2013 Map of Ruby Canyon

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep, winding path through this corner of Mesa County, creating the dramatic geological formations of Ruby Canyon and Horsethief Canyon. This 2013 survey illustrates a landscape defined by sharp elevation changes and high desert drainage systems like Salt Creek and Mack Wash. North of the river, Rabbit Valley serves as a prominent geographic basin, while the southern reaches of the map are notable for a concentration of named natural bridges, including Two Feathers Arch, Will Minor Arch, and Crown Arch. The presence of the 6 and 50 Reservoir in the north and the expansive Moore Bottom along the riverbank suggests a terrain where water management and access are central to the land's utility. Significant landmarks such as Black Rocks and Shale further indicate the diverse geological strata exposed by the river's eons of erosion.