1963 Map of Alpine Plateau

About this map

The Lake Fork Gunnison River carves a deep valley through this high-altitude landscape on the boundary of Gunnison and Hinsdale counties. Established within the Uncompahgre National Forest, the terrain is defined by the broad Alpine Plateau and the meadows of Big Willow Park. Evidence of the region’s ranching and transit history is visible in the scattered homesteads such as Thomas Ranch, Thompson Ranch, and Ute Trail Ranch. Transportation in the early 1960s relied on the winding Alpine Road and specialized routes like the Stock Driveway, which provided movement for livestock through the mountain passes. Small settlements and markers like Youman and the community of Alpine anchor the local geography, while a lone Cem (cemetery) and the dramatic geologic formation known as The Gate provide specific points of interest for historical and genealogical research.