1986 Map of Ray Mesa

About this map

Ray Mesa and the surrounding high desert of the Utah-Colorado borderlands define this mid-1980s extraction landscape. The map reveals an intensive history of uranium and vanadium mining, with a high concentration of operations such as the Vanadium Queen Mine, Uranium Girl Mine, and Yellow Bird Mines scattered across the plateau. The terrain is deeply incised by Horsethief Canyon and Sharp Canyon, while the northern portion is protected within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. A remote Landing Strip and various Air Shaft labels point to the technical infrastructure required for deep-earth mining in this arid environment. This survey captures a specific moment in the regional mining economy, documenting family-named or colorful prospects like the Maud Mine and Too High Mine before many of these sites were reclaimed or faded from active use.