1952 Map of Branch Mountain

About this map

High-altitude ranching and rugged canyon terrain define this mid-century survey of the California Central Coast mountains. The landscape is marked by remote homesteads and operational outposts like Scott Ranch and Carrisa Ranch along the northern reaches near San Juan Creek. Movement through the region relied on an extensive network of trails connecting drainage basins between the Santa Lucia Range and the La Panza Range. The map reveals a livestock-centric economy, with labels such as the Gline Ranch Corral and Double Corral indicating where cattle were managed within the deep folds of the Los Padres National Forest. Water sources are critical landmarks here, documented through named points like Live Oak Spring and Machado Spring. To the south, the Cuyama River forms the natural boundary between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, carving through the foothills of the Sierra Madre.