1957 Map of Cathedral Peak

About this map

Gunnison National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape in the Colorado high country, where the dramatic depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River cut through the southwestern corner of the quadrangle. The map reveals an intricate network of water management essential for high-elevation ranching and agriculture, featuring the Cattlemans Ditch and Dyer Fork Ditch winding through Crystal Valley. Water storage is centered at the Gould Reservoir and Meek Reservoir, while Gates Camp serves as a small outpost of activity in this complex terrain. From the heights of Cathedral Peak to the broad expanse of Dead Horse Mesa, the topography is defined by sharp ridges like Poison Spring Ridge and deep drainages such as Iron Creek Canyon. The prevalence of jeep trails and named gulches like Buckhorn Gulch illustrates the frontier-style access and seasonal land use typical of the Western Slope during this era.