1959 Map of Cotopaxi

About this map

The Arkansas River carves a deep path through this central Colorado landscape, where the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad tracks parallel the water through the Grand Canyon and past the junction at Texas Creek. This late 1950s survey documents the transition from the river valley's industrial and transit corridor to the high-elevation terrain of the San Isabel National Forest. To the south, the settlement of Hillside serves as a local hub for the Wet Mountain Valley, containing the Hillside Sch and Hillside Cem. High peaks and ridges like Democratic Mtn, Bear Mtn, and Garell Peak define the horizon, while the Rainbow Trail winds through the southern foothills. Traces of local enterprise are visible in scattered labels for a Quarry and Mine, alongside established ranching outposts like Trails End Ranch.