1972 Map of Painted Canyon

About this map

The Purgatoire River carves a deep, winding path through this portion of Las Animas County, creating a dramatic corridor of side canyons and tributary drainages. Surveyed in the early 1970s, the landscape is defined by its complex hydrology, where seasonal flows like the Van Bremer Arroyo and Luning Arroyo meet the main river channel. Named geographical features such as The Hogback and Painted Canyon suggest a terrain of sharp elevations and distinct geological formations, while the presence of a Gaging Sta and Water Tanks indicates the critical management of water resources in this arid region. Traces of human infrastructure are minimal but strategic, including a prominent Pipeline and scattered springs like Jack Canyon Spring. This map captures the intersection of deep-cut river valleys and high plains before modern development could alter its traditional land-use patterns, centered around numerous named canyons such as Gutierrez Canyon and Hunt Canyon.