The Cañon Irrigation Ditch

The Cañon Irrigation Ditch is an irrigation ditch in the southwest corner of the San Luis Valley, just north of the Colorado/New Mexico border. The ditch extends from the point of diversion in the Conejos River in the NE ¼ of Section 2 (23 ^rd  PM | T 32N | R 07E) eastward approximately 11.5 miles before terminating in the Antonito Ditch, about a mile east of Antonito, CO - in  the SE corner of Section 28 (23 ^rd  PM | T 33N | R 09E).

Colorado Division of Water Resource records indicate that the Canon Irrigation Ditch was first appropriated in April of 1857 and adjudicated in October 1883. The ditch is priority number 22 for this water district and was originally allocated 42.7 cfs of water. The Canon Irrigation Ditch is one of the oldest irrigation ditches in the state. The ditch served a large area around Antonito and Mogote, Colorado and played an important role in developing and maintaining the community in this part of the San Luis Valley. The resource is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A.

 Colorado Division of Water Resource Records 

The following highlights a recorded segment of the Cañon Canal. You can scroll through the images or select a point in the inset map below.

The 5CN.2122.3 segment consists of approximately 360 feet of unlined ditch measuring approximately 6-8 feet wide and 1-2 feet deep. The segment includes a field lateral headgate in poor condition that has been identified for replacement by the NRCS.

The resource retains integrity of location, setting, feeling, and association. The ditch is a simple unlined ditch and does not possess any unique or unusual features - the resource lacks integrity of materials, workmanship, and design. The segment has been used and maintained and includes a modern, (~40-year-old) headgate. The ditch is still in the original location and still functions according to the original use.

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