1956 Map of Five Pockets

About this map

Shoshone National Forest defines the high-altitude landscape of this mid-century survey, specifically the area surrounding the intricate drainage system of the Five Pockets. The map details a primitive network of routes, including a Jeep Trail and several stretches of Pack Trail, emphasizing the area's isolation and reliance on traditional mountain transit during the 1950s. Geologic features dominate the terrain, from the sharp relief of Cathedral Peak and Raggedtop Mountain to the specialized glacial-carved bowls like South Pocket and Hidden Pocket. The mapping of small alpine water bodies such as Eloise Lake and Deacon Lake, along with the steep descent of Twilight Falls, provides essential landmarks for historical backcountry research. This survey was conducted as part of the Department of the Interior program for the development of the Missouri River Basin, capturing the character of the Park and Fremont county border before modern infrastructure changes.