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1955 Map of Grand Mesa

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Grand Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The high plateau of the Grand Mesa dominates this mid-1950s survey, revealing a landscape defined by an intricate network of reservoirs and alpine lakes. This region, straddling the Mesa Co Delta Co line, served as a vital water management area with dozens of named impoundments such as Cottonwood Lake No 1, Big Meadows Reservoir, and Bonham Res. The presence of the Grand Mesa Christian Association and the Columbine Chapel indicates the area's role as a mountain retreat and community gathering point during this era.

Primitive transportation routes like the High Foot Trail and various Jeep Trails provide the only access to the higher elevations and dramatic geological features like Crag Crest and The Big Slide. Forestry and conservation efforts are centered around the Ward Lake Ranger Sta, which managed the surrounding Grand Mesa National Forest. The map captures a specific moment when the natural hydrology of the mesa had been significantly modified for local irrigation and water storage needs.