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2011 Map of Crestone Peak

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Crestone Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Crestone Peak and the surrounding high-elevation terrain of the Sangre de Cristo Range dominate this 2011 survey. The landscape is defined by its dramatic verticality, featuring numerous summits such as Kit Carson Mountain, Crestone Needle, and Humboldt Peak. The drainage patterns are clearly established by glacial action, evident in the string of alpine tarns including North Colony Lakes, South Colony Lakes, and Upper Sand Creek Lake.

Evidence of human activity in this demanding environment is sparse but significant, centered on the Crestone Mine located near the fork of South Colony Creek. Strategic passage through the range is marked at Music Pass, which provides a crossing point between the high basins. The map captures the complex hydrology of the region, from the headwaters of Willow Creek in the north to the Little Sand Creek Lakes and Deadman Creek in the south, illustrating the intricate network of streams that feed the valley floors below.