2019 Map of Ruin Canyon

About this map

Sylvan Cem sits on the high plateau of Montezuma County, marking a localized pocket of history amidst a landscape defined by deep, eroded drainages. The terrain is characterized by intricate canyon systems, including the namesake Ruin Canyon and the expansive Hovenweep Canyon, which carve through the land towards the southwest. The presence of Cross Canyon Spring and routes like Grandpa's Trl suggest a long-standing reliance on specific water sources and established paths through this complex geography. The boundary between Dolores and Montezuma counties cuts diagonally across the northwestern portion of the map, separating areas like Squaw Point and The Island. This network of canyons, from Cow Canyon to Papoose Canyon, illustrates the high-desert topography typical of the Four Corners region, where early ranching and rural routes follow the contours of the mesa tops.