Loading map...

1959 Map of Gould Pass

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Gould Pass
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

Largo Field and the surrounding high desert mesas define this region at the intersection of San Juan and Rio Arriba counties. The 1959 survey reveals a landscape heavily marked by energy exploration within the Largo San Juan Basin, where numerous gas wells and pipelines traverse the network of deep drainages. Topography is the dominant feature, with massive landforms like Manzanares Mesa and Delgadito Mesa rising above a labyrinth of named canyons including Manzanares Canyon, Jesus Canyon, and Blanco Canyon.

Evidence of human habitation is sparse, centered on the Kaime Ranch near the southern boundary. Significant natural landmarks such as Gould Pass and Hollis Pass indicate the primary routes through this difficult terrain. Water sources are rare but noted at Crow Lake and along the ephemeral course of Carrizo Creek. This map is particularly valuable for tracing the mid-century industrial expansion of the San Juan Basin and identifying specific family-named ranch sites and geographic passes used by early travelers.