1963 Map of Gunnison Butte

About this map

The Green River carves a deep path through this desert landscape, flowing past the Gunnison Valley and the settlement of Green River. The topography is dominated by the dramatic ascent of the Book Cliffs and the elevated expanse of the Beckwith Plateau. In the northern section, the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation boundary follows the complex terrain of Poverty Canyon and Rattlesnake Canyon. A notable concentration of river infrastructure appears at Willow Bend, where a Diversion Dam, Spillway 16, and a Pumphouse supported local irrigation efforts. Local history is anchored by the Elgin Cem and distinctive geologic landmarks such as Gunnison Butte and Battleship Butte, which guided early travelers through this high-desert corridor between the Gray Canyon and the valley below.