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1952 Map of Horse Mountain

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Horse Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Grand Hogback dominates the lower third of this mid-century survey, cutting a distinctive geological diagonal across a landscape defined by the drainage systems of West Rifle Creek and Middle Rifle Creek. This era in Garfield County highlights a transition between traditional mountain land uses and the emerging industrial importance of the region, specifically noted by the Naval Oil Shale Reserve and several resource extraction sites. Local education and community life are anchored at the Upper Rifle Creek School in the southeastern corner.

Energy extraction is a visible priority on the map, with multiple Coal Mines and a specifically designated Coal Mine (Active) located near the foot of the ridge. The northern portion of the quadrangle is largely managed by the White River National Forest, where topography rises toward Horse Mountain and Parker Ridge. Water features such as Harris Reservoir and Parker Lake provide vital collection points in an area marked by numerous steep drainages like Horse Gulch and Ward Gulch.