2020 Map of Blue Chief Mesa

About this map

The Dolores River carves a deep, winding course through this section of Grand County, defining a landscape of high plateaus and secluded basins. Along its banks, the Utah Bottoms provide a rare level area amidst the surrounding verticality of Hotel Mesa and Sevenmile Mesa. Evidence of land use and ranching history is etched into the terrain by the Old Scharf Ranch Rd, which traverses the Sevenmile Area and skirts the deep incision of Cottonwood Canyon. To the north, the topographic relief is dominated by Buckhorn Mesa and the striking geologic feature known as The Slide. The drainage network, including Granite Creek and Bridge Canyon, illustrates the erosive forces that have isolated landmarks like Blue Chief Mesa and the Pinto Mesa Area from the surrounding high country.