1985 Map of Shay Mountain

About this map

Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument stands as a focal point in the northeastern corner of this San Juan County landscape, marking a site of deep cultural significance where Indian Creek cuts through the high desert. The 1985 survey captures a transition from the elevated Shay Mesa and the prominent peak of Shay Mountain down into the complex drainage systems of Titus Canyon and North Cottonwood Creek. Much of the southern and central terrain is preserved within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, encompassing the rugged slopes of the Abajo Mountains. The map details a network of canyons and high ridges, such as Shay Ridge, punctuated by vital water sources like Spring Lake and various unnamed springs. This high-elevation environment is defined by its topographic relief, showing the relationship between the northern canyonlands and the forested mountain heights of the south.