1955 Map of Black Ridge

About this map

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison dominates this mid-century survey, revealing the dramatic elevation shifts where the river carves through the Colorado landscape. In the 1950s, this area on the Delta and Montrose County line was defined by its water management systems, including the Scenic Ditch and the Fruitland Mesa Ditch which diverted water across the high mesa. These irrigation features supported the nearby Fruitland Mesa Creek drainage, illustrating the critical role of water engineering in the high desert. To the south, the terrain rises toward Green Mountain and the Green Mountain Reservoir No 1, while the Smith Fork cuts through the northern sections. Topographic details highlight the intricate network of gulches like Buttermilk Gulch and Lime Kiln Gulch, which segment Black Ridge and the deep recesses of Red Canyon.