1963 Map of Hardscrabble Mountain

About this map

San Isabel National Forest dominates this 1963 survey of Custer County, showing a landscape defined by its complex drainage network and high-elevation terrain. The map records the rural community structure before modern development, centered around small outposts like Ilse and McKenzie Junction. Significant local-history landmarks are documented, including the Silver Park Sch near Silver Park Creek, providing evidence of the area's early educational and social hubs. The topography is anchored by major peaks such as Hardscrabble Mountain, Stull Mountain, and Adobe Peak. A clear network of paths like the Highline Trail and various Pack Trails weave through the gulches, illustrating how miners and ranchers navigated the steep grades of Lead Mountain and Rudolph Mountain during the mid-20th century.