1954 Map of Iris NW

About this map

South Beaver Creek and its many tributaries carve through the high country of the Gunnison and Saguache county border in this mid-century topographic study. The landscape is defined by a network of drainage systems, including Gold Basin Creek, Long Gulch, and Stubbs Gulch, which illustrate the complex watershed of the region. A notable human element in this remote terrain is the Landing Field (Emergency) situated near the eastern boundary, providing a critical waypoint for aviators navigating the mountain ranges. While the margin notes that all mining features on this map are inactive, the underlying grid of the New Mexico Principal Meridian and numerous Jeep Trails suggest a history of exploration and land management. The presence of several isolated Spring labels and the course of Sugar Creek further define the local hydrology, marking vital water sources for the cattle ranching or mineral prospecting that once moved through these valleys.