1954 Map of Carracas

About this map

Southern Ute Indian Reservation lands dominate this mid-century topographic survey, where the rugged topography of the Colorado-New Mexico border meets the winding course of the Piedra River. The settlement of Carracas serves as a focal point in the southern portion of the sheet, situated along the tracks of the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad. This transportation corridor follows the river valley, providing a vital link through the high mesas and deep drainages that characterize the region. The landscape is defined by massive features such as Mesa Sandoval and distinct landmarks like Cerro del Zopilote. Numerous seasonal drainages, including Sandoval Canyon and Arroyo Escondido, carve through the terrain, illustrating the complex erosion patterns of the San Juan Basin as it existed in the early 1950s.