1964 Map of Gurley Canyon

About this map

The San Miguel River cuts a deep, dramatic course through this portion of Colorado, dividing the high plateaus of Iron Springs Mesa and Beaver Mesa. In the mid-1960s, the landscape reflected a sophisticated network of water management essential for ranching and agriculture in the high desert. A series of irrigation channels, including the Gurley Ditch, Bolinger Ditch, and South Lateral Ditch, draw from local water sources to support the lower elevations. The map centers on the San Miguel Ranch, situated near the river's bend, illustrating the intersection of private land use and the protected lands of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Significant water storage features like Gurley Reservoir and the smaller Cone Reservoir anchor the southwestern terrain, providing a look at the infrastructure that sustained this region's rural economy.