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1963 Map of Clyde Lake

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Clyde Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

San Juan National Forest defines the landscape of this region in the early 1960s, dominated by the winding course of the West Dolores River and high terrain like Taylor Mesa. Remote homesteads and agricultural outposts such as Miller Ranch and Cesto Ranch are connected by a network of primitive routes, including the Johnny Bull Trail and various other pack trails.

The presence of numerous natural springs, including Fivemile Spring, Soft Water Spring, and Twin Spring, indicates the vital importance of water resources for grazing and small-scale ranching in the high country. These water sources, alongside man-made features like Fox Den Reservoir, support a landscape that transitions from the river valley to prominent heights like Eagle Peak. This map records a time when land use was primarily focused on forestry and livestock before modern recreational development intensified.