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2018 Map of Catheys Valley

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of Catheys Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

Catheys Valley sits at a crossroads of Sierra Nevada history, where the foothills transition from grazing land to the steep drainages of the Guadalupe Mountains. This survey illustrates a landscape deeply marked by early California industry, particularly evident in the presence of Tailings Gulch and Specimen Gulch near the settlement of Agua Fria. These names point toward the region's mining heritage, which influenced the distribution of homesteads and local infrastructure like School House Road.

Water sources define the geography, from the winding path of Mariposa Creek in the south to the network of gulches—including Horse Gulch and China Gulch—that feed into Agua Fria Creek. The map also documents long-standing community landmarks such as the Catheys Valley Cemetery and the prominent heights of Catheys Mountain and Smoky Mountain, providing a clear look at the enduring rural character of Mariposa County.