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1972 Map of Rock Crossing

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Rock Crossing
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Rock Crossing serves as the namesake hub of this Colorado landscape, characterized by the intricate drainage systems that define the high plains of Las Animas County. The map details a complex network of seasonal watercourses, most notably the winding Taylor Arroyo and Big Water Arroyo, which carve distinct paths across the terrain. These ephemeral streams are joined by Burke Arroyo, illustrating the critical role of surface water management in this arid region.

Evidence of modern infrastructure and 20th-century aviation history appears with the Big Canyon Tyron Airport situated in the southeastern corner. The presence of a Well and Spring further underscores the importance of reliable water sources in a landscape dominated by arroyos and pipelines. This survey, based on 1971 aerial photography, documents the land use and ranching-related infrastructure at a time when remote airstrips and traditional water features coexisted on the high plains.