1955 Map of Cisco Grove

About this map

Southern Pacific tracks cut through the high Sierra Nevada terrain, following the arduous path along the South Yuba River and over the Yuba Pass. This 1955 survey, with later revisions, shows a landscape defined by mountain transit and mid-century recreation. While the railroad utilizes a series of tunnels and snowsheds to navigate the steep grades of Red Mountain, the valley floor reveals clusters of activity at Cisco Grove, Big Bend, and the Ranger Station. The infrastructure of the era is evident in the Microwave Relay Sta and Airway Beacon atop Cisco Butte. Beyond the rails and roads, the area serves as a seasonal retreat, featuring the Marin-Sierra Boy Scout Camp, the 4H Club Camp, and numerous high-altitude lakes such as Crystal Lake and the massive Lake Valley Reservoir.