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1957 Map of Cathedral Peak

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Cathedral Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Gould Reservoir and the headwaters of the Gunnison River define this high-altitude landscape in Montrose County during the mid-1950s. The area is characterized by an intricate network of water management features, including the Cattlemans Ditch and Dyer Fork Ditch, which redirect snowmelt through drainages like Onion Valley and Crystal Valley. These systems supported local ranching operations, visible through landmarks such as Gates Camp situated near the confluence of Crystal Creek.

Elevations rise sharply toward Cathedral Peak within the Gunnison National Forest, while the southwest corner of the map captures the dramatic descent into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The terrain is marked by high plateaus like Dead Horse Mesa and Poison Spring Ridge, accessible only by a system of rugged jeep trails. This survey provides a detailed look at the hydrology of the western slope before modern recreational development, highlighting features like Meek Reservoir and Big Hill.