1954 Map of Coates Creek

About this map

Colorado River and Dolores River cut through this high desert plateau along the Utah-Colorado state line, revealing a landscape of massive mesas and deep canyons. The settlement at Utah Bottoms and the Picture Gallery Ranch represent the sparse ranching and agricultural presence in this arid region during the mid-1950s. Surveyors noted several mining activities, indicated by a Tunnel and multiple Prospect markings scattered near Buckhorn Mesa and Scharf Mesa, pointing toward the era's uranium and mineral exploration. Significant landforms like Steamboat Mesa and Sevenmile Mesa dominate the topography, while a lone Landing Strip and Jeep Trail provide the only modern transportation links across the complex network of drainages including Coates Creek and Ryan Creek.