1972 Map of Plum Canyon

About this map

The canyonlands of southern Colorado's high plains are defined here by a network of drainage systems feeding into Plum Creek, documented by the U.S. Geological Survey during the 1970s and 1980s. The landscape is characterized by prominent landmarks like Courthouse Rock and a complex series of deep draws including Deadman Canyon and Indian Trail Canyon. This era shows a ranching landscape dependent on localized water sources, evidenced by the distribution of the Seven D Well, Seven D Tank, and numerous windmills such as the Reed Canyon Windmill. Transportation is limited to the eastern Villegreen Road and several unimproved paths, including a marked Jeep Trail, illustrating the remote nature of this part of Las Animas County. The concentration of features named after the Seven D brand, including Seven D Pocket, points to the historic ranching operations that utilized these canyons for livestock management and shelter.