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1960 Map of Rulison

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Rulison
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1988
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1988

About this map

The Colorado River corridor defines the northern reaches of this Garfield County survey, where the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Grade parallels the water. To the north, the Naval Oil Shale Reserve sits on high ground, signaling the region's industrial and strategic importance. The small settlement of Rulison and the agricultural pocket of Morrisania Mesa occupy the lower benches before the terrain ascends sharply into the high plateaus.

South of the river, the landscape rises toward Battlement Mesa and the vast White River National Forest. The map documents a complex drainage system including Cottonwood Creek and Spruce Creek, which carve deep canyons around landmarks like Doghead Mountain and Houston Mountain. Local industry is evidenced by a Stone Quarry and a Gas Well, while the presence of the Hallett Ditch indicates the essential role of water management in this arid mountain environment.