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1983 Map of Nucla

Name: 1983 Topographic Map of Nucla
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Mining operations and remote settlements define this high plateau landscape of western Colorado during the early 1980s. The deep canyons of the Dolores River and San Miguel River carve through the terrain, sheltering historic uranium and vanadium company towns like Uravan and Vancorum. This map captures the region's industrial footprint, from the Radium Mine and Sunrise Mine to the extensive Shamrock Mines, illustrating the era's reliance on mineral extraction within the Paradox Valley.

Agricultural life persists on the mesas, centered around Nucla, Naturita, and Norwood. Water management is evident through systems like the Gurley Reservoir and Miramonte Reservoir, which support the dry uplands between the Uncompahgre Plateau and the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The presence of numerous Jeep Trails and scattered mine sites across Big Gypsum Valley reveals a network of exploration and access that characterizes this corner of Montrose and San Miguel counties.