1964 Map of Peak Mountain

About this map

The Cuyama Valley (Heirs of Cesario Lataillade) dominates the northern landscape of this map, representing a significant historical land grant legacy in Santa Barbara County. This high-desert region is defined by the ephemeral Cuyama River and a network of deep drainage systems including Richardson Canyon, Deadman Canyon, and Schoolhouse Canyon. To the south, the terrain rises sharply into the Sierra Madre Mountains, where Peak Mountain and McPherson Peak anchor the ridgeline within the Los Padres National Forest. The presence of numerous water sources such as Richardson Spring, Heath Spring, and Bitter Creek Spring highlights the critical importance of water management in this arid environment. The map details a mix of livestock ranching and early petroleum exploration, evidenced by Caliente Ranch, isolated wells, and a pipeline cutting across the valley floor. Recreational and utility features like the Aliso Campground, Hog Pen Campground, and a Landing Strip further indicate the remote yet managed nature of this wilderness edge during the mid-20th century.