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1960 Map of Elk Springs

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Elk Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

The confluence of the Snake River and Yampa River anchors this 1960s landscape, where the waters pass through the steep Cross Mountain Canyon. This rugged portion of Moffat County is defined by a series of high-altitude features including Twelvemile Mesa and the expansive Pinyon Ridge. The map documents a sparse, ranch-based economy typical of the high desert at mid-century, marking established family holdings such as White Bear Ranch, Rinker Ranch, and Tuttle Ranch.

Human activity is concentrated along the riverbanks and the settlement of Elk Springs, while the surrounding terrain is etched by numerous drainages like Twelvemile Gulch and Wolf Creek. A singular Pipeline traverses the northern section, representing industrial infrastructure amid the natural landmarks of Cross Mountain and Wapiti Peak. Researchers can trace the layout of traditional grazing lands and the vital water sources, such as Mud Springs, that sustained these remote western outposts.