1983 Map of Moab

About this map

Arches National Park dominates the central landscape of this 1983 survey, showcasing a high concentration of geologic landmarks including Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and the Tower of Babel. The mapping captures the region during a period of transition, where the legacy of uranium mining is evidenced by the Telluride Mines and Cactus Rat Mine near the Denver and Rio Grande Western RR. The town of Moab serves as the primary hub along the Colorado River, connected to outlying settlements like Potash and the rail stops at Cisco and Thompson. Beyond the canyon floors, the map details the high mesa country of the Dome Plateau and Polar Mesa, while the southern reaches extend into the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This document provides a record of the intricate trail and road networks used for both extraction and early recreation in the red rock country before modern expansion.