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1959 Map of Cotopaxi

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Cotopaxi
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

The Arkansas River carves a deep canyon through this part of the Colorado interior, serving as the primary corridor for the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad. The settlement of Cotopaxi sits at a critical junction where the river meets Sand Gulch, while further west lies the community of Pleasanton. This mid-century survey illustrates a landscape defined by sharp elevation changes, from the river valley floor up to summits like Arkansas Mountain and Garell Peak.

South of the canyon, the Wet Mountain Valley opens up, hosting local landmarks such as the Hillside Sch and Hillside Cem. The map documents early recreational and ranching footprints within the San Isabel National Forest, including the Rainbow Trail Camp and Trails End Ranch. Genealogists will find interest in the numerous gulches and creeks, such as McCoy Gulch and Thomas Gulch, which likely share names with early settler families in the region.