1953 Map of Gray Head

About this map

The San Miguel River carves a deep path through the high plateaus of southwestern Colorado, revealing a landscape defined by its mining and transportation history in the early 1950s. The northern reaches of the Uncompahgre National Forest overlook specialized settlements like Vanadium, while the valley floor is traced by the Old Railroad Grade. This rail corridor connected critical points such as Vance Junction and Illium, facilitating the movement of materials from local operations like the Belle Champion Mine and the Silver Pick Mine.