

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Historic Travel Poster | Companion to Southwest Map | Large Wall Format (578 × 882 mm) | Premium Finishes

A striking travel poster capturing the raw beauty and dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest. Published by National Geographic in October 1977, this piece—titled “Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado: Surprise and Challenge Amid Sere Beauty”—forms part of the iconic Close-up: U.S.A. series.

Created as the companion to the Southwest regional map, this poster brings the region to life through travel highlights, cultural insights, and scenic exploration—revealing a landscape where deserts, canyons, and mountains create a sense of scale and wonder unlike anywhere else.

It’s more than a poster—it’s a portrait of a region defined by beauty, challenge, and discovery.


Why This Poster Stands Out

A companion to a classic map series
Designed to pair with the Southwest map—adding narrative depth and travel-focused context.

Captures the essence of the Southwest
Highlights the stark beauty and dramatic contrasts that define the region.

Travel-focused storytelling
Showcases activities, destinations, and experiences across four iconic states.

A snapshot of 1970s exploration
Reflects an era when travel was guided by printed maps and immersive discovery.

Classic National Geographic presentation
Clean layout and engaging typography make it both readable and highly collectible.


🗺️ What the Poster Shows

  • Coverage of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado
  • Highlights of tourist attractions, historic sites, and scenic viewpoints
  • Iconic landscapes including deserts, canyons, plateaus, and mountain regions
  • Travel experiences such as national parks, resorts, and cultural destinations
  • A thematic focus on the region’s defining character—beauty shaped by harsh and elemental landscapes

📐 Size & Format

578 mm (W) × 882 mm (H)
Portrait orientation

A tall, elegant format ideal for:

  • Travel-inspired interiors
  • Desert and landscape-themed spaces
  • Home offices and studies
  • Gallery walls featuring vintage travel posters

Premium Finishes

Format Description
📜 Paper (160 gsm) Heavyweight matte-coated paper—ideal for framing. Preserves the original clarity and vintage tone.
🧼 Laminated (Encapsulated) Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate. Durable and wipe-clean—ideal for high-use environments.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails Laminated poster mounted with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord—ready to display.
🖼️ Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte) Printed with archival pigment inks. Rich texture enhances the poster’s classic aesthetic.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails Canvas paired with timber rails for a refined, gallery-style presentation.

🔨 Please allow up to 10 working days for professionally mounted hang-railed finishes.


📊 Specifications

Feature Detail
Title Close-up U.S.A. — Southwest Theme: Surprise and Challenge Amid Sere Beauty
Publisher National Geographic
Published 1977
Dimensions 578 mm × 882 mm
Orientation Portrait
Type Travel Poster / Informational Companion
Series Close-up: U.S.A.
Coverage Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado
Materials 160 gsm matte paper / 2 × 80-micron laminate / 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas
Printing Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks
Origin Printed in Australia

🎯 Ideal For

  • Collectors of National Geographic and vintage travel posters
  • Enthusiasts of Southwestern landscapes and desert environments
  • Interior designers creating nature-inspired or rustic spaces
  • Educators exploring regional geography and travel culture
  • Gift buyers seeking a distinctive and meaningful historical piece

🏜️ A Region of Beauty and Challenge

The Southwest is defined by its extremes:

  • Vast deserts shaped by heat and time
  • Canyon systems carved over millennia
  • Mountain ranges rising above arid landscapes
  • A sense of isolation and scale that defines the experience of place

This poster captures that essence—inviting you to see the region as both challenge and inspiration.


🤝 Our Commitment

  • Printed in Australia using archival-quality production
  • Faithfully reproduced to preserve original design and tone
  • Premium materials selected for durability and longevity
  • Each print is hand-checked before dispatch
  • Carefully packaged for safe delivery

🚚 Delivery

  • Paper, Laminated, Canvas (rolled): Dispatch within 1–2 business days
  • Hang-Railed Versions: Made to order—allow up to 10 working days
  • Packaging: Securely rolled in protective tubing

Experience the scale and beauty of the American Southwest—
a poster that invites you to explore the extraordinary.

👉 Order now and own a timeless piece of National Geographic travel heritage.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of the Close-up USA, Southwest Theme - Published 1977 by National Geographic?

Mapworld wall maps range from standard 700×1000mm to large-format 1000×1430mm Supermaps. The exact dimensions for this map are shown in the product title. Where multiple sizes are available, select your preferred size when adding to cart.

Is this wall map available laminated?

Many Mapworld wall maps are available in paper, laminated, or framed finishes. Check the product options when adding to cart. Laminated maps are wipe-clean and more durable.

Is this the latest edition?

Mapworld stocks the most current editions available from all publishers. Edition year is shown in the product title where applicable. Mapworld updates its catalogue as new editions are released.

Can I write on or pin this wall map?

Laminated wall maps can be written on with whiteboard markers and wiped clean. Paper maps can be pinned on a corkboard. Choose a laminated option for a writeable surface.

Does Mapworld ship the Close-up USA, Southwest Theme - Published 1977 by National Geographic across Australia?

Yes, Mapworld ships Australia-wide. Standard shipping is a flat $7 rate, with free standard shipping on orders over $75. Express options are available at checkout. Most orders placed before 2pm AEST on weekdays are dispatched same day.



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