2016 Map of Juanita Arch

About this map

The Dolores River carves a deep path through Mesa County, Colorado, defining the dramatic verticality of this Western landscape. In this 2016 survey, the river is flanked by massive plateaus including Tenderfoot Mesa, Sewemup Mesa, and Calamity Mesa. The eponymous Juanita Arch stands as a prominent geologic landmark above Little Maverick Canyon, while the western edge of the map reveals the beginning of the striking Sinbad Valley geologic collapse. This map provides an essential record of the complex drainage systems that feed into the Dolores, such as Salt Cr and Blue Cr. Navigational routes are sparse, represented by specialized tracks like 11 J 10 RD and the Blue Mesa Trail, illustrating the isolation and specialized land use common in this part of the Colorado Plateau.