1964 Map of Dawson Draw

About this map

Disappointment Creek snakes through the center of this 1964 survey, defining a drainage system that dominates the arid landscape of the San Miguel and Dolores county line. The map highlights early water management efforts in the region, specifically Horseshoe Ditch and Custer Ditch, which were critical for ranching or agricultural operations in this high-altitude environment. The terrain transitions from the low Valley floor near Daddy Williams Bridge to the steep, dissected uplands of the Uncompahgre National Forest and San Juan National Forest. The presence of several named draws and canyons, including Andy Draw, Dawson Draw, and Pine Canyon, reveals a complex topography of erosion. Traces of human activity are sparse but significant, marked by a network of Pack Trails and Jeep Trails that provided essential access through the basins and canyons during the mid-20th century.