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1973 Map of Columbine Pass

Name: 1973 Topographic Map of Columbine Pass
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Needle Mountains peaks dominate this high-elevation corner of the San Juan National Forest, where the topography reflects a long history of alpine water management and mineral extraction. The map documents several critical reservoirs for the region, including City Reservoir (Durango Res No 1), Lake Marie (Durango Res No 2), and Lillie Lake (Durango Res No 3), all linked to the drainage of the Florida River.

Tracing the complex terrain of Silver Mesa and the Vallecito Basin reveals the remnants of 1970s-era land use, from the Logtown (Site) to the Pittsburg Mine. The presence of several Mines and numerous Uslm survey markers throughout the Chicago Basin indicates the intensity of historical prospecting in this high-altitude wilderness. A network of pack routes like the Needle Creek Trail and Vallecito Creek Trail provide the primary access through these jagged summits, connecting remote landmarks such as Columbine Pass and Windom Peak.