1954 Map of Coates Creek

About this map

The Colorado River and Dolores River carve through a landscape of high plateaus and complex canyon systems along the border of Grand County, Utah, and Mesa County, Colorado. In the mid-1950s, this area was characterized by its isolation and specialized land use, evidenced by the Picture Gallery Ranch and the isolated Landing Strip on Steamboat Mesa. The intricate topography is defined by massive formations like Seven Mile Mesa, Buckhorn Mesa, and the distinct geometric landmarks of Big Triangle and Little Triangle. Along the riverbanks, features such as Utah Bottoms and Cane Spring mark rare points of accessibility in the steep terrain. Historic movement through the region is traced by the Ryan Trail, which navigates the draws and canyons like Ryan Creek and Granite Creek.