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1959 Map of Bristol Head

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Bristol Head
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

San Juan Ranch (Old Stage Sta) serves as a reminder of early travel routes through the high country of the Continental Divide at the close of the 1950s. This territory is defined by its massive drainage systems and high-altitude water management, featuring significant engineering works like Continental Reservoir, Santa Maria Reservoir, and Road Canyon Reservoir No 1. The map details the transition between the Gunnison National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest, where the Rio Grande begins its descent.

Remote settlements and waypoints like Rambouillet and the Bristol View Ranger Station underscore the area's history of forestry and ranching. Distinctive landmarks such as Bristol Head, Mesa Jarosa, and the steep Slumgullion Pass provide a clear view of the complex landforms, while several Stock Driveway routes and Jeep Trail paths trace the movement of livestock and early mountain vehicles across the plateau.