1966 Map of Camatta Ranch

About this map

The ranching and forest lands of the La Panza Range dominate this mid-century survey of eastern San Luis Obispo County. Centered on the Camatta Ranch, the landscape is defined by the drainage networks of Camatta Creek and Shell Creek as they cut through the Camatta Canyon. This era shows a working landscape of remote outposts, including the Bethal Ranch and several prospects tucked into the canyon walls. High-elevation points are utilized for infrastructure, notably the Radio Facility and Chiches 2 Lookout atop Black Mtn. The survey captures a transition in backcountry access, where Hernandez Road and various jeep trails provide the primary movement through the Los Padres National Forest. The presence of numerous named springs, such as Wild Horse Spring and Blue Oak Spring, highlights the critical importance of water sources for both livestock and forest management in this arid terrain.