1963 Map of Wallace Ranch

About this map

The Dolores River carves a deep path through the high plateau country of Montezuma County, dividing the expansive Taylor Mesa from the southern reaches of Haycamp Mesa. This mid-century survey reveals a landscape defined by water management and high-altitude ranching, where numerous small water features like Black Reservoir, Copinger Reservoir, and Fivemile Reservoir support the arid uplands. The San Juan National Forest encompasses much of this terrain, showing a network of specialized access routes including the Highline and various jeep trails. These pathways connect isolated points of interest such as the Wallace Ranch and Circle K Ranch, indicating a period when the local economy relied heavily on seasonal grazing and timber management within the national forest boundaries. Tracing the drainages like Priest Gulch and Stewart Gulch offers insight into the natural watershed patterns before modern development altered the area.