1957 Map of Aldrich Gulch

About this map

Grape Creek and its many tributaries, including North Colony Creek and South Colony Creek, define the drainage patterns across this part of Custer County. The map captures the rugged eastern slope of the Sangre de Cristo range during the late 1950s, showing a landscape transition from the high Rosita Hills down into the wide Mountain Valley. The placement of Silver Cliff Cemetery and Hope Cemetery indicates the locations of early area burials, while the inclusion of the San Isabel National Forest boundary reflects the region's managed public lands. Local transport relies on a network of named routes such as Schoolfield Road and Stanton Road, which provided access for the area's ranchers and early industrial operations like the Strip Mine and Gravel Pit.