1965 Map of Dry Lakes

About this map

Dry Lakes dominate this San Luis Valley landscape, surrounded by an intricate hydrological network of artesian groundwater sources. Numerous points labeled Flowing Well and Flowing Wells are scattered throughout the terrain, particularly concentrated near the transition to the Sand Dunes in the northeastern quadrant. This pattern of surface water management is characteristic of the region's agricultural and pastoral history, where high water tables supported localized grazing and land use. Transportation through this part of Alamosa County is defined by a sparse grid of rural thoroughfares, including Fourmile Road and Central Lane, which provide the primary access to these low-lying areas. The map illustrates a high-desert environment where the presence of water is both essential and carefully noted, contrasting the arid dune formations with the persistent groundwater discharge that sustains the valley floor.