1963 Map of Bighorn Peak

About this map

Bighorn Peak stands as a prominent landmark at the intersection of the Rio Grande National Forest and Carson National Forest, marking a landscape defined by the drainage basins of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. This 1963 field-checked survey highlights the high-altitude transit routes of the era, most notably the Rio Grande and Western railroad corridor which winds near the northern boundary through Sublette. The map captures the complex network of deep canyons and watercourses that shape the terrain, including the Rio de los Pinos and Rio San Antonio. Human activity is marked by small settlements like San Miguel, scattered springs, and a remote Cem (cemetery), while various pack trails and jeep trails suggest the region's historical reliance on seasonal access. The presence of China Dry Lake and the Banco Julian provides further geographic context for researchers studying the diverse landforms of the Rio Arriba area during the mid-twentieth century.