1981 Map of Glenwood Springs

About this map

The Colorado River corridor defines the southern half of this landscape, serving as the primary artery for both transportation and industry in the early 1980s. Along this route, the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad tracks and Interstate 70 connect settlements such as Rifle, New Castle, and Glenwood Springs. A significant portion of the western terrain is dedicated to energy resources, specifically within the Naval Oil Shale Reserve and the Anvil Points Oil Shale Mines near the Roan Cliffs. To the north, the elevation rises sharply toward the White River Plateau and the White River National Forest, where the terrain is dominated by high mesas like Clinetop Mesa and Coulter Mesa. This transition from the industrial river valley to the protected wilderness of the White River headwaters illustrates the dual nature of the region's economy and geography.