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2013 Map of Ruin Canyon

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Ruin Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Cross Canyon and the high desert mesas of Montezuma County dominate this landscape near the Utah border. The map illustrates a complex network of canyons and plateaus, where the Papoose Canyon Oil Field indicates the localized industrial presence amidst the natural relief. Settlement is sparse, with small clusters around Squaw Point and the quiet Sylvan Cem serving as landmarks of local heritage.

The drainage patterns of Ruin Canyon, Hovenweep Canyon, and Cow Canyon converge toward the southwest, creating the prominent landform known as The Island. Modern navigation is facilitated by rural routes such as Co HWY-10 and the uniquely named Grandpa's Trl, which wind through the township and range divisions of the Colorado plateau. This survey provides a clear view of the transition from industrial extraction to the preserved canyons of the Four Corners region.