2013 Map of Mack

About this map

Fruita and the surrounding agricultural corridor of Mesa County are defined by an intricate network of irrigation systems and dramatic sandstone topography. This landscape is anchored by the Colorado River, which carved the deep incisions of Horsethief Canyon and Rattlesnake Canyon. North of the river, the human footprint is shaped by water engineering, with the Grand Valley Canal and Kiefer Extension Grand Valley Canal supporting the settlements of Mack, Loma, and Gilsonite. The southern portion of the map transitions into a high-desert wilderness characterized by unique geological formations, including Window Rock Tower, Centennial Arch, and Trail Arch. This juxtaposition between the fertile, canal-fed valley and the arid canyonlands reveals the critical role of water management in sustaining Colorado's western slope communities.