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1953 Map of Gray Head

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Gray Head
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Industrial activity along the San Miguel River characterizes this high-altitude landscape during the early 1950s. The settlement of Vanadium and the Vance Junction rail point serve as focal points for the region's historical mining economy, including the Belle Champion Mine. The terrain is marked by expansive plateaus like Sunshine Mesa, Deep Creek Mesa, and Wilson Mesa, which are dissected by steep drainages including Summit Creek and Bilk Creek.

The mapping reveals the transition from active extraction to recreation within the Uncompahgre National Forest. Evidence of past infrastructure is visible in the Old Railroad Grade and a (Covered) Flume near Titum, while the presence of the Skyline Ranch and Sunshine Campground indicates a shift toward land use centered on the outdoors. High peaks such as Gray Head and Whipple Mountain dominate the skyline above these evolving mountain communities.