1963 Map of Hardscrabble Mountain

About this map

San Isabel National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape in Custer County, defined by a complex network of ridges and drainages. The settlement of Ilse and the Silver Park Sch reflect the small-scale infrastructure of the period, while McKenzie Junction marks a key intersection on State Route 96. The topography is a labyrinth of gulches, including Rattlesnake Gulch, Watson Gulch, and Bear Gulch, which funnel into North Hardscrabble Creek. These drainage patterns, coupled with landmarks like Hardscrabble Mountain and Lead Mountain, reveal the difficult access and isolated nature of the terrain. The presence of the Highline Trail and several pack trails highlights the area's history of recreation and forest management, while a lone Gravel Pit and the Smith Creek Campground indicate localized industry and leisure use in the early 1960s.