2017 Map of Westwater

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep path through the desert landscape of the Utah-Colorado border, creating the dramatic geological formations of Ruby Canyon. This 2017 survey captures the high-desert environment around the small settlement of Westwater, located near the confluence of Westwater Cr and the river. The terrain is defined by its massive, flat-topped features including Western Mesa, Wrigley Mesa, and Snyder Mesa, which dominate the eastern and western horizons. Transportation in this arid region remains sparse, centered on access points like Boat Launch Rd and the Westwater Ranch Rd. To the south, the Little Dolores River winds through the canyons, while the northern reaches open into the Grand Valley. This map illustrates the intersection of several distinct drainage systems, including Bitter Cr and Knowles Canyon, highlighting how water has shaped the high mesas over millennia.