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1962 Map of Spring Hill Creek

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Spring Hill Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Gunnison National Forest land defines this portion of the New Mexico Principal Meridian, where the high-altitude landscape of Saguache County supported a seasonal economy of ranching and mining during the mid-20th century. Traces of early habitation are visible at the Watts Homestead, while small-scale agricultural operations appear at the Shelton Ranch, Cooper Ranch, and Margelmann Cow Camp. The presence of the Continental Mine and Midland Mine, alongside numerous Prospect markings, underscores the mineral exploration that once drew workers to these drainages.

Water management and natural terrain dictated movement through the territory, with drainage systems like Spring Hill Creek and South Beaver Creek carving paths through the highlands. Local landmarks such as Big Mud Pond and Little Mud Pond provided critical water sources for livestock. A network of Trail and Jeep routes connects these remote outposts, tracing the rugged topography from Black Ridge to the open expanse of Soldiers Park.