2013 Map of Elk Park

About this map

The Continental Divide creates a high-altitude spine through this landscape, marking the boundary between the Gunnison National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest. The 2013 survey illustrates a network of wilderness routes, most notably the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail NST winding through high parks and drainages. A series of open meadows, or parks, are scattered across the terrain, including Soro Park, Elk Park, Burro Park, and Blue Park, providing breaks in the high-elevation forest cover. The mapping of named trails like the Stewart Creek Trail 9470.0 and Skyline Trail 9465.0 reflects the area's importance for backcountry navigation. Headwaters for several streams, such as Pauline Cr and Cochetopa Cr, flow from these heights, following the deep topography of Cañon Hondo and Van Tassel Gulch.