1959 Map of Horn Peak

About this map

The high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range dominate this 1950s survey, straddling the boundary between the San Isabel National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest. The dramatic transition from the high-altitude summits of Mount Adams and Horn Peak down to the eastern flats of the Wet Mountain Valley is traced through steep drainages like Venable Creek and Horn Creek. The map documents a mix of wilderness and early recreation, featuring backcountry sites such as Abbotts Lodge and the Alvarado Picnic Ground, while the lower elevations show the development of Tanglewood Acres and the Horn Creek Ranch. Of particular interest to hikers and historians is the route of the Rainbow Trail, which contours along the forest boundary, connecting the numerous creeks and falls that define this steep alpine landscape.