Loading map...

1960 Map of Hermosa Peak

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Hermosa Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

San Juan National Forest defines this high-elevation landscape, where the headwaters of the Dolores River and Hermosa Creek converge among prominent peaks of the Rico Mountains. In the early 1960s, this area remained a hub of mountain activity, evidenced by the Spanish King No 1 Mine and Graysill Mine. The terrain is marked by significant elevation changes, from the heights of Hermosa Peak and Blackhawk Mountain down to deep drainages like Black Canyon and Horse Canyon.

A network of historical routes, including the Circle Trail and Highline Trail, provides a view of the backcountry as it was accessed before extensive modern development. The map also captures several county boundaries, showing where San Juan, Dolores, Montezuma, and La Plata counties meet at this remote junction. Geologists and local historians can trace the relationship between the rugged geology of Sliderock Ridge and the mining claims that once drove the local economy.