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2019 Map of Emerald Lake

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Emerald Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

San Juan National Forest encompasses this high-elevation landscape along the boundary of La Plata and Hinsdale Counties. The drainage network is dominated by the Lake Fork and the Los Pinos River, which flow through steep corridors such as Hell Canyon and Blue Spruce Canyon. The area is characterized by significant alpine lakes, including the large Emerald Lake and the smaller Little Emerald Lake, Rock Lake, and Moon Lake.

High peaks and distinct geological formations define the horizon, notably Mt Oso, Buffalo Peak, and Table Mtn. These summits are separated by high parks and basins like Barebottom Park and Cave Basin. The map captures a wilderness environment where water moves from the high glacial cirques of the Annie Lakes and Betty Lake down through rugged tributaries like Flint Creek and Willow Cr, illustrating the complex hydrology of the Southern Rockies before these waters reach the lower valleys.