2013 Map of Spruce Mountain

About this map

Ruth Mountain and Oil Well Mountain define the high terrain of this portion of the Colorado Plateau, where three National Forests—Grand Mesa, White River, and Gunnison—converge along the county line between Mesa and Delta Counties. This 2013 landscape is characterized by a complex network of seasonal drainages and high-elevation plateaus like Logpile Flat and Hayrack Park. The settlement pattern is strictly tied to land management and resource extraction, evidenced by Buzzard Cow Camp and Oil Well Camp. A dense system of trails, such as the Power Line Trail and Burn Trail, winds through the headwaters of Buzzard Creek and West Muddy Creek, illustrating the area's use for recreation and utility access within the forest boundaries.