2010 Map of Homelake

About this map

The Rio Grande meanders across this San Luis Valley landscape, defining a complex network of agricultural irrigation in Rio Grande County. By the early 21st century, the region around the settlement of Homelake shows a highly developed system of water management, visible through major arteries like the San Luis Valley Canal and the Empire Canal. These waterways, alongside smaller features like the Billings Ditch and Centennial Ditch, illustrate the vital role of water rights and engineering in this high-altitude valley. Small junctions and loading points such as Sugar Junction, Zinzer, and Parma dot the landscape along the road and rail corridors, reflecting the area's agricultural shipping history. Landmarks like Sherman Lake and the Monte Vista Municipal Airport provide clear orientation points within this grid of county roads and drainage laterals, including the Parma Drain and McLean Drain.