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2021 Map of Tar Spring Ridge

Name: 2021 Topographic Map of Tar Spring Ridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2021
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

Los Padres National Forest dominates the northern half of this landscape, where the rugged terrain is defined by deep drainages like Clapboard Canyon and Lopez Canyon. The impoundment of Arroyo Grande Cr forms Lopez Lake, a central water feature surrounded by an extensive network of fire roads and recreational paths such as the High Ridge Fire Road Trl and Duna Vista Loop Trl. South of the lake, the topography rises into the prominent Tar Spring Ridge and Saucelito Ridge, reflecting the complex uplift of the California Coast Ranges.

Evidence of historical land use and access is visible in the scattered named flats and ridges, including Washington Flat in the southeast and Newsom Ridge in the southwest. The presence of Cold Spring and various ephemeral creeks like Potrero Cr and Saucelito Cr highlights the seasonal water patterns that have long influenced settlement in the Arroyo Grande Valley. This 2021 update documents the contemporary road system, including Hi Mountain Rd, which serves as a primary artery through this varied terrain.