1960 Map of Hayden Peak

About this map

The high alpine mining and recreational landscapes of the Elk MTS are captured here during a period of transition for the Roaring Fork Valley. This area, centered on the upper reaches of Castle Creek, shows the historic mining settlement of Ashcroft nestled between the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest. The map documents a landscape defined by dramatic elevation changes, from the valley floor to summits like Hayden Peak and Castle Peak. Evidence of the region’s silver mining history is visible at the Hope Mine and Montezuma Mine, while the mid-century emergence of mountain tourism is marked by Elk Mountain Lodge and Toklat Lodge. Glacial features such as American Lake and Cathedral Lake sit high in the basins, connected by a network of steep routes including Electric Pass and the Taylor Pass Road, illustrating the rugged connectivity of the Pitkin and Gunnison county line.