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1960 Map of Needle Rock

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Needle Rock
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1993
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1993

About this map

Needle Rock and other prominent sandstone formations dominate this high plains landscape in Goshen County during the mid-century. The map captures a transition from the rolling drainage of Corn Creek and Josh Creek in the north to the more dramatic topography of Jackson Canyon and Josh Canyon in the south. This area is characterized by scattered family operations, including the Otto Ranch, Hunter Ranch, and Wilkins Ranch, which represent the enduring ranching economy of the region.

Of particular interest to local historians is the Trelona (Site), a former settlement point in the southern reaches of the quadrangle. The survey also precisely identifies navigational landmarks like Sugar Bowl Rock and Steamboat Rock, which served as essential orientation points in the open Wyoming terrain. While a modern Pipeline cuts across the northern sections, the overall settlement pattern remains sparse, centered on these named ranch sites and seasonal watercourses like Lone Tree Creek.