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1949 Map of Roc Creek

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Roc Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1949
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1949

About this map

Uranium and radium exploration define the mid-century character of this western Colorado landscape, evidenced by the collaboration between the Geological Survey and the United States Atomic Energy Commission. The rugged topography is anchored by the Dolores River in the northeast, while the interior is marked by the distinct geology of Sinbad Valley and the high elevations of Sewemup Mesa.

Resource extraction is central to the area's development, with several notable sites including the Radium Cycle Mine, the Rajah Mine, and the Sunrise Mine. Local life is clustered near the southern edge in the Paradox Valley, where the Paradox Sch and Paradox Ditch indicate an established community managing water and education in a challenging environment. High-altitude access is provided by the Carpenter Ridge Road and the Radium Trail, tracing through the La Sal National Forest.