1963 Map of Alpine Plateau

About this map

Lake Fork Gunnison River carves a deep valley through this high-altitude landscape, defining the eastern corridor where ranching life took root in the mid-20th century. Family-named properties such as Wilson Ranch, Thomas Ranch, and Thompson Ranch are clustered near the water and primary access routes, providing a record of land use before the expansion of protected areas. The map details a transition in wilderness management, showing the established Uncompahgre National Forest alongside the Big Blue Wilderness.