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1983 Map of Palmer Mesa

Name: 1983 Topographic Map of Palmer Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Palmer Mesa dominates this high-desert landscape in the early 1980s, straddling the border of the Ute Mountain Indian Reservation and the Navajo Indian Reservation. This territory, where Montezuma and San Juan counties meet the New Mexico and Colorado state line, is defined by its deep arroyo systems and industrial energy extraction. The map reveals an extensive network of Oil Wells, Drill Holes, and a subterranean Aqueduct supporting operations within the Horseshoe Gallup Oil Field and the Many Rocks Gallup Oil Field.

Named natural features like Thieving Rock, Popping Rock, and Monument Rocks serve as landmarks across the broken terrain. While human habitation is sparse, Deckers Camp is noted near the center of the sheet, and the ancient Big Horse Trail winds through the canyons. Hydrological features such as Salt Creek Spring and Sunshine Spring indicate vital water sources in an otherwise arid drainage basin comprised of Salt Wash and Standing Tree Canyon.