1957 Map of Grizzly Ridge

About this map

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument dominates this mid-century survey, revealing the dramatic verticality of the Gunnison River gorge before significant modern alterations. The geography is defined by the high reaches of Fruitland Mesa and Vernal Mesa, where a network of seasonal watercourses like Fern Draw and Grizzly Gulch carve toward the canyon floor. At the river level, the map identifies specific geological and navigational points such as The Narrows, Big Island, and the East Portal. Land management is evident through the presence of the North Rim Ranger Sta and South Rim Ranger Sta, while local agriculture and water infrastructure appear at Orchard Corner and the Poison Spring Reservoir. The prevalence of named springs and draws suggests a landscape where water access dictated movement and early settlement patterns in Montrose County.