1985 Map of Blue Mesa West

About this map

Blue Mesa Ridge dominates this mid-1980s landscape, serving as a significant geographical divider along the border of Hot Springs and Washakie counties. The terrain is characterized by dissected highlands and drainage systems where water and geography dictate the movement through the region. Seasonal and perennial water sources like Gooseberry Creek in the north and Grass Creek in the south carve paths through the elevated plains, while Spring Gulch cuts into the eastern slopes. A localized high point at Rankin offers a specific landmark within this expansive rangeland. The map illustrates a period before significant modern development, focusing on the natural topography and the sparse infrastructure typical of the Wyoming interior, where county lines follow the natural rises and falls of the high desert environment.