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2017 Map of Mesa Butte

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Mesa Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Mesa Butte stands as a prominent landmark in this desert landscape of Emery County, where the high plateaus of central Utah meet the erosional features of the San Rafael Swell. The terrain is defined by dramatic geologic shifts, most notably the towering Coal Cliffs and the jagged edge of Molen Reef. This area serves as a significant drainage basin, with the winding paths of Ivie Cr and Muddy Cr carving through the dry earth and converging near the southern edge of the quadrangle.

Transportation through this difficult environment is dictated by the canyons, with the modern path of Interstate 70 following the natural contours near Blue Trail Canyon and Red Valley. Older county roads such as Co RD 912 and Blue Rd trace more traditional routes across the Sand Bench, providing a clear record of how human movement has been funneled through the gaps between the butte and the washes.