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1994 Map of Anderson Mesa

Name: 1994 Topographic Map of Anderson Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1994
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1994

About this map

The Dolores River carves a dramatic, winding path through this corner of the Colorado plateau, separating high tablelands like Anderson Mesa and Skein Mesa. The landscape is defined by its industrial utility, marked by numerous mineral extraction sites scattered across the ridges and canyon walls. Prospectors and mining operations such as the Morning Star Mine, Raven Mine, and American Eagle Mine reflect the region's history of hard-rock and uranium mining.

Water sources are vital and specific in this arid environment, with labels indicating Skein Spring, East Island Mesa Spring, and the Muleshoe Bend Reservoir. The boundary between Montrose and San Miguel counties cuts through the southern portion of the quadrangle, crossing Gypsum Valley. A network of unimproved roads and a Pack Trail provide the only access to these remote mining claims and high mesas, illustrating the difficulty of the terrain during the late 20th century.