1964 Map of Banta Ridge

About this map

Rabbit Mountain and the Gilsonite Hills define this high-desert landscape in Rio Blanco County, mapped during a period of expanding energy exploration in the mid-1960s. The terrain is characterized by a series of high-altitude water catchments, including Banta Flats Reservoir, Shavetail Reservoir, and several basins along Cottonwood Creek. These water features, alongside a network of jeep trails and a significant pipeline, reflect the region's adaptation for industrial use and resource management. Grounded in 1963 aerial photography, the sheet identifies specific gas wells and scattered drill holes that trace the footprint of the petroleum industry's reach into the remote plateaus. From the prominent Banta Ridge in the north to the depths of Big Horse Draw, the map provides an exact record of the area's geological and industrial state before further modern development.