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2011 Map of Hesperus

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Hesperus
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Mining operations and sophisticated irrigation networks define the rugged drainage basins of the La Plata River and its tributaries in this 2011 topographic record. The landscape is heavily marked by its mineral history, with a high concentration of sites like the May Day Mine, Inca Claims, and Western View Mining Group Mine clustered near Mayday. These sites illustrate the intensive prospecting that occurred throughout the canyons of the San Juan foothills. Downstream, the small settlement of Hesperus sits near the Hesperus Cemetery, serving as a focal point for the region’s development.

Water management is equally prominent, evidenced by the extensive path of the Big Stick Ditch and the Hay Gulch Irrigation Ditch. These man-made channels navigate the complex terrain of Snowslide Gulch and East Roberts Canyon, showcasing the engineering required to support agriculture and industry in this arid high-altitude environment. From the Cherry Creek Campground to the remote Texas Chief Mine, the map provides a clear picture of how resource extraction and water rights shaped the local geography.