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1943 Map of Cuyama Peak

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Cuyama Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

The Cuyama River carves a wide path through this high-elevation landscape, where the Cuyama Valley meets the steep slopes of the Los Padres National Forest. Mapped during the mid-1940s, the area is defined by a sparse but established ranching culture. Family-run operations like Monreal Ranch, Stutz Ranch, and Le Vezu Ranch are situated along the valley floor and foothills, connected by the primary route of Highway 399.

Strategic vantage points dominate the southern terrain, anchored by Cuyama Peak and its attendant Lookout Tower, which provided essential fire surveillance over the surrounding canyons. The settlement of Ventucopa serves as a central point of activity along the river, while deep drainage systems such as Quatal Canyon and Ballinger Canyon illustrate the complex watershed that feeds into the valley. The map also delineates the high-country border between Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.