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1962 Map of Indian Water Canyon

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Indian Water Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The Yampa River carves a deep path through northwestern Colorado in this early 1960s study, defining the wild character of Dinosaur National Monument. The landscape is a complex network of seasonal drainages and named canyon features, such as Indian Water Canyon and Thanksgiving Gorge. Human presence in this isolated terrain is marked by remote outposts and historical tracks, including Stubs Cabin and the Old Chuck Wagon Road winding through East Cactus Flat.

Evidence of early ranching and transit is found at Spurgion Cabins and several corrals, while the Deerlodge Park Campground serves as a gateway to the river. The map also records small-scale exploration and personal history through a lone Grave near the river and a Prospect site in the southern uplands. Water remains the primary concern for any inhabitant, with vital sources like Bill White Spring and Dobbins Spring carefully noted across the arid draws of Bear Valley.