2022 Map of Dog Mountain

About this map

Rio Grande National Forest dominates this landscape, where the southern San Luis Valley meets the rising peaks of the eastern San Juan Mountains. The terrain is defined by a series of dramatic drainages including Deadmans Cave Gulch, Nicomodes Gulch, and American Gulch that carry seasonal waters toward the valley floor. Near the small settlement of Raton Park, the headwaters of Raton Cr diverge into several forks, creating a complex network of riparian corridors. High points such as Dog Mtn and Pup Peak offer vantage points over the numerous trails that crisscross the backcountry, including the Chillax Trl and Loma De San Jose Trl. The map illustrates a modern era of recreational access, where historic ranching routes have been integrated into a system of named paths and forest service roads.