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1960 Map of Paradox

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Paradox
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

The Dolores River winds through a landscape defined by deep canyons and high mesas in this western Colorado survey. At the center of the valley, the small settlements of Paradox and Bedrock anchor a region shaped by uranium and radium exploration. The topography is a maze of vertical relief, including Carpenter Ridge and the Sewemup Mesa, where complex drainage patterns like Roc Creek and Paradox Creek have carved into the plateau.

Industrial activity is heavy along the Radium Mines Road, which provides access to numerous claims such as the Golden Cycle Mine, Cliff Dweller Mine, and the Shamrock Mines. The map documents specialized infrastructure for the era, including Salt Evaporators near a Salt Well along the river, and the Paradox Cem serving the local ranching and mining families. Ranching operations like Pace Ranch and Club Ranch highlight the enduring agricultural presence within the La Sal National Forest.