1955 Map of Mesa Lakes

About this map

Grand Mesa National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape, revealing a complex network of high-altitude water management and early forest administration. The area is defined by an intensive system of catchments and reservoirs, such as Jumbo Reservoir and the Coon Creek Reservoir No 1, which reflect the engineering required to support downstream ranching and agriculture. Settlement patterns are sparse and seasonal, centered around operations like the Beaver Homestead and working livestock sites including Bull Creek Cow Camp and Hallenbeck Cow Camp. The presence of the Mesa Lakes Ranger Station and Skyway indicates the dual role of the forest as both a managed resource and an emerging destination for recreation. The map meticulously tracks the infrastructure of the era, from the Drift Fence lines to the Spillway Aqueduct Elevated, illustrating how water was moved across the plateau through the Ditch systems.