1962 Map of Tanks Peak

About this map

The Yampa River carves a deep, winding path through the northern reaches of Dinosaur National Monument, defining a landscape where high plateaus drop into narrow canyons. This 1962 survey documents the isolation of northwestern Colorado, centered on the dramatic elevation of Tanks Peak. Evidence of early 20th-century habitation and resource extraction is scattered across the terrain, notably at Mantle Mine and Shephard Mine. Family names and early homesteading efforts are preserved through labels for the Baker, Hamlin, and Shephard cabins, while rugged access is provided by the Mantle Ranch Road. The intricate drainage system, including Bull Draw and Johnson Canyon, highlights the importance of water sources like Serviceberry Spring and Marthas Spring in this high-desert environment. Geologic features such as Cleopatras Couch and Schoonover Buttes emphasize the verticality of the canyon country.