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1955 Map of Red Rock Canyon

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Red Rock Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument dominates this mid-century survey, revealing the dramatic convergence of vertical geology and hydraulic engineering. The Gunnison River carves through the landscape, flanked by prominent features such as Warner Point and the towering Red Rocks. A significant focus is placed on the region's water infrastructure, including the State Tunnel (Abandoned) and the State Tunnel Dam, which highlight early efforts to divert water from the canyon to the surrounding agricultural plains.

To the southwest, the plateau terrain of North Mesa and Flat Top contrasts with the jagged canyon walls. Traces of human activity and industry are visible through the Loutsenhizer Canal, a network of unnamed Ditch lines, and a Mine (Inactive). High-elevation surveying marks like Table Mount and Bostwick provide precise data points for this transition from the high desert to the deep river gorges of Colorado.