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1963 Map of Alpine Plateau

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Alpine Plateau
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Lake Fork Gunnison River carves a deep path through the high country on the boundary of Gunnison National Forest and Uncompahgre National Forest in the early 1960s. This survey records a landscape shaped by both natural drainage and early ranching, centered on the Alpine Plateau. Settlement is sparse, represented by established family holdings like the Thomas Ranch, Thompson Ranch, and Ute Trail Ranch. A small Cem located near the river suggests the long-standing presence of these families in the valley.

Transportation across the terrain relies on a network of specialized routes, including the Stock Driveway, numerous Jeep Trails, and the curiously named Soldier Road. Distinctive landmarks such as The Gate and Hells Canyon define the river corridor, while high-altitude meadows like Big Willow Park provide breaks in the timber. The map also delineates the Gunnison and Hinsdale County line as it crosses the rugged drainages of Thompson Creek and Little Elk Creek.