2016 Map of Columbine Pass

About this map

Chicago Basin and the surrounding high-elevation landscape of the Needle Mountains dominate this portion of the San Juan National Forest. The geography is defined by a dense cluster of peaks including Mt Eolus, Windom Peak, and Jupiter Mtn, all situated in the northern reaches of the quadrangle. A network of historic paths, such as the Needle Creek Trail and Vallecito Trail, provide the primary means of navigating this roadless backcountry, connecting mountain passes like Columbine Pass and Trimble Pass. In the southwest, the infrastructure of the Florida River watershed is evident through the City Reservoir and Durango-Reservoir Number 1. This map captures a pristine alpine wilderness where water features like Hazel Lake and Castilleja Lake are tucked into high glacial cirques, far removed from modern development.