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1955 Map of Black Ridge

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Black Ridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison cuts a dramatic path through this 1955 survey of the Colorado landscape, where the Gunnison River meets the Smith Fork. The map reveals a complex system of high-altitude water management essential for Western agriculture, including the Scenic Mesa Ditch and the Fruitland Mesa Ditch feeding onto Fruitland Mesa. Evidence of light aviation and backcountry travel is visible via a remote Landing Strip and various Jeep Trails that traverse Black Ridge.

Divided by the Delta and Montrose County line, the terrain transitions from the steep gorge walls to expansive plateaus like Scenic Mesa and Pleasant Park. Cattlemen and early settlers left their mark on the geography through named landmarks such as Pitts Meadow and the Green Mountain Reservoir No 1, providing a detailed look at the land use and topographic character of the region before late-century developments.