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1961 Map of Gothic

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Gothic
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

Gothic stands at the heart of this high-altitude landscape, where the Gunnison National Forest and White River National Forest converge along the crest of the Elk Mountains. Mapped in the early 1960s, the terrain shows a transition from historical mining activity, evidenced by scattered mines and prospects near Copper Creek and Virginia Basin, toward the region's emerging identity as a winter recreation destination. This shift is captured by the early infrastructure for skiing, including a Ski Tow and the Bondola Lift on the slopes of Crested Butte.

The hydrography of the region is defined by the East River and Slate River, which are fed by alpine basins like Queen Basin and Dry Basin. Local landmarks such as Judd Falls and a small cemetery near the townsite provide specific points of interest for genealogists and local historians. To the north, high mountain passes including Copper Pass and Coffeepot Pass mark the divide between Gunnison and Pitkin counties, tracing old routes through the peaks.