1970 Map of Red Desert

About this map

The Union Pacific railroad corridor dominates this high-desert landscape in Sweetwater County, marking the industrial backbone of the region during the early 1970s. This survey centers on the small railroad siding of Red Desert and the nearby settlement at Frewen, situated along the southern edge of the Wamsutter Depression. The terrain is characterized by the prominent Big Hill and the line of the Continental Divide, which snakes through the southern portion of the quadrangle. Resource extraction is evident through scattered infrastructure, including several gas wells, a drill hole, and multiple pipelines that parallel the rail line. Water management in this arid environment is highlighted by the Threemile Ditch and the seasonal basin of Frewen Lake, while the local geography is further defined by landmarks like Big Rim Hill and the winding Latham Draw.