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1963 Map of Hermosa

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Hermosa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Animas River valley serves as the central corridor for this 1963 survey, where the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad traces the river's path through the San Juan National Forest. Small mountain settlements like Hermosa and Rockwood are positioned near the tracks, reflecting the era's reliance on the rail line for transport and access to high-altitude timber and mineral resources. The presence of the Hermosa Cem and several Prospect markings suggests a history of localized mining and community life established well before the mid-century photogrammetric update.

Water management is prominent along the valley floor, evidenced by the Consolidated Valley Ditch and Reid Ditch, which redirect river flow toward the agricultural flats near Trimble. The landscape rises sharply to the east toward Missionary Ridge, while the western terrain is dissected by numerous drainages like Hermosa Creek and Tripp Gulch, illustrating the transition from the river valley to the steep canyonlands of La Plata County.