1963 Map of Colona

About this map

The Uncompahgre River valley dominates this early 1960s landscape, serving as the primary corridor for both transportation and irrigation at the border of Montrose and Ouray counties. The Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad tracks parallel the river, connecting the small settlement of Colona and the stop at Eldredge. This area exhibits a complex water management system vital for high-desert agriculture, featuring the Cimarron Canal, South Canal, and West Lat Canal. To the west, the terrain rises sharply toward the expansive Log Hill Mesa, cut by deep drainages like Dolores Canyon and Wildcat Canyon. Evidence of local infrastructure and community life is found in the Colona Cem and the Government Springs Road, while the numerous Jeep Trails crossing Piñon Ridge indicate the area's use for ranching or resource access.