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1994 Map of Red Canyon

Name: 1994 Topographic Map of Red Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1994
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1994

About this map

Industrial extraction and deep canyon geography define this portion of the Montrose Co and Mesa Co border region. The landscape is dominated by the Department of Energy Uranium Reserve, a massive tract signifying the region's importance to national energy and defense history. The Dolores River winds through the center of the sheet, joined in the south by the San Miguel River, their courses carving through high tablelands like Blue Mesa, Martin Mesa, and Atkinson Mesa.

Mining operations are densely clustered throughout the canyons, ranging from riverside Placer Mines to complex underground works like the King Solomon Mine, Little Buckhorn Mine, and the curiously named Club Sandwich Mine. Technical infrastructure supporting these efforts is evident in labels for Tailings Ponds, air shafts, and numerous 4WD tracks. Geologic landmarks such as a Natural Arch and the broad Carpenter Flats offer contrast to the intensive resource extraction that has shaped this canyon country.