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2016 Map of Elwood Pass

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Elwood Pass
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail serves as the primary spine of this high-altitude landscape, winding through the crests of the San Juan Mountains. Located at the intersection of several county boundaries, including Mineral, Rio Grande, Archuleta, and Conejos, this area is defined by its dramatic alpine passes and water-rich basins. Key crossings like Elwood Pass, Summit Pass, and Bonito Pass connect the headwaters of the E Fork San Juan River and Pass Creek.

Evidence of historical mountain utility is found at Campo Molino and along specialized routes like the Hot Creek Stock Drive Trail. The map details a complex hydrographic network, from the high waters of Crater Lake to the meandering drainage of Park Creek. Much of the terrain is protected within the Rio Grande National Forest and San Juan National Forest, where features such as Handkerchief Mesa and Schinzel Flats indicate the distinct names given to local plateaus and meadows by early travelers and foresters.