1996 Map of Cherry Canyon

About this map

The Santa Fe Historic National Route of the Granada Fort Union cuts across the southern reach of this landscape, marking a legacy of nineteenth-century western migration and trade. This corridor connects the high plains of the Comanche National Grassland with the deep incisions of the surrounding canyon systems. The topography is defined by the branching network of Cherry Canyon and its tributaries, including Soldier Canyon, Smith Canyon, and Snake Canyon. These features illustrate the dramatic erosion patterns typical of Las Animas County, where drainage systems like Plum Valley provided critical routes and resources for early travelers and ranchers. This 1990s revision reflects the preserved state of the grassland and the enduring presence of these natural landmarks.