1963 Map of Mule Canyon

About this map

The Rio Tusas valley anchors this mid-century survey of the high country in Carson National Forest. The landscape is defined by the massive spine of Tusas Ridge and a complex network of drainage basins including American Creek and Cow Creek. Evidence of local ranching and water management is visible through numerous named catchments like Esquibel Tank, North Star Tank, and Kutch Tank, while Barela Spring and Raybals Spring provide natural water sources in the higher elevations. Genealogy researchers will find the Tusas Cem located along the river, a key marker of the families who settled this area of Rio Arriba. Small-scale resource extraction is indicated by Prospects in the northeast, showing the continued interest in the mineral potential of the Martinez Canyon and Esquibel Canyon vicinities.