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1972 Map of Riley Canyon

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Riley Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Purgatoire River winds through a landscape of deep canyons and seasonal water sources along the border of Otero and Las Animas counties. This 1970s landscape is defined by its ranching infrastructure and isolated landmarks, including the Penitenta Ch and the Martinez Cem situated near the river's path. The terrain is marked by numerous drainage systems such as Riley Canyon, Gaussion Canyon, and Withers Canyon, which provide a complex network of relief across the high plains.

Water management is central to the area's utility, evidenced by named features like the Good Pasture Spring, Antone Spring, and Rock Waterhole. Local navigation relies on established routes like Rourke Road and David Canyon Road, alongside more remote access points like the Jeep Trail near Terrel Spring. The map documents a specific moment in Colorado's rural history where family-named landmarks like the Girard Windmill still served as critical points of reference.