1956 Map of Elkhorn

About this map

Mexican Ridge and Reinecker Ridge dominate this high-altitude landscape in Park County, where the topography transitions from the high, flat expanses of The Basin to deeply incised gulches. The settlement pattern is sparse, centered on the Elkhorn Ranch and the nearby Elkhorn Community House, connected by the winding Elkhorn Road. The reliance on local water sources is evident through numerous named springs, including Association Spring, Link Spring, and Garcia Spring, which served as critical points for ranching and travel through the arid terrain. The presence of a prominent Aqueduct cutting through the northern sections reflects the larger infrastructure efforts of the mid-20th century to manage water across the Missouri River Basin. Notable drainage systems like Sevenmile Gulch and Indian Gulch carve through the hillsides, while the ephemeral Playa Lakes provide a unique geological marker in the more level western stretches of the quadrangle.