Loading map...

1956 Map of Elevenmile Canyon

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Elevenmile Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

South Platte River waters carve through the heart of the Elevenmile Canyon in this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by ranching and high-altitude recreation. The Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir dominates the western edge, managed by the Pike National Forest. Evidence of early settlement and industry is scattered throughout the drainages, from the Sch (Aban'd) near Link Creek to a Strip Mine and associated Tailings in the north.

Family legacies are etched onto the terrain via the Abell Ranch, Lewis Ranch, and Bryan Ranch. The map also records the institutional presence of the Camp Alexander (Boy Scouts of America) and numerous primitive sites like Wagon Tongue Campground. This era represents a period when the river was increasingly managed for water storage and public leisure, while still retaining vestiges of more isolated homesteading life like Lone Chimney and the Hartsel Ranch (Witcher Unit).