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1961 Map of Basalt

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Basalt
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

The Roaring Fork River and Fryingpan River converge at Basalt, anchoring a valley corridor defined by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. This 1961 survey documents a transition from industrial activity to spiritual and recreational land use, capturing the Kilns near the river junction and the St Benedict Monastery situated along Capitol Creek. Agricultural infrastructure is prominent throughout the valley, evidenced by the extensive Home Supply Ditch that skirts the northern slopes.

Rising above the river bottoms, the terrain transitions into the high country of the White River National Forest. Settled pockets like Emma, Wingo, and Hooks line the rail route, while the southern reaches of the map are defined by the drainage systems of West Sopris Creek and East Sopris Creek. Landmarks such as McCartney Mesa and Hay Park provide distinct navigational points for those tracing the historical topography of the Roaring Fork Valley.