1886 Map of Price River

About this map

The Denver and Rio Grande Western R.R. dictates the rhythm of settlement across this territory, threading through the narrow passages of Castle Valley to connect mountain mining camps and valley outposts. From the northern gate at Castle Gate, the line follows the winding Price River past the emerging hub of Price and the mining community at Sunny Side. This Powell Survey reconnaissance provides a clear view of the complex topography defined by the Roan or Book Cliffs and the deep incision of Desolation Canon along the eastern edge. Remote crossings and natural landmarks like Gunnison Butte and Cottonwood Springs speak to the early infrastructure of the region before the arrival of modern highways, while the Beckwith Plateau stands as a massive barrier between the rail corridor and the canyonlands of the Green River.