Loading map...

1952 Map of Yankee Gulch

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Yankee Gulch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

High-desert ranching and early energy exploration define this 1952 topographic study of the Piceance Basin. Established homesteads like Reigle Ranch and Duckett Ranch occupy the drainages, supported by complex irrigation systems including several unnamed ditches that follow the contours of the drainage floor. The landscape is a network of deeply incised canyons and gulches, with Yankee Gulch and Ryan Gulch serving as primary geographic markers.

A notable inclusion is the Shale Test Well, signaling the region's emerging importance for oil shale research during the mid-20th century. Transportation is limited to rugged trails and the namesake Wagonroad, which traverses the high ridges. Survey control points like VABM Fuzzy and VABM Boies provide precision for this isolated terrain, where water sources like Stake Springs Draw were critical for both livestock and early industrial surveying efforts.