1960 Map of Capitol Peak

About this map

Capitol Peak and the high summits of the Elk Mountains dominate this high-altitude survey, which records the pristine landscape of the White River National Forest and the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The map illustrates the headwaters of numerous drainages, including Capitol Creek, Snowmass Creek, and Avalanche Creek, which carve deep valleys between massive granite peaks. While largely a record of unpopulated wilderness, the presence of the Snowmass Falls Ranch in the northeast and the network of high-country passes like Heckert Pass highlight the limited human footprint in this portion of the Roaring Fork Valley watershed. Glacial features are evident through numerous tarns such as Moon Lake, Capitol Lake, and the remote Pierre Lakes, providing an essential reference for understanding the hydrological and geological character of this protected alpine environment.