1964 Map of Water Canyon

About this map

Water Canyon and its complex network of seasonal draws define this high-altitude landscape of Rio Blanco County during the mid-1960s. The region is characterized by an extensive energy extraction infrastructure, marked by numerous Gas Wells and scattered Drill Holes throughout the terrain. Transportation follows the natural contours of the land, with the Dragon Road and Douglas Pass Road providing primary access, supported by various Jeep Trails. Water management is vital in this arid environment, evidenced by the Johnson Draw Reservoir, Big Horse Draw Reservoir, and West Fourmile Reservoir. A few notable landmarks indicate localized development along the watercourses, including the State Bridge and a Pumping Sta near Douglas Creek. This survey provides a clear view of the industrial footprint on the Colorado landscape before modern expansion, capturing the placement of storage bins and gravel pits essential to the local economy.