Loading map...

1960 Map of Electra Lake

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Electra Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1991
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1991

About this map

Electra Lake dominates this high-altitude landscape where industrial utility and wilderness recreation intersect. Created to support power generation, the reservoir is linked to a powerhouse at Tacoma on the Animas River via a network of flumes and siphons. The Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad tracks follow the river's path through the deep canyon, providing a vital transportation artery through the San Juan National Forest.

Settlement patterns are defined by the rugged topography of the Hermosa Cliffs and the West Needle Mountains. Early ranching life is marked by the Columbine Ranch and Hotter Brothers Ranch, while emerging tourism is evident at the Ah Wilderness Trail Ranch and established campgrounds like Haviland Lake Campground. High-mountain lakes such as Ignacio Lake and Aspaas Lake dot the basin, highlighting the area's transition into the protected Weminuche Wilderness.