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1961 Map of La Honda

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of La Honda
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

San Gregorio and La Honda anchor this 1961 survey of the Santa Cruz Mountains, illustrating a landscape of specialized camps and coastal canyons. The map documents the educational and recreational development of the era, notably the San Francisco Boys School and the San Francisco Boy Scout Camp, alongside smaller settlements like Redwood Terrace and Loma Mar. Industrial attempts are visible in the scattered Oil Wells and a Drill Hole located near the ridges, suggesting a history of resource exploration amidst the redwood-filled drainages.

Water plays a central role in the geography, with Pomponio Reservoir and Reflection Lake serving as landmarks within a complex network of creeks including Pescadero Creek and Butano Creek. Local place names like The Potato Patch, Little Chicken Hollow, and Worley Flat offer a grounded look at the rural character of San Mateo County before extensive modern development. The map also traces the winding route of Skyline Blvd, which remains the primary artery connecting these high ridges to the surrounding Bay Area.