2017 Map of Black Mesa Butte

About this map

Blanding anchors the northern edge of this high-desert plateau, overlooking a landscape defined by deep drainages and isolated mesas. The terrain is marked by prominent geological features such as Black Mesa Butte and the curiously named Cheese and Raisins Hills, illustrating the distinct character of San Juan County's topography. Water is a critical element in this arid environment, represented by the winding courses of Cottonwood Creek and Westwater Creek, as well as localized points like Ruin Spring. Evidence of human activity and resource extraction is visible through the Shumway Mines and the Westwater Oil Well, while landmarks like the Natural Bridge and White Mesa suggest the area's geological diversity. An extensive network of backroads, including Army Road and Ruin Springs Road, provides access to these remote canyons and draws, tracing the routes used by local industry and residents through Cottonwood Canyon.