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2019 Map of Anderson Mesa

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Anderson Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

Dolores River canyon country dominates this 2019 survey, cutting a deep path through the high plateaus of southwestern Colorado. The river carves through the landscape, creating dramatic features like Muleshoe Bend and the Dolores River Arch as it flows north. The geography is defined by a series of distinct mesas and canyons, from Ray Mesa and Skein Mesa in the north to the eponymous Anderson Mesa and Island Mesa in the south. These elevated benches are separated by vast drainage systems like Coyote Wash and Spring Canyon.

Land use across this portion of the Montrose Co and San Miguel Co border is reflected in the network of rural routes, including jj8 RD and Co RD 21. Water sources are critical in this arid terrain, with numerous named points such as Skein Spring, Cabin Spring, and the East Island Mesa Spring providing essential resources. In the central valley, Little Gypsum Valley provides a break in the high mesa topography, while landmarks like The Hat and Silveys Pocket provide specific points of reference for local navigation.