1963 Map of Wallace Ranch

About this map

The Dolores River cuts through the heart of this landscape, carving a deep corridor between the high ground of Taylor Mesa and the expansive reaches of the San Juan National Forest. Mapping by the U.S. Forest Service in the mid-1950s and early 1960s reveals a region defined by its water management and livestock movement. Numerous small-scale water projects, including Pipe Creek Reservoir, Bauer Reservoir, and Firemile Reservoir, are scattered across the mesa tops to support the area's grazing activities. The intricate network of paths, such as the Highline Driveway and Stock Driveway, illustrates the essential routes for moving cattle through the varied terrain. Settlement is sparse, represented by locations like Wallace Ranch and Circle K Ranch, while recreation is noted at the Priest Gulch Campground along the river.