1973 Map of Columbine Pass

About this map

The high peaks of the San Juan Mountains dominate this mid-1970s survey, revealing a landscape defined by industrial water management and early mining efforts. Within the San Juan National Forest, the map identifies several numbered municipal reservoirs, including City Reservoir (Durango Res No 1), Lake Marie (Durango Res No 2), and Lillie Lake (Durango Res No 8), which provided essential water storage for the region. Historical activity is marked by the Logtown (Site) and the Pittsburg Mine located near Silver Mesa. Steep drainage basins like the Chicago Basin and Vallecito Basin are accessible only by specialized routes such as the Needle Creek Trail. This study serves as a record of the remote high-altitude terrain before modern infrastructure, where prominent summits like Mount Eolus and Windom Peak overlook the headwaters of the Florida River.