1962 Map of Big Narrows

About this map

Roosevelt National Forest defines the steep terrain of this Larimer County landscape, where the Cache La Poudre River carves a deep canyon through the Big Narrows. The 1962 survey illustrates a rugged era of mountain habitation, preserved in family-named landmarks like the Bosworth Homestead and Clark Homestead. Settlement patterns follow the river and the flatter canyon benches, including Eggers, Kelley Flats, and Dutch George Flats. Higher elevations are marked by granite peaks such as Manhead Mountain and Mount McConnel, while recreational infrastructure is visible at the Fort Collins Mountain Recreation Area and Stove Prairie Landing. This map captures a transition between traditional ranching, evidenced by the Lewis Ranch and Sky Corral Ranch, and the emerging role of the forest as a public recreational resource.