2019 Map of Engineer Mountain

About this map

Engineer Mountain and the high-altitude terrain of the San Juan National Forest define this landscape along the border of San Juan and La Plata counties. The 2019 survey documents a complex network of forest roads and trails, including the historic Rico-Silverton-Co-Trail and the Grayrock Spur, which navigate the steep elevations between Sliderock Ridge and the West Needle Mountains. This area serves as a critical drainage basin for numerous alpine waterways, with Cascade Creek and Lime Creek cutting through the topography. In the southern portion of the map, Purgatory Flat provides a rare level landing amidst peaks like Grayrock Peak and Potato Hill. The map also captures significant transportation crossings such as Coal Bank Pass, providing a contemporary view of this transition point between the northern and southern San Juan ranges.