1985 Map of Westwater

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep path through this high desert region along the Utah-Colorado border, creating the dramatic corridors of Ruby Canyon and Westwater Canyon. This mid-1980s landscape is defined by its massive plateaus, including Snyder Mesa, Wrigley Mesa, and Long Mesa, which rise above the river valley. The corridor of the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad tracks the river's path, serving the small settlements of Westwater and Utaline. Away from the main river, the Little Dolores River and Bitter Creek drain the mesas through deep-cut features like Jones Canyon and Kings Canyon. The presence of a Landing Strip and numerous 4WD trails suggests a territory reliant on light aircraft and rugged vehicles for access across the varied elevations and desert flats of May Flat.